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  • Securing To A Pneumatic Tire

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    justcristi90
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    A pneumatic tire assembly includes a pneumatic tire having an inner cavity and an inner surface at least partially defining the inner cavity, a rigid structure for facilitating operation of the tire assembly, and a docking base for securing the rigid structure to the inner surface of the inner cavity. The docking base has been integrally bonded to the inner surface during curing of the pneumatic tire. The docking base has a shape formed by a mold attached to the inner surface of the inner cavity during curing of the pneumatic tire. The mold subsequently is removed thereby resulting in the docking base integrally secured to the inner surface.

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    SECURING TO A PNEUMATIC TIRE

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    A pneumatic tire assembly includes a pneumatic tire having an inner cavity and an inner surface at least partially defining the inner cavity, a rigid structure for facilitating operation of the tire assembly, and a docking base for securing the rigid structure to the inner surface of the inner cavity. The docking base has been integrally bonded to the inner surface during curing of the pneumatic tire. The docking base has a shape formed by a mold attached to the inner surface of the inner cavity during curing of the pneumatic tire. The mold subsequently is removed thereby resulting in the docking base integrally secured to the inner surface.

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    11 просмотров14 страниц

    Securing To A Pneumatic Tire

    Загружено:

    justcristi90
    A pneumatic tire assembly includes a pneumatic tire having an inner cavity and an inner surface at least partially defining the inner cavity, a rigid structure for facilitating operation of the tire assembly, and a docking base for securing the rigid structure to the inner surface of the inner cavity. The docking base has been integrally bonded to the inner surface during curing of the pneumatic tire. The docking base has a shape formed by a mold attached to the inner surface of the inner cavity during curing of the pneumatic tire. The mold subsequently is removed thereby resulting in the docking base integrally secured to the inner surface.

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    EP 2 730 437 A1 (12) (43) Date of publication 14.05.2014 Bulletin 2014/20 (21) Application number: 13191496.2 (22) Date of ing: 05.11.2013, (1) EP 2 730 437 A1 EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION (61) Intec. Booc 23112091 EOC 2aI04 0H (84) Designated Contracting States: AL AT BE BG CH CY GZ DE DK EE ES FIFRGB GRHRHUIEISITLILT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SISK SMTR Designated Extension States: BAME (30) Priority: 09.11.2012 Us 201213672737 (71) Applicant: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company ‘Akron, Ohio 44316 (US) (72) Inventors ‘+ Hingue, Daniel Paul Luc Marie 8.6720 Habay-la-Neuve (BE) + Poronnet-Paquin, Anno Therose L-2566 Luxembourg (LU) + Haegel, Yannick F-59650 Villeneuve d’Aseq (FR) + Bonnet, Gilles 9176 Niedorfoulen (LU) (74) Representative: Kutsch, Bernd Goodyear S.A. Patent Department Avenue Gordon Smith 7750 Colmar-Berg (LU) (64) Securing to a pneumatic tire (57) A pneumatic tre assembly comprising a pneu- ‘matic tre (10) having an inner cavity (12) and an inner surface (20) at least patialy defining the inner cavity (12), a structure (22) for facilitating operation ofthe tire ‘assembly, andadocking base (14) for securing the struc- ture (22) tothe inner surface (20) of the inner cavity (12) Isdisclosed, The docking base (14) is bonded tothe inner surface (20) and has a shape whichis formable by a mold altached to the inner surface (20) ofthe inner cavity (12) during @ curing ofthe pneumatic tre (10). Also, system for maintaining at pressure within @ cavity (12) of apneu- ‘matic tre (10) is disclosed. A method for securing a de- Vice (30) toa pneumatic re (10) comprises the steps of positioning a mokt and green rubber within the mold on {an inner surface (20) ofan inner cavity (12) of a green tre; temporarily securing the mold and green rubber to the inner surface (20); locating the green tie within @ vuleanizing press; curing the green reby the vulcanizing press; removing the cured tire from the vulcanizing press; removing the mold from the inner surface; and securing the device (30) to docking base (14) formed integral to the inner surface (20) by the mold, 1 EP 2730 437 At 2 Description Eleld of the Invention [0004] The invention relates generally to securing parts oa pneumatic tire and, more specifically, to secur- ing parts of a pumping assembly toa pneumatic te. Background ofthe Invention [0002] Normal ar iffusion reduces tre pressure over time. The natural state of tres is under inflated. Accord- ingly, drivers must repeatedly act to maintain tire pres- sures or they will see reduced fuel economy, tre life and reduced vehicle braking and handling performance. Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems have been proposed to ‘warn drivers when tre pressure is significantly ow. Such systems, however, remain dependant upon the driver taking remedial action when warned to e-inflate a ire to recommended pressure. It is a desirable, therefore, to Incorporate an air maintenance feature within a te that will maintain alr pressure within the tre in order to com- ppensate for any reduction in tre pressure overtime with- ‘ut the need for driver intervention. An air maintenance tire is described in EP-A-2 441 597 ‘Summary ofthe Invention [0003] The invention relates toa tre assembly in ac- cordance with claim 1, to a system in accordance with Claim 12, and to a method in accordance with claim 13, [0004] Dependent claims refer to preferred embod: iments ofthe invention, [0005] A pneumatic tre assembly in accordance with the presentinvention may include a pneumalictire having ‘an inner cavity and an inner surface atleast partially de- fining the inner cavity, a rigid structure for facilitating op- eration of the tire assembly, and a docking base for se Curing the rigid structure to the inner surface of the inner cavity, The docking base is preferably integrally bonded to the inner surface during curing of the pneumatic tre. ‘The docking base hasa shape formed by amold attached to the inner surface of the inner cavity during curing af the pneumatic tre, The mold subsequently is removed thereby resulting in the docking base integrally secured to the inner surace. 10005] According to another preferred aspect of the ‘pneumatictire assembly, the inner surface of he tire cav- ity maintains pressurized air within the inner cavity. [0007] According to stil another preferred aspect of the pneumatic tre assembly, the rigid stuctue is a hy- draulic pump for maintaining air inthe inner cavity of an air maintenance tire. [0008] According to yet another preferred aspectofthe ppneumalic tire assembly, the mold is formed from sil- 10009] According to stil another preferred aspect of the pneumatictire assembly, the rigid structures an elec- 10 Po 0 tronic sensor. [0010] According to yet another preferred aspectofthe neumalictire assembly, therigdstructureisa balancing Weight forthe pneumatic tr, [0011] According to stil another preferred aspect of the pneumatic tire assembly the rigid structure isan air ‘compressor for maintaining air the inner cavity of an air maintenance tir. [0012] According to yet another preferred aspectofthe jpneumatic tie assembly, a second docking base may secure a second rigid structure to the inner surface of the inner cavity. The second dacking base is preferably integrally bonded to the inner surface during curing of the pneumatictire, The second docking base hasa shape formed by a second mold attached to the inner surface of the inner cavity during curing of the pneumatic tre, The second mold subsequently is removed thereby re- sulting in the second docking base integrally secured to the inner surface. [0013] According to stil another preferred aspect of the pneumatic tre assembly, the raid structure is hy- draullc pump for maintaining arin the inner cavity of an air maintenance tire and the second rigid stueture isan air compressor for maintaining air in the inner cavity of the alr maintenance te. [0014] According o yet another preferred aspectofthe pneumatic tie assembly, the docking base includes a lever arm for facilitating operation ofthe rigid structure. [0015] The method in accordance withthe present in- vention secures adevice toa pneumatictre. The method comprises the steps of: positioning a mold and green rubber within the mold on an inner surface of an inner cavity ofa green tire; securing the mold and green rubber to the inner surface; locating the green tie within @ Vuk canizing press; curing the green tre by the vulcanizing press; removing the cure tire from the vulcanizing press; removing the mold from the inner surface; and securing the device toa docking base formed integral othe inner surface by the mol, [0016] According toa preferred aspect of the method, ‘another step comprises ling the mold wit green rubber. [0017] According to another preferred aspect of the ‘method, another step comprises applying heat and pres- sure by a bladder fo the mold and surrounding green rubber thereby molding the rubber ofthe green tire and the green rubber within the mold