Tire Vulcanization Heater Control via Heating Medium Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring and controlling the thermal transfer between the heating medium and the tire during vulcanization is complex and expensive, as existing methods rely on external sensors that do not provide reliable and predictable detection of internal tire surface temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for tire vulcanization that includes a bladder with a heater and fan immersed in the heating medium, using temperature sensors to detect the heating medium temperature and adjust the power output of the heater based on calculated thermal flux and energy balance, ensuring precise control of heat transmission to the tire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external sensors are used to monitor temperature during vulcanization, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability of internal tire surface temperature are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the heating medium as an intermediary to transfer temperature information from the tire interior to external sensors. By measuring the temperature of the heating medium that is in thermal contact with the tire, the system indirectly obtains internal temperature data without placing sensors inside the tire, thus maintaining structural simplicity while improving measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact temperature sensing (physical sensors inside the tire) with thermal field measurement (sensing the heating medium temperature). This substitution eliminates the need for complex internal sensor installation while achieving reliable temperature monitoring through the thermal coupling between the heating medium and tire surface
2Manufacturing precision
If heating medium temperature is monitored and heater power is adjusted based on energy balance, then the manufacturing precision of vulcanization process is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the heating medium temperature is continuously monitored and used to adjust the heater power output. The control system calculates the energy balance between heat input from the heater and heat transfer to the tire, automatically adjusting heating parameters to maintain optimal vulcanization conditions, thereby improving process precision through closed-loop control
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the heating medium itself as both the heat transfer medium and the temperature sensing medium. The same fluid that transfers heat to the tire also provides the temperature information needed for control, eliminating the need for separate temperature sensing systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise control
3Stability of the object's composition
If fan speed is increased to improve heat exchange ratio, then the temperature homogeneity is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to dynamically adjust fan speed based on actual temperature measurements of the heating medium. Rather than operating at constant high speed, the fan velocity is modulated to maintain optimal heat exchange only when needed, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while preserving temperature homogeneity through precise, demand-based control
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 allows for reliable and repeatable control of the vulcanization process, optimizing energy transfer and maintaining homogeneous temperature within the tire, thereby ensuring consistent tire curing quality.
Implementation Method 1
A heater 24 having one or more heating elements 24a heats the heating medium
Implementation Method 2
heat is supplied to the heating medium at a high heat exchange ratio
Implementation Method 3
A fan 26, driven by an ensemble of a rotor 30 and a stator 31 (together forming a motor), agitates the heating medium at a high speed ω with respect to heater 24 so that heat is supplied to the heating medium at a high heat exchange ratio
Implementation Method 4
supply of a high-temperature and high-pressure heating medium (hereinafter 'heating medium') into a bladder (i.e., one formed from an elastic material such as butyl rubber) causes the bladder to expand and thereby engage an inner wall surface of the tire
Implementation Method 5
The heating medium traverses heating elements 24a before egress along an exit path 26a from fan 26 into the fluid-tight enclosure
Implementation Method 6
Tire P is thereby heated to a vulcanizing temperature through bladder 20
Data Source
AI summary
In an electric vulcanization process, open loop and closed loop control modes can be used for controlling a heater output.