Patent ID: 12202220

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, it is to be understood that the showings are for purposes of illustrating examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure and that the drawings are not to be interpreted as limiting. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the drawings are not to scale and that portions of certain features and/or elements may be exaggerated for purpose of clarity and/or ease of understanding.

For background and discussion purposes and without operating as a limitation,FIGS.1-4illustrate one example of a less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire dimensioned and/or otherwise configured for curing in a mold assembly in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure and/or by way of a method of manufacture in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that non-pneumatic tires of various of types, kinds and/or constructions have been developed and/or used in different applications and/or environments, and that the less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire shown and described herein is merely exemplary.

As one non-limiting example, less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire (or tire assembly)100is shown inFIGS.1-8as having a longitudinal axis AX and can extend axially from an end102to an end104that is opposite end102. Less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire100can include an annular ring106that extends peripherally about axis AX and a structure body108that is disposed outwardly of at least a portion of annular ring106and also extends peripherally about axis AX. Less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire100can also include an annular ring110that extends peripherally around axis AX with at least a portion of annular ring110disposed outwardly of annular ring106and/or structure body108. Less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire100can further include a tread body112extending peripherally around axis AX with at least a portion of tread body112disposed outwardly of annular ring110.

It will be appreciated that mold assemblies and methods of manufacture in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure are used to transition a non-pneumatic tire having one or more portions formed from or otherwise including one or more quantities of less-than-fully-cured material into a non-pneumatic tire in which all or substantially all portions thereof are substantially-entirely cross-linked, vulcanized and/or otherwise cured. It is to be appreciated and understood that such one or more quantities of less-than-fully-cured material can include elastomeric materials, such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and/or thermoplastic elastomers, for example. Additionally, or in the alternative, such one or more quantities of less-than-fully-cured material can include adhesive materials. As such, it will be appreciated and understood that any one or more of the foregoing components of non-pneumatic tire100can include one or more quantities of material to be transitioned from a less-than-fully-cured condition to at least a substantially-entirely cured condition, and that arrangements of non-pneumatic tire100that are shown and described herein are merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting.

It will be appreciated that annular ring106can be of any suitable size, shape and/or configuration, and can include any suitable number of one or more walls and/or wall portions. As one non-limiting example, the annular ring could be a part of or otherwise at least partially form an outer wall or outer wall portion of a vehicle wheel or rim114, such as is shown inFIGS.1-4,7and8, for example. In such an exemplary arrangement, annular ring106can include a ring wall116that extends axially between a ring edge118disposed toward end102and a ring edge120that is disposed toward end104in axially-spaced relation to ring edge118. Ring wall116of annular ring106can also include an outer surface portion122that faces radially outward and extends peripherally about longitudinal axis AX and axially between ends102and104. Ring wall116of annular ring106can further include an inner surface portion124that extends peripherally about longitudinal axis AX and faces radially inward axially along and/or between end102and/or end104.

Vehicle rim114also includes include a mounting hub or flange126that is operatively connected to annular ring106, such as by way of a flowed material joint128, for example. Mounting flange126extends radially inward from along annular ring106and includes one or more walls and/or wall portions oriented transverse to longitudinal axis AX. For example, mounting flange126can include a hub or flange wall130with a connector wall portion132that is disposed along and operatively connected to ring wall116, such as by way of flowed material joint128, for example. Flange wall130can also include a mounting wall portion134that is disposed radially inward of connector wall portion132and oriented transverse to longitudinal axis AX. Mounting wall portion134can be dimensioned and/or otherwise adapted for mounting in a conventional manner on or along an associated component or device, such as an axle of an associated vehicle by way of bolt holes136, for example. In some cases, flange wall130can include an intermediate wall portion138that extends between and operatively interconnects connector wall portion132and mounting wall portion134.

Regardless of the specific configuration and/or arrangement of walls and/or wall portions of vehicle rim114, annular ring106at least partially defines a wheel or rim cavity140disposed radially inward thereof. Mounting flange126is at least partially disposed within rim cavity140and extends at least partially thereacross such that the rim cavity is separated into rim cavity portions140A and140B. In such an arrangement, one or more walls and/or wall portions of mounting flange126separate or otherwise obstruct one rim cavity portion from a portion of annular ring106. As one example, connector wall portion132, mounting wall portion134and/or intermediate wall portion138can separate or otherwise obstruct rim cavity portion140A from a section142of ring wall116, for example, such as in a direction of heat transfer represented by arrow HT1inFIG.3, for example. Additionally, or in the alternative, connector wall portion132, mounting wall portion134and/or intermediate wall portion138can separate or otherwise obstruct rim cavity portion140B from a section144of ring wall116, for example, such as in a direction of heat transfer represented by arrow HT2inFIG.3, for example.