together with an appro- priate shape. [0018] According o yet another preferred aspectofthe ‘method, another step comprises shaping the green rub- ber ofthe maid into lever arm for faciitating operation ofthe device. [0019] According to stil another preferred aspect of the method, further steps include: securing a second ‘mold and more green rubber tothe inner surface prior to curing the green tre; removing the second mold from the inner surface subsequent toremoving the cuted tire from the vuleanizing press; and securing @ second device to ‘a second docking base formed integral tothe inner sut- 3 EP 2730 437 At 4 face by the second mold 10020] A system in acoordance with the presentinven- tion maintains ar pressure withina cavity of a pneumatic tire. Preferably, the system includes a structure for facll- itating operation of the system and a docking base for securing the structure to an inner surface ofthe cavity. ‘The docking baseis integrated totheinner surfaceduring curing of the pneumatic tre. The docking base has a shape formed by 2 mold attached tothe inner surtace of the cavity during curing ofthe pneumatic tre. The mold subsequently is removed thereby resulting inthe docking base integral to the inner surface. [0024] According to a preferred aspect ofthe system or assembly, the docking base is shaped inverse corre- spondingly tothe structure, 10022] According to stil another preferred aspect of the system or assembly, a second docking base for a second structure faciates operation ofthe system. 10023] According to yet another preferred aspectofthe system or assembly, the structure is a hydraulic pump secured to the preumalic tire by the docking base. [0024] According to stil another preferred aspect of the system or assembly, the second structure is an alr compressor secured to the pneumatic tre by a second docking base. 10025] A pneumatic tie assembly for use with the present invention preferably comprises: a tire having pneumatic cavity; a rigid structure for facilitating opera- tion ofthe tre assembly, the rigid structure being bonded to the tie by a layered thermoplastic material such that astiiness gradient is created between the structure and the tire; rst and second sidewalls extending respectively from first and second tire bead regions to a tre tread region, the ist sidewall having atleast one bending re- ion operatively bending when raialy within arling tie footprint; and a sidewall roove defined by groove walls positioned within the bending region ofthe fist ire side- ‘al the sidewall groove deforming segment by segment between a nondeformed stale and @ deformed, con- Svicted state in response to bending ofthe bending re- ion of the frst sidewall while racially within the rolling tire footprint. Anairpassagewayis defined by the sidewall ‘groove and deforms segment by segment between an expanded condition and an at least partially collapsed Condition in response to respective segment by segment deformation ofthe sidewall groove when cacially within the roling tire footprint. 10026] According to another preferred aspect for use with the present invention, the thermoplastic material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, poly. propylene, polyamide, polyester, polyphenylene ether, ‘and polyphthalamide. 10027] According to stil another preferred aspect for se ith the present invention, the thermoplasticmaterial 's polyethylene. [0028] According to yet another preferred aspect for se with the present invention, the rigid structure further ‘comprises an adhesive selected from the group consist- 10 Po 0 ing of an RFL adhesive and an epoxy-based adhesive [0029] According to still another preferred aspect for use with the present invention, the thermoplasticmaterial ‘comprises a pluallty of thermoplastic layers. [0030] According to yet another preferred aspect for use with the present invention, the thermoplastic material ‘comprises a plurality of thermoplastic layers wherein the thermoplastic layers have a layer thickness ranging from 0.1101 mm, 10031] According to stil another preferred aspect for use with the presentinvention, the thermoplastic material ‘comprises atleast ten thermoplastic layers, [0032] According to yet another prefered aspect for use with the presentinvention, the thermoplastic material ‘comprises a plurality of thermoplastic layers with an ad- hesive disposed between the thermoplastic layers, 10033] According to stil another preferred aspect for Use with the present invention, the thermoplastic material ‘comprises at least ten thermoplastic ayers with an ad- hesive disposed between the thermoplastic layers. [0034] According to yet another preferred aspect for use with the present invention, the rigid structure Is con- structed of ulta high molecular weight polyethylene. 