Tire Vulcanization Mold With 3D Inserts for Snow Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vulcanization molds leave circular marks on the tire tread due to inserts, affecting the appearance and potentially impairing the tire's performance, especially in winter conditions.
Innovation Solution
The use of three-dimensionally structured inserts, manufactured through additive processes, which project beyond the mold by 0.3 mm to 2.0 mm, enhancing the tire's appearance and improving tread stiffness and snow grip by promoting snow accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional inserts are used to close mold pin holes, then the holes are sealed, but circular marks are left on the tread that impair appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The insert features a three-dimensionally structured element with specific geometric patterns (grooves, ridges, or patterns) that are locally embossed into the tread material. This local structural modification allows the insert to serve its sealing function while the embossed pattern integrates with the tread design, eliminating the visual defect of circular marks and potentially enhancing local tread properties for snow grip.
2Ease of manufacture
If inserts with flat surfaces are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the tread appearance is impaired and snow accumulation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The insert incorporates a three-dimensionally structured element with controlled geometric parameters (groove depth, ridge height, pattern spacing) that are embossed into the tread. This parameter modification transforms the flat insert surface into a structured pattern that promotes snow accumulation and integrates aesthetically with the tread design, while remaining manufacturable through standard molding or machining processes.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If mold pins are removed to eliminate stud holes, then noise emissions are reduced, but the holes must be closed with inserts that leave marks
Solution Approach 1:
The insert converts the harmful effect of the mold pin hole (requiring closure that leaves marks) into a beneficial feature by embedding a three-dimensionally structured element into the tread. This structured element, when embossed, creates a pattern that not only seals the hole but also integrates with the tread design and promotes snow accumulation, transforming a defect into an aesthetic and performance-enhancing feature.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Vulcanization mold for vehicle pneumatic tires with molded parts, such as tread ring segments (2) and sidewalls, each of which has an inner surface (2a) facing the mold cavity and is provided with at least one through-hole (1) into which a metallic insert (4) is inserted in a replaceable manner from the inner surface (2a) and secured against rotation. The insert (4) has a three-dimensionally structured element (6) that projects beyond the inner surface (2a) of the mold.