Tire Vulcanizing Mold Pressure Dispersing Rings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tire vulcanizing apparatuses with rigid cores concentrate pressure on the central region of the vulcanization mold, leading to reduced mold life due to uneven pressure distribution.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a first and second ring with circular shapes, centered at the axial center of the vulcanization mold, between the base and lower plate, and reinforcing beam and upper plate respectively, to disperse the pressure acting on the vulcanization mold, using a lifting device with tie rods, expandable cylinders, and clamp devices to distribute the load radially.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional lifting device with tie rods and cylinders is used to close the vulcanization mold, then the mold can be closed effectively, but pressure concentrates on the central region of the mold reducing its life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemold closing effectivenessVSAvoidmold life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A pressure dispersing plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the lifting device and the vulcanization mold. This plate receives the concentrated force from the lifting device and redistributes it across a wider area of the mold, preventing pressure concentration at the center while maintaining effective mold closing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure dispersing plate transforms the concentrated point/line contact force into a distributed area contact force by expanding the load distribution in the radial dimension. The plate's larger surface area allows pressure to be dispersed across multiple regions of the mold rather than concentrating at the center

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

2Force

If pressure is concentrated on the central region of the vulcanization mold, then the lifting device can effectively close the mold, but the strain on the mold increases reducing its lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemold closing forceVSAvoidmold structural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure dispersing plate acts as a mediator that receives the closing force from the lifting device and redistributes it across the mold surface. This intermediary structure maintains the necessary closing force while preventing localized stress concentration that would compromise mold structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure dispersing plate creates non-uniform pressure distribution with lower pressure at the center and higher pressure toward the edges. This local quality variation ensures adequate mold closing while protecting the central region from excessive strain that would reduce mold lifespan

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 disperses pressure across a wider radial region, reducing strain on the vulcanization mold and extending its lifespan by minimizing central concentration of pressure.

Implementation Method 1

the first ring having a circular shape with a center corresponding to an axial center of the vulcanization mold and arranged between the base portion and the lower plate... the second ring having a circular shape with a center corresponding to the axial center of the vulcanization mold and arranged between the reinforcing beam and the upper plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure distribution: Pascal's Law

Implementation Method 2

The lifting device includes a pair of tie rods extending vertically from the base portion, a horizontal reinforcing beam movably guided by the pair of tie rods and supporting the upper plate integrally

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3511156B1Tire vulcanizing apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP3511156B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3511156B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3511156B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tire vulcanizing apparatus includes a vulcanization mold including a lower mold and an upper mold to define a tire mold cavity for vulcanizing a green tire together with a rigid core on which the green tire is formed, a base portion, a lower plate to which the lower mold is attached, the lower plate supported by the base portion, a first ring having a circular shape with a center corresponding to an axial center of the vulcanization mold and arranged between the base portion and the lower plate, an upper plate to which the upper mold is attached so as to face the lower mold up and down, and a lifting device for moving the upper plate up and down between a lower location to close the vulcanization mold and an upper location in which the upper mold positions opening the vulcanization mold.