In a preferred arrangement, all or substantially all of the quantities of less-than-fully-cured material of the non-pneumatic tire can be disposed radially outward of annular ring106. As a non-limiting example, structure body108can include an inner wrap or layer146and an outer wrap or layer148disposed radially outward of inner layer146. Inner and outer layers146and148extend axially between ends102and104with inner layer146extending axially between edges150and152and outer layer148extending axially between edges154and156. In some cases, inner and outer layers146and148can be substantially coextensive with one another such that edges150and154are at least approximately aligned with one another along end102and/or edges152and156are at least approximately aligned with one another along end104. Inner layer146can at least partially define an inside surface portion158of structure body108that extends peripherally around longitudinal axis AX and axially between ends102and104. Outer layer148can at least partially define an outer surface portion160of structure body108that extends peripherally around longitudinal axis AX and axially between ends102and104.

Structure body108also includes a plurality of support structures162that extend between and operatively interconnect inner and outer layers146and148. It will be appreciated that support structures162can be of any suitable shape, configuration and/or arrangement, and can be operatively connected to inner and outer layers146and148in any suitable manner. As one non-limiting example, support structures162can extend axially from an edge164disposed toward end102to an edge166disposed toward end104. Support structures162can also include an end168disposed toward inner layer146and an end170disposed toward outer layer148in spaced relation to end168. Support structures162are shown and described herein as having a curved or otherwise non-linear profile along a plane taken transverse to longitudinal axis AX. As an example, support structures162can include a concave surface portion172facing one circumferential direction about longitudinal axis AX and a convex surface portion174facing the opposite circumferential direction. It will be appreciated, however, that such configurations are merely exemplary and that other shapes and/or profiles could alternately be used.

Support structures162are disposed in peripherally-spaced relation to one another around longitudinal axis AX such that a plurality of spaces176are also disposed in peripherally-spaced relation to one another around the longitudinal axis with one of spaces176disposed between adjacent ones of support structures162. In such an arrangement, spaces176can have an approximately crescent-shaped cross-sectional profile or configuration with concave surface portion172of one support structure162and convex surface portion174of an adjacent support structure162at least partially defining peripherally-spaced sides of spaces176. In some cases, support structures162can extend into or otherwise be at least partially embedded within inner layer146and/or outer layer148. In such cases, a portion178of inner layer146can at least partially define an end surface portion180of spaces176, such as may have a curved or otherwise non-linear cross-sectional shape and/or configuration. Additionally, or in the alternative, a portion182of outer layer148can at least partially define an end surface portion184of spaces176, such as may have a curved or otherwise nonlinear cross-sectional shape and/or configuration.

It will be appreciated that annular ring110can be of any suitable size, shape and/or configuration, and can include any suitable number of one or more walls and/or wall portions. As one non-limiting example, annular ring110can include a ring wall (or ring wall portion)186extending peripherally around longitudinal axis AX. Ring wall portion186can extend axially between a ring edge188disposed toward end102and a ring edge190that is disposed toward end104in axially-spaced relation to ring edge188. Ring wall portion186can include an inner surface portion192that faces radially inward and extends peripherally about longitudinal axis AX and axially between ends102and104. Ring wall portion186can also include an outer surface portion194that extends peripherally about longitudinal axis AX and faces radially outward axially along and/or between end102and/or end104.

Tread body112can extend axially between ends102and104with a tread edge196disposed along end102and a tread edge198disposed along end104. Tread body112can also include an inside surface portion200that faces radially inward and an outer surface portion202that faces radially outward. One or more tread structures204(e.g., grooves, ribs, lugs, sipes) can, optionally, be pre-formed on or otherwise extend into tread body112from along outer surface portion202of less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire100with such tread structures adapted during the curing process to at least partially define a ground-engaging tread (or tread pattern) on the cured non-pneumatic tire.

As discussed above, one or more walls and/or wall portions of non-pneumatic tire100can be formed from one or more quantities of material that is in a less-than-fully-cured condition (e.g., an elastomeric material and/or an adhesive material) such that at least these walls and/or wall portions are curable using a mold assembly and/or method of manufacture in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure. For example, tread body112can be at least partially formed from one or more quantities of less-than-fully-cured elastomeric material. Additionally, or in the alternative, one or more of inner layer146and/or outer layer148of structure body108can be at least partially formed from a less-than-fully-cured elastomeric and/or adhesive materials. As a further example, and/or as another alternative, support structures162can, optionally, include one or more layers of less-than-fully-cured elastomeric and/or adhesive materials. As non-limiting examples of such constructions, support structures162can, in some cases, be at least partially formed from sheets of comparatively-rigid material (e.g., metal, fiber-reinforced composite) of which ends168and170can, respectively, be at least partially embedded or otherwise disposed within inner and outer layers146and148of structure body108. Additionally, or in the alternative, a layer of less-than-fully-cured elastomeric and/or adhesive material can extend along and/or at least partially define concave surface portion172and/or convex surface portion174. As another non-limiting example, support structures162can be at least partially formed from a plurality of comparatively-rigid wires and/or filaments arranged adjacent one another and at least partially embedded in quantities of less-than-fully-cured elastomeric and/or adhesive materials to at least partially form a sheet-like structure.

