Tyre Mould Sidewall Insert Retention Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tyre moulding process is inefficient in replacing QR code inserts on the sidewall, requiring disassembly of the entire sidewall plate and heating device due to screws being accessed from the opposite side, making the process cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A locking element is introduced that can be moved along an operating direction to securely retain and easily extract the insert from the seat, allowing quick replacement without dismantling other mould components, utilizing a snap-locking mechanism with resilient elements and angled shoulders to facilitate easy insertion and extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to retain the insert from the opposite side of the moulding surface, then the insert is securely retained in the seat, but the replacement process requires disassembly of the sidewall plate and heating device, increasing operational complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of accessing the retention mechanism from the opposite side of the moulding surface (as in conventional screw retention), the locking element is designed to be actuated from the same side as the moulding surface. The locking element protrudes into the seat and can be moved between locking and release positions by approaching from the moulding surface side, eliminating the need to disassemble the sidewall plate and heating device for insert replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent insert replacement is required to update production date codes, then product information remains current, but operational time and costs increase due to complex disassembly procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is pre-configured with locking and release positions that can be easily accessed from the moulding surface side. The angled surface geometry is designed in advance to facilitate quick insertion and extraction movements, allowing operators to rapidly replace inserts without performing complex disassembly procedures, thus reducing replacement time while maintaining adaptability for frequent code updates.
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
Enables rapid and cost-effective replacement of QR code inserts without disassembling the sidewall plate or heating device, improving operational efficiency and reducing production costs by allowing secure retention and easy removal of the insert.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a snap-locking mechanism with resilient elements
Implementation Method 2
when the locking element is in the locking position and contacts the first shoulder, part of the force with which it is urged against the rod is transformed into a component parallel to the insertion direction of the rod into the seat
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A mould for vulcanising tyres for vehicle wheels, comprising - at least one sidewall plate (3) on which a moulding surface (4) is defined, - a removable insert (10) arranged to be received in a seat (5) which is made in said sidewall plate and open on said moulding surface, said insert comprising a main body (11; 111) on which a base surface (12) is defined which is intended for contacting a portion of a sidewall (52) of the green tyre, and - a retaining member (20) for retaining said insert (10) inside said seat. The retaining member comprises at least one locking element which is mounted on one out of said insert and said sidewall plate and can be moved in an operating direction (Y) between a locking position, in which said insert is retained inside said seat, and a release position, in which said insert is free to leave said seat.