Tire Sidewall Color Layer Patterning by Inkjet and Selective Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for decorating and identifying tires are either reliant on volatile solvents or require multiple complex steps, failing to efficiently harmonize tire color with vehicle bodywork and facilitate fleet identification.

Innovation Solution

A method involving inkjet application of a colored layer on the tire sidewall, followed by selective removal using chemical, mechanical, or laser techniques to create patterns, allowing for fine control and various design options, including micro-orifices or micro-striations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If paint containing volatile solvents is used to deposit color on the tire, then the tire surface can be colored, but harmful volatile solvents are introduced into the environment and production process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor deposition processVSAvoidvolatile solvents

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the coating material from solvent-based paint to water-based or solvent-free inkjet ink. This parameter change eliminates volatile organic compounds while maintaining the color deposition function, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and harmful emissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional paint application mechanism (spray painting requiring solvents) with inkjet printing technology. This substitution uses digital deposition methods that inherently eliminate the need for volatile solvents, achieving both ease of manufacture and environmental safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a strip of coloured rubber is applied to the tire sidewall and cured, then the tire can be identified and visually marked, but the production process becomes complex with many different steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetire identification capabilityVSAvoidproduction process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the coloration step from the complex multi-step rubber application process. By applying color directly to the cured tire surface through inkjet printing, it eliminates the need for non-vulcanized rubber strips and multiple curing operations, reducing process complexity while maintaining identification capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs color deposition after the tire is already vulcanized and finished. This preliminary action approach allows the main tire structure to be completed first, then the identification/marketing color layer is added separately, simplifying the overall production process by separating structural manufacturing from aesthetic customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional methods are used to apply color to the tire, then the tire can be visually marked, but the application lacks precision and fine control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual marking capabilityVSAvoidcolor layer application

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces imprecise mechanical application methods (brushing, spraying, or rubber strip application) with digital inkjet printing technology. Inkjet systems provide precise droplet placement control through digital positioning, enabling fine detail work and exact color placement that mechanical methods cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies color with local precision rather than uniform coverage. Inkjet technology enables different colors, patterns, and densities to be applied to specific locations on the tire surface, allowing for customized identification marks, logos, and gradient effects that require high local quality control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This method simplifies the process, enables precise and versatile tire decoration, and allows for color matching with vehicle bodywork, enhancing identification and aesthetic appeal with minimal steps.

Implementation Method 1

applying by inkjet a coloured layer to the whole of said sidewall or to at least a part of the sidewall of said tyre

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInkjet deposition: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The coloured layer is preferably removed by chemical means and/or by mechanical abrasion and/or by laser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical removal: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

The coloured layer is preferably removed by chemical means and/or by mechanical abrasion and/or by laser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS12157283B2Method for depositing a colored layer on a tire

Publication Date: 2024.12.03 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

AI summary

A method for depositing at least one colored layer on the surface of a vulcanized tire sidewall includes applying by inkjet a colored layer to the whole of the sidewall or to at least a part of the sidewall of the tire and then, after drying, selectively removing the colored layer in such a manner as to create a first pattern. A tire obtained on completion of that method is also disclosed.