Tire Vulcanization Mold Venting With Central Air Suction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire vulcanization processes face inefficiencies in removing unnecessary air from the vulcanization mold, leading to variations in air discharge states and potential vulcanization defects due to tire portions.

Innovation Solution

A tire vulcanization device with a center mechanism, vulcanization mold, and dividing walls that form a hermetic space, along with vent paths and an air suction machine, allows for efficient air removal through a simple configuration by actively suctioning air to the center of the mold, using multiple vent paths formed at intervals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If air-discharging paths are formed on the vulcanization container to remove unnecessary air, then air removal capability is improved, but variation in air discharging states occurs depending on opening positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair removal efficiencyVSAvoiduniformity of air discharging states

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the air removal function into multiple segments: multiple mold interior vent paths are distributed around the mold, each communicating with a common space in the vulcanization container. This segmentation allows air to be removed from multiple locations simultaneously, improving efficiency while maintaining uniformity through the common collection space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a common space within the vulcanization container as an intermediary that collects air from multiple vent paths before discharge. This intermediary space equalizes air flow from different positions, reducing variation in air discharging states while maintaining efficient removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple vent paths are formed in the vulcanization mold, then air removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair removal efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of vent paths and components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple individual vent paths into a unified system where all paths communicate with a common space in the vulcanization container. This merging approach allows multiple vent paths to function together as a single integrated air removal system, improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The vulcanization container serves multiple functions: it holds the green tire during vulcanization and simultaneously acts as a collection space for air from multiple vent paths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate air removal components, maintaining simplicity while achieving efficient air removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If air is not sufficiently removed from the vulcanization mold, then the vulcanization process can proceed, but vulcanization defects occur due to insufficient pressurization and heating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevulcanization qualityVSAvoidvulcanization defects

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes unnecessary air from the vulcanization mold before the vulcanization process begins. By eliminating air pockets in advance, the system ensures complete contact between the green tire and mold surface, preventing subsequent pressurization and heating defects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potentially harmful presence of air in the mold into a beneficial air removal opportunity. By providing dedicated vent paths, the system actively removes air that would otherwise cause defects, turning a harmful factor into a controlled process step that improves vulcanization quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 approach effectively removes unnecessary air while suppressing variations due to tire portions, ensuring uniform pressure and heating, reducing vulcanization defects, and minimizing damage to the vulcanization bladder.

Implementation Method 1

air that is present inside the vulcanization mold is suctioned through the mold interior vent path and the container interior vent path that are in communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS12459222B2Tire vulcanization device and method

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 THE YOKOHAMA RUBBER CO LTD

AI summary

In a tire vulcanization device and method, when a mold is closed, dividing walls disposed on an outer circumferential side of a container ring form a space with a container and hermetically block communication between the inside and outside of the container, and a center vent path communicating vertically through a center mechanism, a plurality of mold interior vent paths formed in the mold at intervals in the circumferential direction in a plan view, a container interior vent path formed in the container components and communicating between an opposing surface and a space, and the space are made to be in communication, and by an air suction machine disposed outside the container and connected to a lower end portion of the center vent path, unnecessary air present inside the mold is suctioned through the mold interior vent path and the container vent path that are in communication.