Tread Cap Conductive Insert Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing pneumatic vehicle tire treads with electrically conductive materials are complex and require specialized extrusion devices, particularly when integrating conductive inserts into non-conductive silica-based tread strips to manage electrostatic discharge.
Innovation Solution
A method where an electrically conductive material is applied to the inner face of an extruded tread strip or cap profile, allowing for a simple assembly of conductive inserts in the circumferential direction, using either a conductive rubber mixture strip, paste, solution, or powder, and folding excess material to create an electrically conductive connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coextrusion is used to insert electrically conductive rubber mixture into non-conductive tread compound, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but device complexity increases due to specialized extrusion devices
Solution Approach 1:
The tread is divided into separate components (tread cap and tread base) that are manufactured independently and then assembled. The electrically conductive rubber mixture is inserted into pre-manufactured tread components rather than being coextruded, simplifying the manufacturing equipment while achieving the desired electrical conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tread cap and tread base are manufactured separately before assembly. The electrically conductive material is prepared and positioned in advance, allowing for simpler manufacturing processes and equipment compared to simultaneous coextrusion.
2Reliability
If separate extrusion of tread cap and tread base with coextrusion of conductive material is used, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into independent steps: manufacturing tread cap, manufacturing tread base, and assembling them together. The electrically conductive material is inserted during assembly rather than during extrusion, greatly simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring reliable electrical conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tread cap and tread base are fully manufactured before the electrically conductive material is inserted. This preliminary preparation of components allows for simpler, more straightforward manufacturing equipment and processes.
3Device complexity
If electrically conductive material is applied to extruded profile inner face and assembled, then device complexity is reduced, but electrical conductivity reliability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically conductive material is applied to the inner face of the extruded profile before final assembly. This preliminary application ensures that the conductive material is properly positioned and will reliably conduct electricity once the tread is assembled, while avoiding the need for complex coextrusion devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner face of the extruded profile serves as an intermediary surface for applying the electrically conductive material. This approach allows the conductive material to be applied in a controlled manner that ensures reliable electrical conductivity without requiring complex manufacturing equipment.
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 simplifies the integration of electrically conductive materials into tire treads, ensuring effective electrostatic charge dissipation without the need for complex extrusion devices, enhancing the conductivity of silica-based tread strips while maintaining good driving properties.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive connection is made between the outside of the tread strip or the tread strip cap and an electrically conductive rubber mixture in the substructure
Implementation Method 2
The tread is manufactured with an extrusion apparatus which has a main extruder producing the complete tread
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The method involves producing a tread with a tread cap (1) from an electrically non-conductive rubber mixture. A portion of the tread or a unit (1a) of the tread cap, particularly a half, is extruded as a profile. An electrically conductive material is applied to an inner front surface of the profile. The unit of the tread cap is completely coalesced with another unit of the tread that extruded as the profile, or to the complete tread.