It will be appreciated that less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire100can include any suitable elastomeric material or combination of elastomeric materials, such as natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers and/or thermoplastic elastomers, for example. Additionally, it will be recognized and appreciated, in some cases, a variety of components can be formed from a common less-than-fully-cured elastomeric material. In other cases, however, less-than-fully-cured elastomeric materials of two or more compositions, compounds and/or grades can be used. Terms such as “less-than-fully-cured,” and the like, as used herein refer to elastomeric materials having polymer chains that become cross-linked or otherwise bonded when subjected to heat, pressure and/or chemical compounds with “fully cured” or “substantially fully cured” elastomeric materials exhibiting substantially different material and/or mechanical properties than “less-than-fully-cured” elastomeric materials. One non-limiting example of a suitable curing process includes vulcanization of natural and synthetic rubber elastomers.

It will be appreciated that any combination of one or more less-than-fully-cured elastomeric materials can be used or otherwise included in a less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire (e.g., non-pneumatic tire100). As one non-limiting example, less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire100can include one or more quantities of elastomeric and/or adhesive materials substantially all of each of which is in a “green” or substantially-entirely uncured condition. As another non-limiting example, less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire100can include one or more quantities of elastomeric and/or adhesive materials that is/are in a “green” or substantially-entirely uncured condition and one or more quantities of elastomeric and/or adhesive materials that is/are in an at least partially cured condition. As a further non-limiting example, less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire100can include one or more quantities of elastomeric and/or adhesive materials that is/are in a partially but not entirely cured condition. As such, it is to be recognized and appreciated that less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire100can include, without limitation: one or more quantities of “green” or substantially-entirely uncured elastomeric and/or adhesive materials; or, one or more quantities of partially but not fully cured elastomeric and/or adhesive materials; or, both one or more quantities of “green” or substantially-entirely uncured elastomeric and/or adhesive materials and one or more quantities of partially but not fully cured elastomeric and/or adhesive materials.

FIGS.5and6schematically illustrate an otherwise conventional tire curing press300that includes a press base302with a base mounting surface304. Tire curing press300also includes a press head306with a head mounting surface308. Press head306is moveable relative to press base302, such as along linear guide rods310, for example, in a conventional manner. Press head306is shown inFIG.5as being disposed in a first or raised position that is moveable to a second or lowered position shown inFIG.6, which movement is represented inFIG.5by arrows312. Tire curing press300can include one or more pressurized fluid sources, one or more heated fluid sources and/or one or more motion actuators, such as are schematically represented inFIGS.5and6by dashed boxes314,316and318, respectively, and can be included on, along or be otherwise operatively associated with press base302and/or press head306, as is well known in the art. Tire curing press300can further include a control system320communicatively coupled with one or more components and/or systems of the tire curing press and adapted for selective operation thereof in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that control system320can be included on, along or be otherwise operatively associated with press base302, press head306and/or any other components and/or systems of tire curing press300, such as may be otherwise known in the art.

A mold assembly400in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure is shown inFIGS.5-8as being operatively supported within or otherwise on or along tire curing press300. Mold assembly400includes a mold section402that is supported on or along base mounting surface304of press base302and a mold section404that is supported on or along head mounting surface308of press head306. Mold sections402and/or404can be operatively connected in fluid communication with pressurized fluid source314and/or heated fluid source316in any manner suitable for transferring pressurized fluid to and/or from the mold sections, such as by way of one or more conduits or passages406(FIG.8), for example.

Mold assembly400includes a mold axis MAX extending in or otherwise along the direction of movement312of tire curing press300. As such, mold sections402and404are axially displaceable relative to one another during operation of the tire curing press with mold sections402and404shown spaced apart inFIG.5representing an open condition of the mold assembly and with mold sections402and404shown coextensively engaged with one another inFIG.6representing a closed condition of the mold assembly. Mold section402can, optionally, include an interstitial curing system408. Additionally, mold section402can, optionally, include a plurality of tread die segments410that are disposed peripherally about interstitial curing system408to at least partially define a mold cavity412within mold section402. Mold section404includes a surface portion414that at least partially defines a mold cavity416within the mold section. Mold cavity416is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of mold section402in a closed condition of the mold assembly. In some cases, an outer surface portion418of tread die segments410can abuttingly engage surface portion414of mold section404as the mold sections move toward the closed condition.

