Patent Application
20180333994
The present invention relates, in general, to pneumatic tire assembly and, in particular, to a pneumatic tire assembly having a solid insulation tube receiving positioned along an inner surface thereof and receiving an annular inflatable inner tube to protect against failure caused, for example, by puncture of the inner tube by a sharp object.
In a conventional pneumatic tire having an inflatable inner tube, the outer surface of the inflatable inner tube is in contact with the inner surface of the annular tire of the annular tire that makes contact with the surface that the annular tire rolls over. When the annular tire rolls over a sharp object, such as a nail, and the sharp object penetrates the annular tire of the annular tire, often the sharp object passes completely through the annular tire and punctures the inner tube, resulting in the annular tire deflating and failing. The present invention mitigates the adverse effect of a puncture of the inner tube by a sharp foreign object that penetrates the annular tire.
A pneumatic tire assembly is provided and includes an annular tire, an annular inflatable inner tube, and an annular solid insulation tube. The annular inflatable inner tube is positioned within the annular tire. The annular solid insulation tube is positioned between the annular tire and the annular inflatable inner tube and includes an outer surface in contact with an inner surface of the annular tire and an inner surface in contact with an outer surface of the annular inflatable inner tube.
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying Figures of which:
Referring to the Figures, a pneumatic tire assembly, constructed in accordance with the present invention, generally includes an annular tire 10, an annular inflatable inner tube 20, and an annular solid insulation tube 30.
When assembled, the annular tire 10, the annular inflatable inner tube 20, and the annular solid insulation tube 30 are mounted on a wheel 40.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the annular tire 10 is a formed of rubber, carbon black and other materials using calendaring, extrusion, and bead building processes.
As shown in
As shown in
Still referring to
According to the invention, the insulation rubber composition generally includes a first elastomer, a second elastomer, carbon black, a plasticizer, one or more blowing agents, and a filler.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes a proportion of 15.97-34.71 wt % of a first elastomer, 8.37-16.22 wt % of a second elastomer, 13.29-23.00 wt % of carbon black, 13.71-20.02 wt % of a plasticizer, 3.22-5.11 wt % of a blowing agent; a filler and incidental impurities complete the balance of the composition.
In particular, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes a combination of elastomers. More particularly, the insulation rubber composition includes a combination of saturated and unsaturated rubbers. In the described embodiment, the insulation rubber composition includes a combination of the following group of elastomers, including ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), natural polyisoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber (CR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and nitrile rubber (NBR). However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that a combination of other saturated and unsaturated rubbers may be possible.
In the proposed insulation rubber composition, an elastomer, such as EPDM, is used to enhance heat-, ozone-, and weather-resistance, as well as electrical insulating properties. In the proposed insulation rubber composition, an addition of a second elastomer, such as, natural polyisoprene rubber, is used to enhance elasticity of the insulation rubber composition.
In particular, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes a first elastomer having a wt % range of 15.97-34.71%. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes a first elastomer having a wt % range of 15.97-20.73%. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes a first elastomer having a wt % range of 20.47-20.73%.
In particular, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes the second elastomer having a wt % range of 8.37-16.22%. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes the second elastomer having a wt % range of 11.46-16.22%.
In the proposed insulation rubber composition, carbon black is used as a pigment and reinforcing material. In addition, the carbon black can be used to reduce thermal damage and product viability.
In particular, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes carbon black having a wt % range of 13.29-23.00%. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes carbon black having a wt % range of 22.41-22.80%. Moreover, in yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes carbon black having a wt % of 22.53%.
In the proposed insulation rubber composition, one or more plasticizers are used to increase the plasticity. In the proposed insulation rubber composition, one or more plasticizers is also used a softener, extender, and lubricant for manufacturing of product from the insulation rubber composition, including an airless tube for a tire. In particular, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition may include a combination of plasticizers, including paraffinic oil and stearic acid.
