Heat-Shrinkable Tire Support Structure for Uniform Wire Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic tires face issues with non-uniform tensioning of load-bearing wire elements during manufacturing, leading to variations in geometry and performance, which affect tire flattening and overall performance characteristics such as rolling resistance, grip, and noise.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising load-bearing wire elements made of heat-shrinkable textile material with a thermal contraction greater than 5%, preferably coated with an adhesive, which allows for uniform tensioning post-manufacture, ensuring consistent load distribution and improved tire performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional wire elements are used in the assembly, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the tensioning of load-bearing wire elements becomes non-uniform, affecting tire geometry and performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the thermal contraction properties of heat-shrinkable textile materials. The wire elements are made from material that undergoes controlled dimensional change when exposed to heat, transforming from a relaxed state to a tensioned state. This parameter change (thermal contraction) enables uniform tensioning of all wire elements simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and tensioning uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical tensioning systems with a thermal field-based system. Instead of using mechanical devices to individually tension each wire element, the invention uses heat treatment to induce uniform thermal contraction across all heat-shrinkable wire elements. This substitution of mechanical tensioning with thermal contraction achieves uniform load distribution without complex mechanical intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If wire elements are pre-glued before incorporation, then geometry variation during heat treatment is avoided, but variations in positioning during manufacturing still cause non-uniform tensioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the wire elements to self-tension through their inherent heat-shrinkable properties. When exposed to heat during the curing process, each wire element automatically contracts to its predetermined tensioned state without requiring external intervention or precise positioning. This self-tensioning mechanism eliminates the sensitivity to positioning variations that plagues conventional pre-glued wire elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting the tension characteristics of wire elements during the heat treatment process. The heat-shrinkable material is configured to undergo controlled contraction when exposed to heat, establishing the desired tension state before the final tire assembly is completed. This preliminary tensioning action ensures uniform load distribution regardless of positioning variations during assembly.
3Reliability
If load-bearing wire elements are tensioned uniformly after manufacture, then tire flattening and performance are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the wire element tensioning process with the tire curing process. The heat treatment required to induce thermal contraction in the heat-shrinkable wire elements is integrated into the existing vulcanization/curing cycle of the tire. This merging of processes achieves uniform wire element tensioning without adding separate, complex equipment or process steps, thereby improving tire performance consistency without proportionally increasing manufacturing 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 assembly ensures homogeneous tensioning of load-bearing elements, simplifying manufacturing and enhancing tire performance by maintaining consistent tire flattening, reducing rolling resistance, improving grip, and minimizing noise.
Implementation Method 1
each load-bearing wire element having a thermal contraction, measured after 2 min at 185°C, greater than or equal to 5%
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly for a tyre, comprising a first fabric, a second fabric and a support structure comprising supporting thread-like elements made of a heat-shrinkable textile material linking the first fabric to the second fabric, the supporting thread-like elements having a thermal contraction CT, measured after 2 minutes at 185°C, which is greater than or equal to 5%.