For example, with a less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire100loaded into or otherwise positioned within mold cavity416, as is represented inFIG.5by arrows322and shown inFIG.6, tread die segments410are displaced radially inward into engagement with tread body112of less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire100. Such radial compression urges inside surface portion200of tread body112into engagement with outer surface portion194of annular ring110. Additionally, such radial compression urges inner surface portion192of annular ring110into engagement with outer surface portion160of structure body108. In some cases, such radial compression can also urge inside surface portion158of structure body108into engagement with outer surface portion122of annular ring106. Furthermore, tread die segments410include an inner surface portion420generally opposite surface portion418that at least partially defines mold cavity412. In some cases, additional features can be formed on or along inner surface portion420, such as can extend into engagement with tread body112from along outer surface portion202thereof under such radial compression to at least partially define ground-engaging tread pattern (e.g., grooves, ribs, lugs, sipes) on or along non-pneumatic tire100.

Depending on the configuration and/or construction of the less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tires with which a mold assembly in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure is intended to be used (e.g., non-pneumatic tires100), the mold assembly can, optionally, include an interstitial curing system that can be interengaged axially-coextensively with the plurality of support structures (e.g., support structures162) and plurality of interleaved spaces (e.g., spaces176), such as to apply heat and/or pressure to the support structures and/or adjacent wall portions (e.g., inner layer146and/or outer layer148). If included, it will be appreciated that an interstitial curing system of any suitable type, kind and/or construction can be used. As one non-limiting example, interstitial curing system408can include a plurality of curing shoe assemblies422operatively associated with mold section402and/or mold section404, such as is represented by dashed lines inFIGS.5,7and8.

In a preferred arrangement, curing shoe assemblies422are arranged such that one or more of the curing shoe assemblies is disposed within one of spaces176when less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire100is positioned within mold cavity412. In such an arrangement, curing shoe assemblies422can be selectively actuated and de-actuated (or otherwise released) such that the curing shoes thereof correspondingly engage and disengage one or more walls and/or wall portions structure body108. In an engaged condition, the curing shoe assemblies can apply surface pressure and/or transfer heat into structure body108, such as may operate to transition one or more walls and/or wall portions of the structure body that are formed from a less-than-fully-cured elastomeric material into a substantially-cured elastomeric material.

As discussed above, less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire100can be transitioned into a substantially-entirely-cured non-pneumatic tire through the application of pressure and/or transfer of heat into the one or more quantities of less-than-fully-cured material (or materials) of the non-pneumatic tire. Application of pressure can be achieved in any suitable manner, such as may be provided through radially-inward displacement of otherwise conventional tread die segments410, for example. Additionally, transfer of heat into the one or more quantities of less-than-fully-cured material (or materials) can be at least partially provided through an otherwise conventional primary heat source, such as is represented inFIGS.5and6by heated fluid source316, for example. It will be appreciated that conventional tire curing systems transfer heated fluid through one or more sections of a mold assembly. During a conventional curing process, the heated mold section(s) transfer heat into the one or more quantities of less-than-fully-cured material (or materials) with such heat transfer primarily occurring through thermal conduction from the heated mold sections into the one or more quantities of less-than-fully-cured material (or materials).

It will be appreciated that a wide variety of conventional fluid communication systems are known and have been used to transfer heated fluid into, out of and/or otherwise through otherwise conventional mold sections. As a non-limiting example of such an arrangement, a primary heat source (e.g., heated fluid source316) can transfer heated fluid424(e.g., air, steam, water, oil) into, out of and/or otherwise through mold section402through conduits or passages406. In some cases, tread die segments410can include one or more passages and/or cavities426into, out of and/or otherwise through which heated fluid424can circulate or otherwise flow thereby transferring heat into the tread die segments. Additionally, or in the alternative, curing shoe assemblies422can include one or more passages and/or cavities428into, out of and/or otherwise through which heated fluid424can circulate or otherwise flow thereby transferring heat into the curing shoe assemblies. Additionally, or in the alternative, any one or more of the foregoing arrangements for circulation and/or other flow of heated fluid through mold section402is equally applicable to mold section404. It will be appreciated that conductive heat transfer using the circulation and/or flow of heated fluid424through mold section402and/or404as well as through any curing shoe assemblies thereof (e.g., curing shoe assemblies422), if included, collectively represents a conventional primary heat source operatively associated with mold assembly400.

