Tire Support Structure Curing with Heated Inserts and Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-pneumatic tires face limitations in load carrying capacity and durability due to the characteristics of polymeric spokes, which restrict their performance compared to pneumatic tires.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for manufacturing non-pneumatic tire assemblies that utilize first and second actuators to compress inserts and secure rubber sheets to a core, with internal channels in the inserts for curing and shaping, heated by steam or electricity to enhance the tire's structural integrity and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If polymeric spokes are used in non-pneumatic tires, then the tire structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the load carrying capacity and durability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining polymeric spokes with metal inserts. The inserts are embedded within the polymeric material to create a composite structure that leverages the lightweight and flexible properties of polymers while incorporating the high strength and durability of metal components, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and load carrying capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by placing metal inserts at specific critical locations within the polymeric spoke structure. Rather than making the entire spoke from metal, the reinforcement is localized to areas requiring enhanced strength, maintaining the overall ease of polymeric manufacturing while improving load carrying capacity where needed
2Device complexity
If polymeric spokes are used in non-pneumatic tires, then the tire structure is simplified, but the durability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The composite construction of polymeric spokes with embedded metal inserts provides both structural simplicity and enhanced durability. The polymeric matrix maintains structural integrity while the metal inserts reinforce against wear and fatigue, achieving improved reliability without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The metal inserts are pre-positioned and embedded within the polymeric spokes during the manufacturing process. This preliminary action ensures that the reinforcement structure is integrated into the spoke before the tire is assembled and put into service, providing durability from the outset without adding complexity to the final product structure
3Strength
If actuators and inserts are used to compress and cure rubber sheets, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical curing systems with a heating system that uses thermal energy to cure the rubber sheets. The heating elements and thermal distribution mechanism substitute for complex mechanical compression and curing equipment, achieving improved structural integrity while reducing manufacturing process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The inserts serve multiple functions: they provide structural reinforcement, act as heat transfer conduits for curing the rubber sheets, and maintain the geometric shape during manufacturing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and processes, thereby improving structural integrity without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 solution increases the load carrying capacity and durability of non-pneumatic tires, improving their performance to match that of pneumatic tires by securely compressing and curing rubber sheets around a core, resulting in a more robust and efficient tire assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the first actuator and the second actuator are configured to compress the first inserts and corresponding parts of the tire assembly together
Implementation Method 2
internal channels of the first inserts are heated by a hot liquid
Implementation Method 3
internal channels of the first inserts are heated by steam
Implementation Method 4
internal channels of the first inserts are heated by electricity
Implementation Method 5
the first retainer plate and the second retainer plate secure the first inserts to the core
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A system for curing a portion of a tire assembly is disclosed. The system comprises an axial placement shaft (205); a first actuator (210) slid onto the axial placement shaft (205); a first retainer plate (220) adjacent the first actuator (210) on the axial placement shaft (205); a core (230) on the axial placement shaft (205); a plurality of first inserts (240) each axially and radially engaging a radially outer surface of the core (230) with first ends (244) of the first inserts (240) axially engaging the first retainer plate (220); a plurality of second inserts (250) each axially and radially engaging the radially outer surface of the core (230) with first ends of the second inserts (250) axially engaging the first retainer plate (220), each second insert being disposed circumferentially between two of the plurality of first inserts (240); a second retainer plate (260) securing opposite second parts (246) of the first inserts (240) and opposite second parts of the second inserts (250) to the axial placement shaft (205); and a second actuator (270) slid onto the axial placement shaft (205). Also, method for curing a portion of a tire assembly is disclosed.