Double-Structured Vulcanizing Bladder Guide Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire vulcanizing apparatuses with steam-bladders face issues of uneven vulcanization due to temperature distribution imbalances caused by steam condensation, leading to productivity losses and material defects, and the double-structured bladder solutions often suffer from fluid flow and drainage blockages.
Innovation Solution
A tire vulcanizing apparatus with a double-structured bladder system where steam is supplied between the inner and outer bladders, and guide grooves are used to maintain a consistent gap, ensuring smooth fluid flow and drainage, thereby preventing temperature imbalances and enhancing vulcanization uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single vulcanizing bladder is used, then the structure is simple, but steam condensation causes uneven temperature distribution and vulcanization unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The single bladder is divided into two separate bladders (inner and outer), allowing independent control of steam supply and drainage. The outer bladder receives steam first, condenses it to form drain, which is then discharged before the inner bladder is inflated, preventing temperature unevenness during vulcanization.
2Manufacturing precision
If a double-structured bladder is used, then vulcanization uniformity is improved, but fluid flow and drainage may be blocked due to contact between inner and outer bladders
Solution Approach 1:
The outer bladder is inflated first to discharge the condensed drain before the inner bladder is inflated. This preliminary drainage action prevents drain accumulation that would cause temperature unevenness, while the sequential inflation process prevents contact between the two bladders.
3Manufacturing precision
If steam is supplied sequentially to the entire inside of the bladder, then temperature distribution is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is segmented into inner and outer parts with separate steam supply and drainage paths. Steam is supplied to the outer bladder first, condensed to form drain, which is then discharged. This segmented approach achieves uniform temperature distribution without requiring continuous sequential steam supply to the entire bladder, reducing energy consumption.
4Loss of substance
If the inner and outer bladders are kept in close contact, then the gap for steam flow is reduced minimizing drain generation, but the path for steam and drain flow may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The outer bladder is inflated first to discharge the condensed drain before the inner bladder is inflated. This preliminary drainage action ensures the flow path is clear before the inner bladder is introduced, preventing blockages while maintaining minimal gap for drain generation reduction.
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 solution effectively reduces the likelihood and amount of condensate accumulation, ensuring uniform temperature distribution and suppressing vulcanization unevenness, thereby improving productivity and material quality.
Implementation Method 1
when heat is transferred to the unvulcanized tire via the vulcanizing bladder, the steam is condensed to become drain
Implementation Method 2
heat is transferred to the unvulcanized tire via the vulcanizing bladder
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A vulcanizing bladder 3 comprises a first bladder 11 configured to contact with an inner circumferential surface of an unvulcanized tire (T) and a second bladder 12 arranged inside the first bladder 11. A first fluid G1 is to be supplied between the first bladder 11 and the second bladder 12, and a second fluid G2 is to be supplied to an inside of the second bladder 12. At least one of an inner circumferential surface 11S of the first bladder 11 and an outer circumferential surface 12S of the second bladder 12 is provided with a guide groove 31 extending in a tire axial direction through which the first fluid G1 can pass.