10035] According to stil another preferred aspect for sewith the present invention, the rigid structure and the tire define a builtin ube-tke caviy [0036] According to yet another preferred aspect for se with the present invention, the rigid structure and the tire reroute pressurized toa pump assembly, and from there, ino the pneumatic cavity. 10037] According to stil another preferred aspect for use with the present invention, a separate tube is dis- posed within the sidewall groove, the separate tube de- fining a circular alr passageway. 10038] According to yet another prefered aspect for se with the present invention, the separate tube has an cuter profile corresponding to an inner profileof the side- wall groove, 10039] According to stil another preferred aspect for se with the present invention, the rigid structure com- prises a plurality of check valves disposed al multiple arcuate positions about the sidewall groove. [0040] According to yet another prefered aspect for se with the present invention, the rigid structure and the tiredefine.abul-in tube-tke cavity; andthe rigidstucture ‘and the te reroute pressurized air to a pump assembly, {and rom there, into the pneumatic cavity. [0041] According to sill anotier preferred aspect for use withthe present invention, a subooat is applied to a bare surface ofthe rig structure; and a topcoat applied to the subcoat, 10042} According to yet another preferred aspect for se with the present invention, the compound cement is ‘applied tothe topcoat, [0043] According to stil another preferred aspect for se with the present invention, the subcoatis dried tothe bare surface ofthe rigid structure at 180°C for 8 min for instance, 5 EP 2730 437 At 6 Definitions [0044] “Axia” and “axially means lines or directions that are parallel tothe axis of rotation ofthe tre [0045] "Circumferentia” means lines or directions ex- tending along the perimeter of the surface ofthe annular tread perpendicular to the axial direction. [0046] "Equatorial Centerpiane (CP)" means the plane perpendicular to the tie's axis of rotation and passing through the center of the tread [0047] "Footprint" means the contact patch or area of Contact ofthe tre tread with a flat surface at zero speed ‘and under normal load and pressure. [0048] *Laterar” means an axial direction. [0049] *Peristatc” means operating by means of wave-like contractions that propel contained matter, such a a, along tubular pathways. [0050] “Radiar" and "adially" means directions radially toward or away trom the axis of rotation of the te. Brief Description ofthe Drawings 10054] The invention will be described by way of ex- ‘ample and with reference tothe accompanying drawings Fig-1: Schematic perspective view of part of an ex- ‘ample assembly in accordance withthe present in- vention, Fig-2: Schematic perspective view of another part of anexampleassemblyinaccordance with the present invention, Fig-3: Schematic perspective view of pat of another ‘example assembly in acoordance withthe present invention, Detailed Description of Examples ofthe Present inven. tion 10052] An example tire assembly may include a tire, a peristaltic pump assembly, and a te rim. The tire may ‘mount in conventional fashion to a pai of rim mounting surfaces adjacent outerrim flanges. The im flanges may each have a radially outward facing flange end. A rim bbady may support the tre assembly, The tre may be of Conventional construction, having a par of sidewalls ex- tending from opposite bead ateas toa erown or tre tread region. The tre and rim enclose a tre cavity 10053] |The example peristaltic pump assembly may in ‘clude an annular air tube that encloses an annular pas- ssageway. The tube may be formed of a resilient, exible ‘material such as plastic or rubber compounds that are capable of withstanding repeated deformation eycles of a flattened condition subject to external force and, upon removal of such force, returned to an original condition ‘generally circular in cross-section, The tube may have a ciameter sufficient to operatively pass a volume of air for ‘purposes described herein and allowing a postioning of the tube in an operable location within te tre assembly. 