Tire Vulcanization Mold Segmentation for Gap Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire vulcanization devices struggle to maintain a reliable closed mold state, leading to gaps between sector molds and resulting in tire quality issues such as steps on the upper side portion and differences in finish between tire sides.
Innovation Solution
A tire vulcanization device with a bolster plate and container ring system, utilizing a pressurizing mechanism and fluid supply unit to ensure the sector molds are vertically sandwiched between the upper and lower side molds, and a connecting body to maintain the bolster plate in a closed position, allowing the container ring to be slid downward with pressurizing fluid to close the molds without gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container ring presses the sector molds more strongly to prevent gaps between them, then the gap prevention is improved, but the upward movement of the upper side mold is restricted less, causing a larger gap between the bolster plate and upper plate
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing function is segmented into two independent systems: the container ring for pressing sector molds together, and the bolster plate for pressing the upper plate. This segmentation allows each system to optimize its pressing action without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between preventing sector mold gaps and maintaining bolster plate contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The container ring can move downward independently to press sector molds, while the bolster plate maintains its position to press the upper plate. This dynamic independence allows both pressing functions to occur simultaneously without conflict.
2Reliability
If the bolster plate is allowed to move downward freely to press the upper plate, then the contact between bolster plate and upper plate is improved, but the sector molds cannot be pressed strongly enough by the container ring
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing function is divided into two independent segments: the container ring handles sector mold pressing, and the bolster plate handles upper plate pressing. This segmentation eliminates the force competition between the two pressing actions, allowing each to apply its full required force independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper plate serves as an intermediary element that transmits the pressing force from the bolster plate to the sector molds from above, while the container ring presses from the outside. This dual pressing path allows both forces to work together rather than compete.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the upper side mold moves upward with the upper plate when the green tire receives internal pressure, then the internal pressure application is improved, but a gap is created between the sector molds and the upper side mold
Solution Approach 1:
The upper side mold is pre-loaded against the upper plate with sufficient pressing force before internal pressure is applied. This preliminary anti-action creates a frictional lock that prevents the mold from lifting when internal pressure occurs, while still allowing the system to respond to pressure changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a pre-compression state where the bolster plate and container ring apply pressing forces to create a stable closed mold condition before vulcanization begins. This cushioning force prevents gap formation when subsequent internal pressure is applied during the vulcanization process.
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 configuration ensures the molds are reliably closed, preventing steps and finish differences in the tire, and enhances tire quality by maintaining a consistent assembly of sector molds in an annular shape, even when gaps occur between adjacent molds.
Implementation Method 1
by moving the container ring downward with respect to the bolster plate by the pressurizing fluid supplied by the fluid supply unit
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a tire vulcanization device and a tire vulcanization method capable of more reliably closing a tire vulcanization mold and manufacturing a tire having excellent quality. A container ring (11) is disposed on an outer circumferential side of segments (6) mounted on outer circumferential surfaces of sector molds (15c). A bolster plate (3) is disposed above an upper plate (2) mounted on an upper surface of an upper side mold (15a). A green tire is placed in a sideways state on a lower side mold (15b) mounted on an upper surface of a lower plate (4). In a state where the bolster plate (3) is moved downward by a pressurizing mechanism (5) and maintained in a mold closed position, a container ring (11) held slidably in a vertical direction with respect to the bolster plate (3) by a connecting body (8) is moved downward by pressurizing fluid (F) supplied, and the sector molds (15c) are assembled in an annular shape to be closed with the upper side mold (15a) pressed against upper surfaces of the sector molds (15c).