Vulcanization Mold Lining Radial Fixation via Wire Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vulcanization molds with radially movable sectors face challenges in assembling and disassembling the linings, particularly when they are made of multiple individual elements, leading to time-consuming and costly processes, and these molds struggle with demolding heavily siped tires due to high stress on trim elements.
Innovation Solution
A vulcanization mold design that uses a metal wire element interposed between the lining and the support to radially fix the lining, allowing for simplified assembly and disassembly, and to withstand demolding forces, with the wire element being sufficiently elastic and rigid to adapt to the shape of the lining and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual lining elements are assembled using fixing screws and flanges, then the lining can be detached and reattached, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate fixing components (flanges, screws, washers) into a single integrated wire element that performs all fixing functions. The wire element is inserted through the lining elements and secured with a single fastening operation, eliminating the need for multiple separate assembly steps and reducing assembly time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire element acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the connection between lining elements and the support structure. Instead of directly attaching each lining element with multiple screws and flanges, the wire element mediates this connection by passing through the lining elements and providing a unified attachment point to the support.
2Reliability
If multiple fixing components are used to attach linings to support, then the lining can be securely fixed, but the number of parts and machining requirements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate fixing components (flanges, screws, washers, and positioning elements) into a single wire element that provides all necessary fixing functions. This reduction in part count simplifies the overall structure while maintaining secure lining fixation through the wire's tensile strength and geometric configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides radial positioning, secures lining elements to the support, distributes mechanical stresses, and eliminates the need for separate flanges and screws. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable fixation.
3Productivity
If traditional fixing methods are used for heavily siped tires, then the mold can be assembled, but high demolding forces cause stress on lining elements leading to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the fixing system by using a wire element with optimized geometry and material properties. The wire's flexibility and tensile strength allow it to accommodate the high demolding forces generated during heavily siped tire molding without causing stress concentration or failure at the lining attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire element configuration is designed beforehand to anticipate and cushion the high demolding forces that will act on the lining elements. By distributing these forces along the wire element's length and using its elastic properties, the system prevents stress concentration and potential failure before it occurs during the molding process.
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 solution reduces the number of parts and machining required, extends the life of mold components, and ensures effective demolding even for heavily siped tires by distributing forces effectively through the wire element, thus improving assembly efficiency and reducing stress on the mold.
Implementation Method 1
the wire element being sufficiently elastic and rigid to adapt to the shape of the lining and support
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
Disclosed is a vulcanization mold for a tire, comprising a plurality of circumferentially adjacent sectors (1) which are radially movable between a closed and an open mold position, each sector comprising a one-piece insert (3) or being provided with a plurality of individual elements (10), the insert (3) being mounted so as to be detachable from a support (2), the insert (3) comprising a radially inner portion for the molding operation and a radially outer portion that is in contact with the support (2). According to the invention, the insert (3) is radially immobilized by being fastened to the support (2) by means of at least one metal wire element (20) that is inserted between the insert and the support.