It has been recognized that the mass of the rim (e.g., rim114) of less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tires (e.g., non-pneumatic tire100) can undesirably influence conductive heat transfer from the conventional primary heat source into the one or more quantities of less-than-fully-cured material or materials of the non-pneumatic tire, such as has been discussed above, for example. Additionally, it has been recognized that the configuration and/or geometry of the walls and/or wall portions of the rim can also undesirably influence such conventional conductive heat transfer. As such, mold assemblies and methods of manufacture in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure include and/or selectively operate one or more radiative heat sources in addition to and provided separately from the primary conductive heat source. Additionally, the one or more radiative heat sources are controllable independently from the primary conductive heat source, such as to selectively direct heat transfer into or toward the rim of the non-pneumatic tire. In some cases, the one or more radiative heat sources may be controllable independently from the primary conductive heat source. In cases in which two or more radiative heat sources are included, the two radiative heat sources can also be controllable independently of one another. Furthermore, in a preferred arrangement, at least one of the two or more radiative heat sources are operatively disposed along one mold section (e.g., mold section402) of the mold assembly (e.g., mold assembly400) with at least a different one of the two or more radiative heat sources operatively disposed on or along a different mold section (e.g., mold section404) of the mold assembly (e.g., mold assembly400).

As a non-limiting example, mold assembly400can include a radiative heat source430operatively supported on or along mold section402and a radiative heat source432operatively supported on or along mold section404. Radiative heat source430is shown as being disposed on or along mold section402within mold cavity416. And, radiative heat source430is positioned within mold cavity416such that an annular space or gap GP1is formed between the radiative heat source and surface portions414of tread die segments410such that at least a portion of non-pneumatic tire100can be positioned within gap GP1. In such an arrangement, at least a portion of non-pneumatic tire100is axially coextensive with radiative heat source430with annular ring106disposed toward the radiative heat source and tread body112disposed outwardly thereof in a direction toward tread die segments410. Radiative heat source432is shown as being supported on or along mold section404and positioned within mold cavity416in a closed position of mold assembly100. Additionally, radiative heat source432is arranged within mold cavity416such that an annular space or gap GP2is formed between the radiative heat source and surface portions414of tread die segments410in the closed position of the mold assembly. In such an arrangement, at least a portion of non-pneumatic tire100is also positioned within gap GP2with at least a portion of non-pneumatic tire100axially coextensive with radiative heat source432.

Radiative heat source430can include a base wall434that is operatively connected to mold section402with one or more radiative heating elements operatively supported on or along the base wall. In the arrangement shown inFIGS.8and9, for example, radiative heat source430can include a plurality of radiative heating elements436disposed in spaced relation to one another peripherally around and/or axially along base wall434. In such an arrangement, radiative heating elements436can face transverse to mold axis MAX such that the radiative heating elements face radially outward toward ring wall116of annular ring106. In some cases, radiative heating elements436can be arranged in a faceted or otherwise somewhat-cylindrical orientation and can be selectively operated to direct radiative heat toward section144of ring wall116, as is represented by arrow RH1.

Radiative heat source432can include a base wall438that is operatively connected to mold section404with one or more radiative heating elements operatively supported on or along the base wall. In the arrangement shown inFIGS.8and10, for example, radiative heat source432can include a plurality of radiative heating elements440disposed in spaced relation to one another peripherally around base wall438. In a preferred arrangement, radiative heating elements440are oriented at an acute included angle relative to mold axis MAX, such as is represented by reference dimension AG1inFIG.8, for example. In such an arrangement, radiative heating elements440face radially outward toward ring wall116of annular ring106as well as axially toward at least a portion of mounting flange126. Radiative heating elements440can be arranged in a faceted or otherwise somewhat-frustoconical orientation and can be selectively operated to direct radiative heat toward section142of ring wall116as well as toward one or more portions of mounting flange126, as is represented by arrows RH2.

It will be appreciated that radiative heat sources430and432can utilize any suitable energy source for generation of radiative heat. As one example, either one or both of the radiative heat sources could utilize a combustion process to generate radiative heat, such by utilizing one or more gas-fired combustion panels, for example. Additionally, or in the alternative, radiative heat source430, radiative heat source432, or both radiative heat sources430and432could utilize electricity to generate radiative heat, such as by utilizing one or more resistive heating elements, for example.

As discussed above, radiative heat sources430and432can be selectively controlled independent of the primary conductive heat source (e.g., heated fluid source316). Additionally, radiative heat sources430and432can be selectively controlled independently of one another. It will be appreciated that such selective operation and/or control of primary conductive heat source316as well as radiative heat sources430and/or432can be achieved in any suitable manner and through the use of any suitable combination of components and/or systems. As a non-limiting example, control system320of tire curing press300can be communicatively coupled or otherwise operatively associated with mold assembly400for selective operation and/or control of radiative heat sources430and432as well as primary conductive heat source316.

