Tire Vulcanizing Mold Slot Design for Bead Aerodynamics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire molds disturb air flow near the attachment bead of the rim, leading to increased rolling resistance and fuel consumption, particularly when a bead protector is present.
Innovation Solution
A mold design that includes a slot for molding a thin rubber wall along the sidewall, which covers the attachment bead and directs air flow along its outer face, with the slot angled less than or equal to 30° relative to the radial direction, enhancing air flow and reducing disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a bead protector protrusion is added to protect the attachment bead, then mechanical protection is improved, but air flow disturbance and rolling resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by creating a thin rubber wall (protrusion) that extends from the sidewall to cover the attachment bead. This thin film structure provides mechanical protection while being aerodynamically streamlined, reducing air flow disturbance compared to traditional rigid bead protectors. The rubber material's flexibility allows it to conform to aerodynamic forces, minimizing turbulence and energy loss.
2Strength
If the slot angle is increased to improve rubber wall strength, then structural strength is improved, but air flow disturbance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by optimizing the slot angle parameter to be less than or equal to 30 degrees relative to the radial direction. This specific angular parameter creates an optimal balance: it provides sufficient structural strength for the rubber wall while maintaining a streamlined profile that minimizes air flow disturbance. The angle parameter is carefully controlled to achieve both mechanical integrity and aerodynamic efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If a thin rubber wall is created to improve air flow, then aerodynamics is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by dividing the mold into distinct components: a side part for molding the sidewall and a lower part for molding the attachment bead and thin rubber wall. The slot is specifically formed by the lower part extending into the tire receiving space. This segmentation allows each mold component to be designed and manufactured independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while achieving the complex thin rubber wall structure.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a mold (10) for vulcanizing a tire (20), said tire (20) comprising a sidewall (21) and a bead (23) extending said side wall (21) and suitable for being anchored to a rim of a wheel of a motor vehicle. The mold (10) comprises a lateral portion (12) suitable for molding the side wall (21) of the tire and a lower portion 13 suitable for molding the bead (23). The side portion (12) and the lower portion (13) at least partially define a tire receiving space (E) suitable for receiving the tire to be vulcanized in the mold (10). The mold comprises a slit (16) extending the tire receiving space (E) and the slit (16) is at least partially molded by the lower portion (13) of the mold (10).