Tire Vulcanization Mold Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire vulcanization molds cause unwanted impressions on tire sidewalls due to relative displacement of locking surfaces, leading to plastic deformation before vulcanization.
Innovation Solution
A mold design where the first locking surfaces are integral with a movable locking member, allowing axial displacement without sidewall molding surface displacement, and a wedging mechanism to maintain the mold closed during vulcanization, preventing impression formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the locking surfaces are made integral with the sidewall molding surfaces, then the mold structure is simplified, but unwanted impressions are formed on the sidewalls due to relative displacement during locking surface displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The axial member is segmented into two distinct parts: a fixed portion carrying the sidewall molding surface and a movable locking member carrying the locking surfaces. This segmentation allows the locking surfaces to displace independently from the sidewall molding surface, preventing unwanted impressions while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking surfaces are extracted from the fixed axial member and placed on a separate movable locking member. This extraction allows the locking mechanism to operate independently without causing relative displacement of the sidewall molding surfaces, thereby eliminating the formation of unwanted impressions.
2Ease of operation
If the locking surfaces are displaced axially to close and open the mold, then the mold can be operated, but relative displacement between sidewall molding surfaces and tread molding surfaces causes unwanted impressions
Solution Approach 1:
The axial member is divided into a fixed portion and a movable locking member, allowing the locking surfaces to move independently during mold operation while the sidewall molding surface remains stationary, preventing unwanted impressions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to be movable relative to the fixed axial member, allowing dynamic adjustment of the locking surfaces during mold closing and opening operations without affecting the position of the sidewall molding surface.
3Manufacturing precision
If the sidewall molding surface is made movable to prevent impressions, then unwanted impressions are avoided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the sidewall molding surface movable (which would be complex), the solution inverts the approach by making the locking surfaces movable on a separate locking member while keeping the sidewall molding surface fixed and stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking surfaces are extracted and placed on a separate movable locking member, allowing the sidewall molding surface to remain fixed and simple while the locking mechanism handles the movement independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A mold includes at least one axial member carrying at least one sidewall molding surface for molding a sidewall of a tire, radial segments each carrying at least one surface for molding a tread of the tire and locking surfaces for connecting the axial member with the radial segments. First radial and axial locking surfaces which are displaceable and carried by the axial member cooperate with second radial and axial locking surfaces. The sidewall molding surface is integral with a fixed portion of the axial member. The first radial and axial locking surfaces are integral with at least one locking member mounted in the axial member and are movable relative to the fixed portion.