Vulcanization Mold Vent Valve with Conical Sealing and Spring Return

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vent valves for vulcanization moulds are complex, difficult to assemble and disassemble, and often result in incomplete air removal, leading to defects such as depressions in the tread area of tyre products due to their multi-component structure and limited air escape paths.

Innovation Solution

A vent valve design consisting of three main components: a valve sleeve with varying diameters, a valve insert with a conical surface, and a wound spring, allowing for simple assembly and disassembly, and enhanced air escape through longitudinal notch grooves and projections, ensuring reliable air venting and easy dismantling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a multi-component vent valve structure is used, then the air venting function is provided, but the device complexity increases and assembly/disassembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair venting reliabilityVSAvoidvent valve structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple components (valve body, valve insert, spring, and snap lock) into an integrated vent valve assembly where the valve insert is received within the valve body and the snap lock provides both locking and guiding functions. This merging of functions into a coordinated assembly achieves reliable air venting while reducing the practical complexity of assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve insert is nested within the valve body, with the spring positioned within the valve insert structure. The snap lock mechanism is integrated into the valve body and engages with the valve insert. This nested arrangement allows compact packaging of multiple components while maintaining their individual functions, and enables simplified assembly through a single insertion motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Length of moving object

If the valve insert movement path is limited to less than 2 mm, then the vent valve compactness is improved, but the air escape efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve insert movement pathVSAvoidair escape efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates different functional zones within the vent valve: the valve insert provides a restricted movement path (less than 2 mm) for precise control, while the valve body incorporates longitudinal notch grooves that extend outward to provide extended air escape pathways. This local differentiation allows the moving component to remain compact while the stationary structure provides sufficient venting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional movement constraint (valve insert path less than 2 mm) to a three-dimensional air escape solution by incorporating longitudinal notch grooves in the valve body that extend air escape paths in multiple directions. This dimensional expansion allows efficient air venting without requiring large valve insert travel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the snap lock clearance is provided for disassembly, then the ease of disassembly is improved, but the structural precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisassembly easeVSAvoidsnap connection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides a snap lock mechanism with clearance that exceeds the minimum needed for basic locking function. This excessive clearance facilitates easy disassembly by allowing the valve insert to be removed without precise alignment, while the snap lock still provides sufficient locking precision during normal operation to maintain sealed conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

The simplified design ensures reliable air venting, reduces defects in tyre products by allowing complete air removal and easy maintenance, while being cost-effective and efficient in operation.

Implementation Method 1

the valve insert can be moved by means of a spring into an open position, if no pressure acting from the cavity on the valve disk is present

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the radial clearance between the shaft and the aperture, when the valve body is held coaxial within the aperture, being greater than that between the outer peripheral edge of the valve disc and the axially extending wall of the countersunk aperture so that for a horizontal position of the aperture, the longitudinal axis of the valve body, when the valve disc is not seated on its seating surface, is inclined with respect to that of the aperture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP1998946B2Venting valve to be used in venting bores of vulcanization moulds
Publication Date: 2014.09.03 GLEBUS ALLOYS EURO S R O
  • EP1998946B2 patent drawingFigure 1.1~1.2
  • EP1998946B2 patent drawingFigure 1.3
  • EP1998946B2 patent drawingFigure 2.1

AI summary

Vent valve for venting bores of vulcanization moulds, especially for the tread profile area, consisting of a valve sleeve (5), in which a valve insert (4) and a wound spring (6) are movably located, wherein the valve insert (4) consists of a valve shank (4-3), which is at one end equipped with a disk (4-1) and at the other end with a conical surface (4-2) changing into backwards oriented conical end, and the movement of the valve insert (4) is controlled by a delimiter of opening the valve. Inner surface of the valve sleeve (5) is in its part (5-4) located further away from disk (4-1) provided with conical surface (5-2), oriented away from the disk (4-1), and the delimiter of opening the valve is formed by two mutually cooperating conical surfaces (4-2, 5-2) or parts of conical surfaces (4-2, 5-2), wherein the conical surface (4-2) formed at the end of the valve shank (4-3) of the valve insert (4) is oriented against the conical surface (5-2) or part of conical surface (5-2) of the valve sleeve (5).