In particular, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes one or more plasticizers having a wt % range of 13.71-20.02%. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes plasticizer having a wt % range of 19.00-20.02%. Moreover, in yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes one or more plasticizers having a wt % of 19.88%.
In the proposed insulation rubber composition, one or more blowing agents may be used to produce a cellular structure that reduces density, increases thermal and acoustic insulation, and increases relative stiffness. In particular, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition may include one or more blowing agents, including calcium oxide (CaO) and azodicarbonamide (ACD).
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes one or more blowing agents having a wt % range of 3.22-5.11%. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes one or more blowing agents having a wt % range of 3.53-3.55%. In addition, in yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes one or more blowing agents having a wt % of 3.54%.
In the proposed insulation rubber composition, filler is used to complete the composition with respect to the other parts. In particular, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition may include calcium carbonate as a filler. In the proposed insulation rubber composition, calcium carbonate may have a wt % range of 15.97-17.48%. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes filler having a wt % range of 15.97-16.22%.
The insulation rubber composition according to the invention also includes a curing agent and an antioxidant agent.
In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the proposed insulation rubber composition includes a proportion of 15.97-34.71 wt % of a first elastomer, 8.37-16.22 wt % of a second elastomer, 13.29-23.00 wt % of carbon black, 13.71-20.02 wt % of a plasticizer, 3.22-5.11 wt % of a blowing agent, 5.57-6.71 wt % of a curing agent, 0.15-0.44 wt % of an antioxidant, and filler completing the composition.
In the proposed insulation rubber composition, the curing agent is used to toughen or harden the overall composition by cross-linking of polymer chains, using processes such as vulcanization. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition may include one or more curing agents, including zinc oxide, n-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS), diphenylguanidine (DPG), and sulfur (S).
In the proposed insulation rubber composition, one or more curing agents may have a wt % range of 5.57-6.71%. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes one or more curing agents having a wt % range of 5.57-5.62%.
In the proposed insulation rubber composition, the antioxidant is used to prevent oxidation. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition may include one or more antioxidants, including butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and/or 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline polymer (TMQ).
In the proposed insulation rubber composition, one or more antioxidants may have a wt % range of 0.15-0.44%. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes one or more antioxidants having a wt % range of 0.15-0.17%. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes one or more antioxidants having a wt % range of 0.42-0.44%.
The present invention can be illustrated by the following examples without being limited by them. Each of the following examples was prepared being dependent on a required size of the annular tire 10 according to the invention.
Table 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the insulation rubber composition.
Table 2 shows another exemplary embodiment of the insulation rubber composition according to the invention.
Table 3 shows another exemplary embodiment of the insulation rubber composition according to the invention.
Table 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the insulation rubber composition according to the invention.
Table 5 shows another exemplary embodiment of the insulation rubber composition according to the invention.
Table 6 shows another exemplary embodiment of the insulation rubber composition according to the invention.
Table 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of the insulation rubber composition according to the invention.
Table 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of the insulation rubber composition according to the invention.
In another embodiment of the invention, a rubber composition is provided and includes a first elastomer, a second elastomer, a third elastomer, carbon black, a plasticizer, a blowing agent, a filler, a curing agent, and an anti-oxidant agent. The first elastomer is provided in a range of 14.00-15.00 wt %, the second elastomer is provided in a range of 14.00-15.00 wt %, and the third elastomer is provided in a range of 11.00-12.00 wt %. Carbon black is provided in the range of 20.00-23.00 wt %. The plasticizer is provided in a range of 13.70-20.10 wt %. The blowing agent is provided in a range of 4.20-4.40 wt %. The curing agent is provided in a range of 4.50-4.80 wt %. Filler and incidental impurities and elements may be used to complete the composition.
