Tyre Moulding Element with Angled Cutting Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing tyre treads with cover layers in grooves face challenges in achieving precision mouldings due to shear forces causing cracking and alignment issues, which affect the performance and consistency of the cover layer.
Innovation Solution
A moulding element with specific cutting means that cut and guide the cover layer in a controlled manner, reducing directional cutting tensions and ensuring better coverage of the groove walls, using a blade to mould the groove and guide the cover layer simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the insert is shaped by ribs of a vulcanizing mould to cover groove walls, then the cover layer is formed on the tread, but significant shear force causes cracking within the insert and haphazard shape and thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is pre-formed in the green tyre before the cover layer is applied. This preliminary action allows the cover layer to be deposited onto a pre-defined geometry, eliminating the need for subsequent shaping operations that would subject the insert to damaging shear forces while maintaining precise groove coverage
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of shaping the cover layer insert to fit the groove (which causes cracking), the groove is formed first and the cover layer is applied to conform to it. This inverts the traditional approach, allowing the flexible cover layer to adapt to the groove geometry without mechanical forcing that would compromise its structural integrity
2Manufacturing precision
If the insert is shaped by ribs during vulcanization, then the cover layer covers the groove walls, but the process requires precise alignment between inserts and ribs making manufacture more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The groove geometry is established in advance in the green tyre, so when the cover layer is applied, it naturally conforms to the pre-defined groove shape without requiring complex alignment mechanisms between inserts and mould ribs, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The cover layer material itself performs the alignment function by conforming to the pre-formed groove geometry. The material's flexibility and adhesive properties enable it to self-align with the groove walls during application, eliminating the need for complex positioning systems or precise rib-insert alignment
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Moulding element of a mould for moulding and vulcanizing a tyre tread, this tread comprising a tread surface intended to come into contact with the ground when the said tyre is rolling. The moulding element (1) comprising a moulding surface (3) intended to mould part of the tyre tread surface and a blade (5) of height H intended to mould a sipe or a groove in the tread, this blade extending in a first direction of extension Y. The moulding element comprises two cutting means (7) positioned on either side of the blade (5) at a certain distance from this blade. The moulding element comprises a third cutting means (11) of height He extending in a second direction of extension X, this second direction of extension X making an angle a with the first direction Y which is comprised between 75° and 105°. The height He of the third cutting means (11) is greater than the height H of the blade (5).