10 Po 0 In one example configuration, the tube may be an elon- gate, generally eliptical shape in cross-section, having ‘opposite tube sidewalls extending from a flat (closed) tailing tube end to a radiussed (open) leading ube end, The tude may have a longitudinal outwardly projecting pairoflocking detentribs of generally semi-circular cross- section and each rip extending along outward surfaces ofthe sidewalls, respectively 10054] The example tube may have a length within a range of 3.65 mm to 3.80 mm; a wath within @ range of 2.2 mmto3.8mm; andatralling end width within arange of 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm. The protruding detent ribs may each have aradius of curvature within arange of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm and each rib may be located at a position distance within arange of 1.8 mm to2.0mmot the alling lube end, The leading end ofthe tube may have aradius within a range of 1.1 mmo 1.9 mm, The ar passageway Within the tube may likewise be generally eliptical with a length within arange of 2.2 mm to 2.3 mm; and a width within a range of 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm. 10035] Thetubemaybe profled andgeometrically con- figured for insertion into a groove. The groove may have ‘an elongate, generally elliptical configuration with a length within a range of 3.65 mm to 3.80 mm cample- ‘mentary to the eliptical shape of the tube. The groove may include a restricted narrower entryway having a ‘nominal cross-sectional width within a range of 0.8 mm 0 1.0 mm. A palr of groove-rib receiving axial detent channels of semi-circular configuration may be formed within opposite sides ofthe groove for corresponding re- Ceipt of the tube locking ribs. The channels may be spaced approximately a distance win a range of 1.8 ‘mim to 2.0 mm of the groove entryway. Detent channe's ‘may each have a radius of curvature within a range of (0.2 mm to 0.5 mm, Aninward detent groove portion may be formed with a radius of curvature within arange of 1.1 ‘mmto 1.9mm anda cross-sectional nominal with within a range of 2.2 mm to 3.8 mn. [0056] The te may further form one or more compres- sion ribs extending the eiccumference of, and projecting Into, the groove. The ribs may form a pattern of ribs of prescribed pitch, frequency, and location. The ribs may bbe formed in a Sequence and pitch pattern in order to ‘optimize the pumping of air through the tube passage- way. The ribs may each have @ unique and predeter- ‘mined height and placement within the pattern and project outward into the groove ata radius within arange (0F0.95 mm to 1.60 mm, 10057] The peristaltic pump assembly may further in- clude an inlet device and an oullet device are preferably spaced apart approximately 180 degrees al respective locations along the circumferential tube. The example outlet device may have a-shaped configuration inwhich conduits direct air to, and from, the tie cavity. An outlet device housing may contain conduit arms that integrally extend ffom respective conduits. Each of the conduit ‘arms may have external coupling ribs for retaining the Conduits within disconnected ends of the air tube inthe 7 EP 2730 437 At 8 assembled condition. The housing may be formedhaving ‘an external geometry that complements the groove and includes a flat end, a radiused generally oblong body, ‘and outwardly projecting longitudinal detent ribs. The housing may thus be capable of close receipt into the ‘groove at its intended location with the ribs registering within the groove. 10058] The inlet device may include an elongate out- ward sleeve body joining an elongate inward sleeve body at a narrow sleeve neck. The outward sleeve body may ‘be generally triangularin section, The inward sleeve body ‘may have an oblong external geometry complementary to the groove and may include a pair of detent ribs ex: tending longitudinally along the inward sleeve body. An elongate air ety tube may be postioned within the in- ward sleeve body and may include opposite tube ends ‘and a patter of entry apertures extending into a central tube passageway. External rss may secure the tube tends inthe air tube opposite the outlet device. 10059] The pump assembly may comprise the air tube and inlet and outlet devices affied inline tothe air tube ‘at respective locations preferably 180 degrees apart ‘when inserted into the groove. The groove may be local- ed at a lower sidewall region of the tre that, when the tire is mounted to the rim, postions the air tube above the rim flange ends. Upon fullinsertion, the ribs may reg. ster within the groove channels and the lat outer end of the tube may be generally coplanar withthe outer surface ofthe sidewall ofthe tre. Once fully inserted, the alr pas- ssageway ofthe tube may elastically restore itself into an ‘open condition to allow the flow of alr along the tube dur- ing operation ofthe pump. 10060] The inlet device and the outlet device may be posiionedwithin the crcumference ofthe crcularalrtube ‘generally 180 degrees apart, The tie with the tube post- tioned within the groove rotates ina direction ofrtation, Causing a footprint to be formed against the ground sur- face. A compressive force is directed into the tie from the footprint and acts to fatten a segment of the air tube passageway adjacent the footprint, Flatlening of a seg- ment of the passageway forces air from the segment along the tube passageway in a direction toward the out- let deviee. 