In another exemplary embodiment, a rubber composition according to the invention includes a first elastomer, a second elastomer, a third elastomer, carbon black, a plasticizer, a blowing agent, a filler, a curing agent, and an anti-oxidant agent according to the invention includes a first elastomer, a second elastomer, carbon black, a plasticizer, one or more blowing agents, and a filler.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes a proportion of 14.00-15.00 wt % of a first elastomer, 14.00-15.00 wt % of a second elastomer, 11.00-12.00 wt % of a third elastomer, 20.00-22.00 wt % of carbon black, 15.50-16.50 wt % of a plasticizer, 4.00-4.50 wt % of a blowing agent, 4.50-5.00 wt % of a curing agent, and a filler completing the composition.
In particular, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes a combination of elastomers. More particularly, the insulation rubber composition includes a combination of saturated and unsaturated rubbers. In the described embodiment, the insulation rubber composition includes a combination of the following group of elastomers, including ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), natural polyisoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber (CR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), high styrene rubber (HSR) and nitrile rubber (NBR). However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that a combination of other saturated and unsaturated rubbers may be possible.
In the proposed insulation rubber composition, an elastomer, such as EPDM, is used to enhance heat-, ozone-, and weather-resistance, as well as electrical insulating properties. In the proposed insulation rubber composition, an addition of a second elastomer, such as natural polyisoprene rubber, is used to enhance elasticity of the insulation rubber composition. In the proposed insulation rubber composition, an addition of a third elastomer, such as HSR, is used to enhance processing, abrasion resistance, tear resistance, and flex resistance.
In particular, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes a first elastomer having a wt % range of 14.00-15.00%. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes a first elastomer having a wt % range of 14.24-14.32%. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes a first elastomer having a wt % range of 14.26-14.30%.
In particular, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes a second elastomer having a wt % range of 14.00-15.00%. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes a second elastomer having a wt % range of 14.24-14.32%. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes a second elastomer having a wt % range of 14.26-14.30%.
In particular, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes a third elastomer having a wt % range of 11.00-12.00%. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes a first elastomer having a wt % range of 11.39-11.45%. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes a first elastomer having a wt % range of 11.41-11.43%.
In the proposed insulation rubber composition, carbon black is used as a pigment and reinforcing material. In addition, the carbon black can be used to reduce thermal damage and product viability.
In particular, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes carbon black having a wt % range of 20.00-23.00%. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes carbon black having a wt % range of 20.57-20.67%. Moreover, in yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes carbon black having a wt % of 20.59-20.65%.
In the proposed insulation rubber composition, one or more plasticizers are used to increase the plasticity. In the proposed insulation rubber composition, one or more plasticizers is also used a softener, extender, and lubricant for manufacturing of product from the insulation rubber composition, including an airless tube for a tire. In particular, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition may include a combination of plasticizers, including paraffinic oil and stearic acid.
In particular, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes one or more plasticizers having a wt % range of 13.70-20.10%. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes plasticizer having a wt % range of 15.95-16.03%. Moreover, in yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes one or more plasticizers having a wt % of 15.97-16.01%.
In the proposed insulation rubber composition, one or more blowing agents may be used to producing a cellular structure that reduces density, increases thermal and acoustic insulation, and increases relative stiffness. In particular, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition may include one or more blowing agents, including calcium oxide (CaO) and azodicarbonamide (ACD).
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes one or more blowing agents having a wt % range of 4.20-4.40%. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes one or more blowing agents having a wt % range of 4.25-4.35%. Moreover, in yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes one or more blowing agents having a wt % of 4.27-4.29%.
In the proposed insulation rubber composition, a curing agent may be used to toughen or harden the overall composition by cross-linking of polymer chains, using processes such as vulcanization. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition may include one or more curing agents, including zinc oxide, n-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS), diphenylguanidine (DPG), and sulfur (S).
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes one or more curing agents having a wt % range of 4.50-4.80%. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes one or more curing agents having a wt % range of 4.60-4.75%. Moreover, in yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes one or more curing agents having a wt % of 4.70-4.72%.
In the proposed insulation rubber composition, filler is used to complete the composition with respect to the other parts. In particular, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition may include calcium carbonate as a filler. In the proposed insulation rubber composition, calcium carbonate may have a wt % range of 14.20-14.40%. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes filler having a wt % range of 14.24-14.32%. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes filler having a wt % range of 14.26-14.30%.
