Tire Tread Construction Using Layered Uncured Rubber
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Solution Overview
Problem
The environmental impact of used tires is significant due to limited recycling options, and existing tire tread production methods lack flexibility and effective means to influence mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
A method involving arranging thin layers of uncured rubber on a base, removing material to create patterns, and partially curing each layer separately, using techniques like laser ablation, with optional adhesive layers and surface structures to enhance adhesion and properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional extrusion method is used to produce tire tread, then production process is simple, but flexibility in constructing tread and options for influencing mechanical properties are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tread is divided into multiple thin layers (30-500 μm each) that can be arranged separately on the tire carcass. Each layer can be independently positioned and cured, allowing flexible construction of complex tread patterns and structures that cannot be achieved with traditional single-piece extrusion methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The rubber layers are prepared and arranged on the carcass in an uncured state before final curing. This allows for precise positioning and pattern formation while the rubber is still pliable, and then the layers are cured in place to lock in the desired tread configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additives are added to rubber to influence mechanical properties, then some property modification is achieved, but the options for influencing properties remain insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different rubber compositions and additives can be incorporated into specific layers or regions of the tread. This allows for localized optimization of mechanical properties such as wear resistance, flexibility, or grip in different areas of the tire tread, rather than using a uniform composition throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The tread is constructed using multiple layers that can have different rubber formulations, fillers, and additives. This composite structure enables combination of different material properties in a single tire, allowing simultaneous optimization of conflicting requirements like durability and flexibility.
3Ease of repair
If used tires are shredded into granulate for recycling, then some reuse is achieved, but the supply greatly exceeds the limited applications and environmental impact remains high
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of shredding used tires into low-value granulate, the invention enables recovery and reuse of entire tire carcasses by applying new tread layers. This preserves the value of the underlying tire structure and creates higher-quality recycled products that can be reused multiple times, reducing the volume of tires sent to incineration.
Solution Approach 2:
The method enables refurbishment of used tires by applying new uncured rubber layers to existing carcasses before they are discarded. This extends the service life of tire carcasses and creates a circular economy model where tires are continuously refurbished rather than discarded after one use.
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 reduces environmental impact by extending tire lifespan, improving tread construction flexibility, and enhancing mechanical properties, allowing for more efficient use of materials and reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
removing material from the layers for the purpose of arranging a predetermined pattern
Implementation Method 2
Curing is the creation of cross-links between monomer chains by having the uncured rubber react with for instance sulphur. The way in which the curing further takes place here is further in principle not limited to a specific method. Curing of the layer can here for instance take place at an increased layer temperature, such as a layer temperature of between 150° C. and 250° C.
Implementation Method 3
Between the different layers it is optionally possible to make use of an adhesive layer to further strengthen the adhesion between the layers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for constructing the tread of a tyre, including arranging a plurality of layers of uncured rubber with a layer thickness per layer of between 30 and 500 μm on a base; removing material from the layers for the purpose of arranging a predetermined pattern; and at least partially separately curing each layer. The invention also relates to a device, comprising a preferably cylindrical base and a control configured to perform this method on a base, and to an uncured rubber strip suitable for use in the method.