Tire Tread Splice Matching by Cut-on-Casing Retreading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire retreading methods are inefficient and costly due to the use of spray cement, which is subject to regulatory restrictions and adds to production costs, and the manual measurement and cutting of tire treads lead to errors in length, requiring manual stretching to match tread designs at the splice.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automated tire bench system that integrates tread cutting, measurement, and application, allowing for precise control over the length and design match of tire treads by applying them to the casing before cutting, using a track system with rollers and a cutting element to ensure a continuous tread design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If spray cement is used to bond cushion gum to tire casing, then bonding strength is improved, but production cost and regulatory compliance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes spray cement from the retreading process entirely, extracting the harmful chemical element while maintaining the bonding function through alternative means (heat and pressure during curing). This eliminates regulatory compliance complexity while preserving the essential bonding strength requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive spray cement with a simpler, cheaper bonding approach using cushion gum and heat/pressure. The temporary nature of the bonding during application is acceptable, as the final cured tire provides long-term durability without requiring persistent chemical adhesives.
2Device complexity
If manual measurement and cutting of tire tread is performed, then equipment cost is reduced, but measurement precision and manufacturing precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the tire casing itself as the measurement reference, with the tread being applied and then cut to match the casing circumference. The tread material's inherent flexibility allows it to conform to the casing, providing self-adjusting measurement that eliminates the need for external measurement devices while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from fixed linear dimensions to circumferential matching based on the tire casing geometry. By applying the tread to the rotating casing and measuring based on the casing's known circumference, the system achieves high precision without complex measurement equipment.
3Manufacturing precision
If tread is cut to length before application, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to additional stretching operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the cutting action after the tread is applied to the casing, rather than before. This preliminary application allows the tread to be positioned correctly on the rotating tire, and the cutting then occurs at the precise moment when the tread ends align with the casing circumference, eliminating the need for post-cutting stretching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous rotation of the tire casing throughout the entire process - from tread application to cutting. This continuous motion eliminates idle time and intermediate stretching operations, maintaining productive flow while achieving precise tread length matching through the rotating reference frame.
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 system enhances the efficiency and accuracy of tire retreading by minimizing manual errors, reducing material costs, and ensuring a seamless, aesthetically pleasing and structurally strong retreaded tire with matched tread designs.
Implementation Method 1
The tread dispenser includes a drive roller configured to drive tire tread downstream toward the second track end
Implementation Method 2
A cutting element is downstream of the tread dispenser and upstream of the track. The cutting element is for cutting the tire tread to define a second tread end
Implementation Method 3
At least the first tread end is adhered to the outer surface of the tire casing when the second tread end is cut
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein, a tire tread cutting apparatus for cutting a length of a tire tread is described. The tire tread cutting apparatus includes a track having a first track end and a second track end downstream of the first track end. The track includes a plurality of rollers positioned between the first track end and the second track end. The plurality of rollers is configured to facilitate the tire tread along the track. A tire hub is positioned downstream of and adjacent to the second track end. The tire hub is configured to receive a tire casing. The tire casing defines a tire casing circumference along an outer surface of the tire casing. A tread dispenser is positioned upstream of the track and configured to dispense tire tread. The tread dispenser includes a drive roller configured to drive tire tread downstream toward the second track end.