The insulation rubber composition according to the invention may also include an antioxidant agent.
In the proposed insulation rubber composition, the antioxidant is used to prevent oxidation. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition may include one or more antioxidants, including butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and/or 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline polymer (TMQ).
In the proposed insulation rubber composition, one or more antioxidants may have a wt % range of 0.10-0.20%. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes one or more antioxidants having a wt % range of 0.12-0.15%. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulation rubber composition includes one or more antioxidants having a wt % range of 0.13-0.14%.
The present invention can be illustrated by the following examples without being limited by them. Each of the following examples was prepared being dependent on a required size of the annular tire 10 according to the invention.
Table 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of the insulation rubber composition.
Table 10 shows another exemplary embodiment of the insulation rubber composition according to the invention.
Table 11 shows another exemplary embodiment of the insulation rubber composition according to the invention.
Table 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of the insulation rubber composition according to the invention.
Table 13 shows another exemplary embodiment of the insulation rubber composition according to the invention.
Table 14 shows another exemplary embodiment of the insulation rubber composition according to the invention.
A description on how to manufacture an exemplary annular solid insulation tube 30 according to the invention will be described.
A rubber composition according to the invention is processed according to the following steps. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that following steps are merely exemplary and used to enable one skilled in the art to process the proposed insulation rubber compositions according to the invention.
Firstly, the components of the insulation rubber composition are measured according to the specifications defined above.
In an embodiment of the invention, a first combination of the first elastomer, the second elastomer, carbon black, one or more plasticizers, and the filler is mixed using a closed mixing system.
Next, the first combination is moved to an open mixing system where other components are added, including one or more curing agents, one or more blowing agents, and one or more antioxidants. The components mixed with the first combination provide a batch of the insulation rubber composition for further processing.
The batch is then added to an extruder for extrusion. The batch is extruded to a profile and size required for an annular tire 10 according to the invention. The batch travels along a chamber that is heated at different temperatures along different zones by a screw. In an embodiment of the invention, the first zone is heated to a temperature ranging from 200-220° C., the second zone is heated to a temperatures ranging from 160-185° C., and the third zone is heated to a temperature ranging from 170-190° C.
After the batch has been sheared and heated, the batch then travels through a die providing a profile of the annular tire 10 according to the invention. This includes the inner wall receiving section 34 and the inner tube receiving section 36.
A jig is used to cut a length of the extruded rubber composition, wherein the length and profile depend on the particular manufacturing-based required specifications of the annular tire 10 according to the invention. The cut is performed on a 45 degree or a 90 degree angle with respect to an outer surface of the extruded material.
After cutting, a solid cylindrical section is provided with opposite ends having a 45 degree or 90 degree profile. The opposite ends are then joined using a compression machine and the solid cylindrical section is formed into a solid ring of the insulation rubber composition according to the invention.
Referring to Figures, in which like reference numerals are used with regard to like elements, a pneumatic tire assembly 1, constructed in accordance with the present invention, will be described.
As shown, the annular solid insulation tube 30 is positioned between annular tire 10 and annular inflatable inner tube 20, wherein the outer surface 30b in contact with inner surface 10b of annular tire 10 and the inner tube receiving section 36 receives the outer surface 20b of the annular inflatable inner tube 20.
As air enters into the elastomeric hollow body 22 through the valve 24, the air puts pressure on the inner surface 20a which expands the elastomeric hollow body 22. The elastomeric hollow body 22 then forms to the inner tube receiving section 36.
The a bead section 16 engages the wheel 40 and as the body further expands, the inner wall receiving section 34 urges the bead section 16 down and outward against the wheel 40.
As shown in
The foregoing illustrates some of the possibilities for practicing the invention. Many other embodiments are possible within the scope and spirit of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that the foregoing description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that the scope of the invention is given by the appended claims together with their full range of equivalents.