10064] Aste tre continues o rotate along the ground surface, the tube may be sequentialy flattened or ‘squeezed adjacent the tre footprint, segment by seg- ‘ment, ina direction opposite to the direction rotation. A ‘sequential flattening of the tube passageway, segment by segment, may cause evacuated air from the fattened segments to be pumped inthe direction of rotation within the tube passageway toward the outlet device. Air may flow through the outlet device and tothe tre cavity, Ar exiting the outlet device may be routed tothe tire cavity and serve lo reinflate and/or sustain the tire ata desired pressure level. A valve system to regulate the flow of air to the cavity, when the air pressure within the cavity flis toa prescribed level, is shown and described in US-A- 201110272073, Patent Applicant Serial No, 13/561,155, 10 Po 0 filed July 30, 2012. 10062] With the tire rotates, flattened tube segments may be sequentially refiled by air flowing into the inlet device. The inflow of air into the inlet device, and then Into the tube passageway, may continue untl the outlet device, rotating in a counterclockwise direction, moves ‘away fom or passes the tre footprint. The tube may con- tinue to be sequentially fattened, segment by segment, ‘adjacent the tire footprint by a compressive force ofthe vehicle load. Air may be pumped in the clockwise direc- tion to the inlet device and evacuated or exhausted ex- temal to the tre. Passage of exhaust air from the inlet device may occur through a fiter sleeve exemplary formed of acellular or porousmaterialor composite, Flow of air through the fiter sleeve and into the tube may thus cleanse debris or particulates trom the inlet a, In an ‘exhaust or reverse flow of air direction, the fiter sleeve may be cleansed of trapped accumulated debris or par- ticles within the porous medium. With the evacuation of ‘pumped air out ofthe inlet device, the outlet device may be in aclosed position preventing arflow'tothetire cavity. When te te rotates further a counterclockwise direc- tion unt the inlet device moves toward the tire footprint, the aiffow may resume to the outlet device and cause the pumped air to flaw into the tire cavity. Air pressure within te tire cavity may thus be maintained ata desired level. 10063] The tube may be flattened, segment by seg- ‘ment, asthe tie rotates, A flattened segment may move counterclockwise as itis rotated away from th tre foot- print while an adjacent segment moves adjacent the tire footprint ands fattened. Accordingly, the progression of squeezed or flattened or closed tube segments may ‘move alr toward the outlet device or the init device de- pending on the rotational position of the tie relative to these devices. As each segmentis moved by tre rotation ‘away from the ire footprint, the compression forces with- in the tre from the footprint region may be eliminated and the segment may resiliently reconfigure into an un- ‘squeezed or unflattened or open condition as the seg- ‘ment rel with ac from the passageway. Inthe orginal rnon-latiened configuration, segments of the tube may resume the exempiary oblong generally eliptcal cross- sectional shape, [0064] The above-described cycle may repeal for each tke revolution, with half of each rotation resulting In ‘pumped air to the te cavity and half of each rotation resuling in pumped air moving back out the fier sleeve of the inlet device for selcleaning of the fier. t may be appreciated that while the direction of rotation of the tire ‘may be counterclockwise, the example ire assembly and its peristaltic pump assembly may function in alike man- ner ina clockwise direction of rotation as well. The per- 'stalc pump assembly may accordingly be bi-directional ‘and equally functional withthe tre and vehicle moving in 2 forward or reverse direction of rotalion and forward or reverse direction ofthe vehicle. 10065] The tube may be located within the groove in a 9 EP 2730 437 At 10 lower region ofthe sidewall ofthe lire, The passageway ofthe tube may close by compression strain bending of the sidewall groove within or adjacent the roling tire foot print. The location of the tube inthe sidewall may provide freedom of placement thereby avoiding contact between the tube and the rim. Higher placement ofthe tube inthe sidewall groove may use high deformation characteris tics ofthis region ofthe sidewall as it passes through or ‘adjacent the tire footprint to close the tube. [0066] The configuration and operation may be a vat- [able pressure pump compression ofthe tube by opera- tion of ridges or compression ribs within the groove. The ‘groove may be uniform width ircumferentialy along the side of the tire with the molded ridgestits formed to project into the groove in a