As a non-limiting example, control system320can include a controller324communicatively coupled with various devices, components and/or systems of tire curing press300and/or mold assembly400, such as may be suitable for sending, receiving and/or otherwise communicating signals, data, values and/or information to, from and/or otherwise between the controller and one or more of such devices, components and/or systems. It will be appreciated that controller324can include any suitable hardware, software and/or combination thereof for configuration and operation of a tire sensing system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure. For example, controller324can include a processing device, which can be of any suitable type, kind and/or configuration, such as a microprocessor, for example, for processing data, executing software routines/programs, and other functions relating to the performance and/or operation of tire curing press300and/or mold assembly400. Additionally, the controller can include a memory of any suitable type, kind and/or configuration that can be used to store software, parameters, settings, inputs, data, values and/or other information for use in association with the performance and/operation of tire curing press300and/or mold assembly400. In the arrangement shown inFIG.11, controller324includes a microprocessor326and a memory328, which includes boxes328A and328B.

As shown inFIG.11, controller324can, optionally, include a motion control module330that is capable of requesting, receiving, processing, storing and/or otherwise transferring data, values, information, signals and/or communications into and/or out of tire curing press300and/or mold assembly400, such as may relate to or be associated with the operation of motion actuators318and/or otherwise movement of mold sections402and/or404to, from and/or between open and closed positions, such as are shown inFIGS.5and6, respectively. In some cases, motion control module330can request, receive, process and/or store data, values, information, signals and/or communications such as may relate to or be associated with the operation of motion actuators318and/or otherwise movement of mold sections402and/or404to, from and/or between open and closed positions, which can be stored in memory328, such as is represented by box332inFIG.11, for example.

Controller324can include a heat control module334that is capable of requesting, receiving, processing, storing and/or otherwise transferring data, values, information, signals and/or communications into and/or out of tire curing press300and/or mold assembly400, such as may relate to or be associated with the operation of primary conductive heat source316and/or the circulation and/or transfer of heated fluid into, out of and/or otherwise through mold assembly400in connection with transition of a non-pneumatic tire having one or more portions formed from or otherwise including one or more quantities of less-than-fully-cured material into a non-pneumatic tire in which all or substantially all portions thereof are substantially-entirely cross-linked, vulcanized and/or otherwise cured. In some cases, heat control module334can request, receive, process and/or store data, values, information, signals and/or communications such as may relate to or be associated with the operation of primary conductive heat source316and/or the circulation and/or transfer of heated fluid into, out of and/or otherwise through mold assembly400, which can be stored in memory328, such as is represented by box332inFIG.11, for example.

Controller324can include a heat control module336that is capable of requesting, receiving, processing, storing and/or otherwise transferring data, values, information, signals and/or communications into and/or out of tire curing press300and/or mold assembly400, such as may relate to or be associated with the operation of radiative heat source430and/or transfer of radiative heat into rim114. In some cases, heat control module336can request, receive, process and/or store data, values, information, signals and/or communications such as may relate to or be associated with the operation of radiative heat source430and/or the transfer of radiative heat into rim114, which can be stored in memory328, such as is represented by box332inFIG.11, for example.

Controller324can include a heat control module338that is capable of requesting, receiving, processing, storing and/or otherwise transferring data, values, information, signals and/or communications into and/or out of tire curing press300and/or mold assembly400, such as may relate to or be associated with the operation of radiative heat source432and/or transfer of radiative heat into rim114. In some cases, heat control module336can request, receive, process and/or store data, values, information, signals and/or communications such as may relate to or be associated with the operation of radiative heat source432and/or the transfer of radiative heat into rim114, which can be stored in memory328, such as is represented by box332inFIG.11, for example.

It will be appreciated that the transition of a non-pneumatic tire having one or more portions formed from or otherwise including one or more quantities of less-than-fully-cured material into a non-pneumatic tire in which all or substantially all portions thereof are substantially-entirely cross-linked, vulcanized and/or otherwise cured can be monitored or controlled in any suitable manner. As one non-limiting example, the transition from a less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire to a substantially-entirely cured non-pneumatic tire could be at least partially controlled as a function of time. As another non-limiting example, the transition from a less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire to a substantially-entirely cured non-pneumatic tire could be at least partially controlled as a function of temperature. As a further non-limiting example, the transition from a less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire to a substantially-entirely cured non-pneumatic tire could be at least partially controlled as a function of a combination of both time and temperature.

In such cases, tire curing press300and/or mold assembly400can include one or more temperature sensors operatively associated therewith. As one example, tire curing press300and/or mold assembly400could include one or more sensors340operable to generate data, signals and/or other communications having a relation to a temperature associated with primary conductive heat source316and/or the circulation and/or transfer of heated fluid into, out of and/or otherwise through mold assembly400. Additionally, or in the alternative, mold assembly400can include one or more sensors442operatively associated with mold section402. Further, or as a further alternative, mold assembly400can include one or more sensors444operatively associated with mold section404.

