Tire Sidewall Coating via Vulcanization Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for decorating or information purposes on tire sidewalls often result in material inhomogeneity and require preformed components or multiple steps, such as vulcanization of separate films or plates, which can lead to distortions and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method where a dispersion of uncrosslinked rubber and color carrier forms a disperse phase, applied as a layer under vulcanization conditions to the tire sidewall, creating a materially homogeneous coating that can be decorative or informational, with optional additives for strength and adhesion, and a device with a boiler for controlled vulcanization and application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If preformed films or plates are used for tire decoration, then the decorative appearance is achieved, but material inhomogeneity occurs between the tire base body and the lateral coating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dispersion containing uncrosslinked rubber particles that are compatible with the tire base material. During vulcanization, these particles integrate with the tire matrix, creating a homogeneous composite structure rather than a layered composite. This eliminates the material inhomogeneity problem while maintaining the decorative appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite dispersion system where uncrosslinked rubber particles are suspended in a carrier fluid along with color carriers. This composite material approach allows the coating to chemically integrate with the tire base body during vulcanization, achieving both decorative function and material homogeneity.
2Strength
If separate films or plates are vulcanized to the tire, then strong bonding is achieved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coating application and vulcanization processes into a single integrated operation. The dispersion is applied to the green tire and vulcanized simultaneously with the tire curing process, eliminating the need for separate film application and vulcanization steps. This reduces process complexity while maintaining strong bonding through chemical integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The uncrosslinked rubber particles in the dispersion are prepared in advance to be compatible with the tire base material. This preliminary preparation ensures that when vulcanization occurs, the particles integrate seamlessly with the tire matrix, achieving strong bonding without requiring complex post-processing steps.
3Loss of information
If preformed components are used for tire information display, then the information carrier function is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispersion system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides decorative coloring, acts as an information carrier through customizable patterns and text, and ensures material homogeneity with the tire base. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate preformed information carrier components, simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows for easy modification of information content by changing the dispersion formulation, color carriers, or application patterns without requiring new tooling or processes. This flexibility enables rapid customization of information display while maintaining simple manufacturing procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves a durable, visually uniform, and information-rich tire surface with improved adhesion and material homogeneity, allowing for simple and precise application of decorative or informational designs without preformed components, enhancing the tire's appearance and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The application of the dispersion conditioned in this way in the form of a layer to the sidewall of the tire takes place under vulcanization conditions, so that the rubber finally forms a vulcanizate and at the same time experiences reliable bonding to the tire
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
The side wall (6) area of a specific tire (5) for a motor vehicle, said side wall functioning as a visible surface, is provided with a coating that contrasts with the color of the tire for decorative purposes. To apply this coating, a dispersion comprising a non cross-linked rubber and a color medium is prepared, said dispersion being applied to the side wall (6) of the tire (5) to be coated lying on a rotating table (2) in a vulcanization atmosphere in a vessel (1) by way of a line (7) ending in a fixed spray nozzle (8). As a result of the cross-linking of the rubber, a nearly material-identical coating is achieved which is reliably bonded to the tire (5).