preselected sequence, pat- ter, or array. The ridges may retain the tube in a prede- termined orientation within the groove and also may ap- ply a variable sequential constictonlclosing force tothe tube, 10067] The uniformly dimensioned pump tube may be positioned within the groove by mechanically spreading the entryway ofthe groove apart. The tube may then be Inserted into the enlarged entryway of the groove. The eniryway of the groove may thereafter be released to retur to close into ts original spacing thereby capturing the tube inside the groove. Longitudinal locking rs of the tube may thus be capturefioc the tube into the lon- itudinal groove. The locking ris resultingly operate to lock the tube inside the groove and prevent ejection of the tube from the groove during tre operationiratation, ‘Alternatively, the tube may be pressed into the groove. [0068] The tube, being of uniform width dimensions ‘and geometry, may be manufactured in large quantities, Moreover, auniform dimensioned pump ube may reduce overall assembly time, material cost, and non-uniformity of tube inventory. From a uniformity perspective, this re- sults in less serap. 10069] The circumferential ridges projecting into the ‘groove may increase in frequency (number of ridges per ‘axial groove unit of length) toward the Inlet passage of the tube, adjacent the outlet deviee. Each ofthe ridges ‘may have a common radius dimension within a range of (0.15 mm to 0.30 mm. The spacing between ridges may be largest, the spacing between the next largest, and 80 ‘on until the spacing between ridges is nominally elim nated, More of fewer ridges may be deployed at various frequencies along the groove. 10070] The projection ofthe ridges into the groove by a radius may serve a twofold purpose. First, the ridges ‘may engage the lube and prevent the tube from migrat- ing, oF "waking", along the groove during tre opera- tion/otation from the intended location ofthe tube. Sec- ondly, the ridges may compress the segment ofthe tube ‘opposite each ridge io a greater extent as the tie rotates through its rotary pumping cycle. The flexing ofthe side- Wall may manifest a compression force through each ridge and may constricVclose the tube segment adjacent such idge toa greater extent than otherwise would occur 10 Po in tube segments adjacent non-rdged portions of the ‘groove. As the frequency ofthe ridges increases in the direction ofa flow, a pinching of the tube passageway ‘may progressively occur unl the passageway consvcts, ‘gradually reducing the air volume and increasing the at pressure, 10071] As aresull, with the presence ofthe ridges, the ‘gToove may provide variable pumping pressure within the tube configured to have a uniform dimension the- realong. As such, the sidewall groove may be a variable pressure pump groove functioning to apply a variable pressure to a tube situated within the graave. It will be appreciated that the degree of pumping pressure varia- tion may be determined by the itch or ridge frequency Within the groove and the amplitude of the ridges de- ployed relative to the dlamettic dimensions of the tube passageway, The greater the ridge amplitude relative to the dlameter, the more air volume may be reduced inthe tube segmentadjacent the ridge and pressure increased, and vice versa [0072] Fromthe forgoing, willbe appreciated thatthe ‘example assembly may comprise a b+-direclionally per- 'staltc pump assembly for ar maintenance ofa tre. The Circular air ube may flatlen, segment by segment, and close when agjacentthe tire footprint. The ar inlet device ‘may include an outer filer sleeve formed of porous cel- lular material and thereby render the ar inlet device sel- Cleaning. The outlet device may employ a valve unit, The peristaltic pump assembly may pump air through rotation ofthetire in either direction, onehalfofarevolution pump- Ing air othe tre cavity and the other half ofa revolution ‘pumping air back out of the inlet device. The peristaltic ‘pump assembly may be used witha secondary tre pres- ‘sure monitoring system (TPMS) (not shown) that may serve asa system faultdetector. The TPMSmay be used to detect any faut inthe selF-nflation system ofthe tire assembly and alert the user of such a condition. 