In a preferred arrangement, sensor442can the thermally coupled with one or more walls, wall portions and/or sections of rim114in a closed condition of mold assembly400and/or otherwise during at least a portion of a curing cycle in which a less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire is transitioned to a substantially-entirely cured non-pneumatic tire. In the exemplary arrangement shown inFIG.8, sensors442are disposed in thermal communication with section116A of ring wall116. Additionally, or in the alternative, sensor444can the thermally coupled with one or more walls, wall portions and/or sections of rim114in a closed condition of mold assembly400and/or otherwise during at least a portion of a curing cycle in which a less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire is transitioned to a substantially-entirely cured non-pneumatic tire. In the exemplary arrangement shown inFIG.8, sensors444are disposed in thermal communication with section116B of ring wall116and along mounting wall portion134of flange wall130.

As such, controller324can include a timing module342that is capable of requesting, receiving, processing, storing and/or otherwise transferring data, values, information, signals and/or communications into and/or out of tire curing press300and/or mold assembly400, such as may relate to or be associated with: 1) timing and/or duration of operation of primary conductive heat source316and/or the circulation and/or transfer of heated fluid into, out of and/or otherwise through mold assembly400; 2) timing and/or duration of operation of radiative heat source430; and/or 3) timing and/or duration of operation of radiative heat source432. In some cases, timing module342can include a timer or counter. Additionally, in some cases, timing module342can request, receive, process and/or store data, values, information, signals and/or communications such as may relate to or be associated with: 1) timing and/or duration of operation of primary conductive heat source316and/or the circulation and/or transfer of heated fluid into, out of and/or otherwise through mold assembly400; 2) timing and/or duration of operation of radiative heat source430; and/or 3) timing and/or duration of operation of radiative heat source432, any and/or all of which can be stored in memory328, such as is represented by box332inFIG.11, for example.

Controller324can be communicatively coupled with any one or more of sensors340, sensors442and/or sensors444. In such case, controller324can include a sensor module344that is capable of requesting, receiving, processing, storing and/or otherwise transferring data, values, information, signals and/or communications into and/or out of tire curing press300and/or mold assembly400, such as may relate to or be associated with: 1) a temperature having a relation to primary conductive heat source316and/or the circulation and/or transfer of heated fluid into, out of and/or otherwise through mold assembly400; 2) a temperature having a relation to operation of radiative heat source430; 3) a temperature having a relation to operation of radiative heat source432; and/or 4) a temperature having a relation to one or more walls and/or wall portions of rim114. Additionally, in some cases, sensor module344can request, receive, process and/or store data, values, information, signals and/or communications such as may relate to or be associated with: 1) a temperature having a relation to primary conductive heat source316and/or the circulation and/or transfer of heated fluid into, out of and/or otherwise through mold assembly400; 2) a temperature having a relation to operation of radiative heat source430; 3) a temperature having a relation to operation of radiative heat source432; and/or 4) a temperature having a relation to one or more walls and/or wall portions of rim114, any and/or all of which can be stored in memory328, such as is represented by box332inFIG.11, for example.

It will be appreciated that any suitable combination of curing cycle times, combination of curing cycle temperatures, or combination of curing cycle times and temperatures can be used. For example, primary conductive heat source316could be operated for a first cycle time t1with radiative heat source430operated for a second cycle time t2that is less than first cycle time t1. Additionally, or in the alternative, radiative heat source432could be operated for a third cycle time t3that is less than first cycle time t1. In some cases, third cycle time t3could be approximately equal to or less than second cycle time t2. As another example, primary conductive heat source316could be operated at a first nominal temperature T1with radiative heat source430operated at a second nominal temperature T2that is less than first nominal temperature T1. Additionally, or in the alternative, radiative heat source432could be operated for a third nominal temperature T3that is less than first nominal temperature T1. In some cases, third nominal temperature T3could be approximately equal to or less than second nominal temperature T2. It will be appreciated that any combination of the foregoing cycle times and nominal temperatures could also be used.

It will be appreciated that the one or more modules of controller324, which are shown and described herein as modules330-338,342and344, can be provided in any suitable manner, such as software, hardware and/or a combination of hardware and software, for example. In some cases, modules330-338,342and344can take the form of algorithms, routines and/or programs. If provided in whole or in part as software, the configuration and operation modules of controller324can be provided and stored in any suitable manner or arrangement. For example, all of the algorithms, routines and/or programs could be integrated into a single software program in which separate sections or portions of the software code will perform the various actions and/or activities of the system. In another embodiment, two or more independent modules (e.g., algorithms, routines and/or programs) could be used to perform the various actions and/or activities of the system.

Furthermore, memory328can store or otherwise retain any suitable data, values, settings, software, algorithms, routines, programs and/or any other information, in any suitable manner or form. And, in a preferred arrangement, microprocessor326can be in communication with memory328and can be operative to selectively access and/or process one or more of data, values, information, algorithms, routines and/or programs, such as those retained in memory stores330-338,342and344, for example, alone or in combination. For example, microprocessor326can run or otherwise process an algorithm, routine or program, such as from one or more of memory locations modules330,334-338,342and344that is operative to access, analyze or otherwise utilize data and/or information, such as may be stored in memory location332, for example.

A method500of manufacturing in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure of manufacturing a non-pneumatic tire is shown inFIG.12can include providing a first mold section that includes a first radiative heat source, such as mold section402, for example, as is represented inFIG.12by reference number502. Method500also includes providing less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire100and positioning the less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire on or along the mold section such that a rim of the less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire is axially coextensive with the first radiative heat source, as indicated by reference numbers504and506, respectively. Method500further includes providing a second mold section that includes a second radiative heat source, such as mold section404, for example, as is represented inFIG.12by reference number508. Method500also includes positioning the second mold section across the first mold section such that the second radiative heat source is axially coextensive with the rim of the less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire, as indicated inFIG.12by reference number510. The method further concludes curing the less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire through radiative transfer of heat from the first and second radiative heat sources, as indicated by reference number512inFIG.12. In a preferred arrangement, curing the less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire can include curing with a combination of conventional conductive heat transfer from a primary conductive heat source (e.g., primary conductive heat source316) and radiative heat transfer from first and second radiative heat sources (e.g., radiative heat sources430and/or432).

As used herein with reference to certain features, elements, components and/or structures, numerical ordinals (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, etc.) may be used to denote different singles of a plurality or otherwise identify certain features, elements, components and/or structures, and do not imply any order or sequence unless specifically defined by the claim language. Additionally, the terms “transverse,” and the like, are to be broadly interpreted. As such, the terms “transverse,” and the like, can include a wide range of relative angular orientations that include, but are not limited to, an approximately perpendicular angular orientation. Also, the terms “circumferential,” “circumferentially,” and the like, are to be broadly interpreted and can include, but are not limited to circular shapes and/or configurations. In this regard, the terms “circumferential,” “circumferentially,” and the like, can be synonymous with terms such as “peripheral,” “peripherally,” and the like.

Furthermore, the phrase “flowed-material joint” and the like, if used herein, are to be interpreted to include any joint or connection in which a liquid or otherwise flowable material (e.g., a melted metal or combination of melted metals) is deposited or otherwise presented between adjacent component parts and operative to form a fixed and substantially fluid-tight connection therebetween. Examples of processes that can be used to form such a flowed-material joint include, without limitation, welding processes, brazing processes and soldering processes. In such cases, one or more metal materials and/or alloys can be used to form such a flowed-material joint, in addition to any material from the component parts themselves. Another example of a process that can be used to form a flowed-material joint includes applying, depositing or otherwise presenting an adhesive between adjacent component parts that is operative to form a fixed and substantially fluid-tight connection therebetween. In such case, it will be appreciated that any suitable adhesive material or combination of materials can be used, such as one-part and/or two-part epoxies, for example.

Further still, the term “gas” is used herein to broadly refer to any gaseous or vaporous fluid. Most commonly, air is used as the working medium of gas spring devices, such as those described herein, as well as suspension systems and other components thereof. However, it will be understood that any suitable gaseous fluid could alternately be used.

It will be recognized that numerous different features and/or components are presented in the embodiments shown and described herein, and that no one embodiment may be specifically shown and described as including all such features and components. As such, it is to be understood that the subject matter of the present disclosure is intended to encompass any and all combinations of the different features and components that are shown and described herein, and, without limitation, that any suitable arrangement of features and components, in any combination, can be used. Thus, it is to be distinctly understood claims directed to any such combination of features and/or components, whether or not specifically embodied herein, are intended to find support in the present disclosure. To aid the Patent Office and any readers of this application and any resulting patent in interpreting the claims appended hereto, Applicant does not intend any of the appended claims or any claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

While the subject matter of the present disclosure has been described with reference to the foregoing embodiments and considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the structures and structural interrelationships between the component parts of the embodiments disclosed, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the embodiments illustrated and described without departing from the principles hereof. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. Accordingly, it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the subject matter of the present disclosure and not as a limitation. As such, it is intended that the subject matter of the present disclosure be construed as including all such modifications and alterations.