10073] The tre air maintenance system may further in- Corporate a variable pressure pump groove with one or mote inwardly drected ridges or ris engaging and com- pressing a segment of the alr tube adjacent such rib(s) The pitch or frequency of the rss may increase toward the outlet device for gradually reducing air volume within the passageway by compressing the tube. The reduction in air volume may increase air pressure witin the pas- sageway and thereby faciltale a more efficent airflow from the tube into the tre cavity. The increase in tube pressure may be achieved by engagement by the ribs of the groove and the tube having uniform dimensions along the tube length. The tube may thus be made of uniform dimension and of relatively smaller size without compro- rising the flow pressure of air tothe tie cavity for main- taining ar pressure. The pitch andampltude ofthe ridges ‘may both be variedto better achieve the desired pressure increase within the passageway. [0074] Structures in a pneumatic tre may require the ‘altaching or securing of certain pats, functional devices, ‘andlor connectors to a rubber part of the tire (e.., the " EP 2730 437 At 2 inneriiner). For example, the structures ofthe example air maintenance tire descrited above may require attach- ing tothe tire within the tre cavity. Such structures typi cally encounter high stresses during operating conditions ofthe tre. Thus, song attachment of such structures is desired since a bond break atthe structure's surface will likely lead to destruction of the assembly andior the in tegtiy ofthe tre as a whole [0075] | Amethod in accordance wit the presentinven tion molds a shape on the inside surfacetinnerliner of a tie cavity, The method may include the step of filing a slcone mold/patch with green rubber and place iton the inside ofthe tre cavity ofthe greentire. The inner surface ofthe mold may be shaped correspondingly to the object to be secured/molded to the inside surfacefinnerliner of the pneumatic ti. After the installation of the slcone ‘mold containing the green rubber on the surface of the green tire, the green tire and siicone mold are cured in a vuleanizing press, 10076] The bladder ofthe vuleanizing press may apply pressure and heat tothe slicone mold and surrounding green rubber thereby molding the rubber of the green tie with the appropriate shape and curing/vulcanizing!stabt- ling the rubber around the silcone mold. The silcone ‘mold may then be removed after the tire is removed from the press. Such a method may form a docking base for the hydraulic pump (AMT) described above. Further, the ‘method may create ary fixation system inside the cured pneumatic tre (@.g., for an electronic or other sensor, a balancing weight, an air compressor, etc). Additionally, the siicone mold may shape the rubber of the green tire into a functioning device such as a lever arm fr facial ing actuation ofa hydraulic pump. 1007] Such a method is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, ‘method in accordance with the present Invention may ‘mold a shape for mounting onthe inside surface such as ‘an innerliner 20 of a ire cavity 12 of a pneumatic tire 10 ‘The method may fila slicone mold or a patch 16 with ‘green rubber and place it on the inside ofthe tire cavity 412 of the green tie. The inner surface of the mold or patch 16 may be shaped inverse correspondingly tothe object 22 tobe securedimolded tothe inside surfacesin- nerliner 20 of the pneumatic tre 10 (FIGS. 2-3). After temporary installation of the mold/patch 16 (such as a siligone mold) containing the green rubber onthe surface 2othe green tre, the greentire and moldipatch 16may be cured in a vulcanizing press. The moldigreen rubber ‘may be temporarily secured tothe green tie by any sul: ‘able method. 10078] The bladder ofthe vuleanizing press may apply pressure and heat othe silicone mold 16 and surround- ing green rubber thereby molding the rubber ofthe green tire with the appropriate shape and curing'vulcaniz- inglstabiizing the rubber within and around the silcone ‘mold thereby forming a docking base 14 integral to the inner surface 20 of the pneumatic tite 10 (FIG. 1). The silicone mold 16 may then be removed after the pneu- ‘matic tre 10 is removed from the press. Such a method 10 Po 0 ‘may form adocking base 14 forthe hydraulicpump (AMT) 22 described above (FIG. 2). Further, the method may create any fixation system inside the cured pneumatic tire 10 (e.9,, fora sensor, a balance weight, an air com- pressor, etc). Additionally, the slicone mold 16 may shape the rubber ofthe green tire into a functioning de- Vice such asa lever arm 18 for facilitating actuation of a hydraulic pump 22 (FIG. 3). In operation, the inner sur- facefinnertnerisidewall 20 ofthe pneumatic tre 10 may flex when adjacent the tie footprint thereby flexing the docking base 14 and lever arm 18, The docking base 14 ‘and lever arm 18 may thus actuateldeform the hydraulic ‘pump 22 periodically or once every rotation ofthe pneu- matic tre 10. [0079] FIG. 4 shows another device 30, such as a two piece hydraulic pump, installed using the method in ac- cordance withthe present invention. The device 30 may Include two pieces 31,32 mounted tothe innerliner/side- wall 20 and interconnected by tubing 33. Each piece 31, 32 may be atlached tothe innertiner/sidewall 20 with its ‘own docking base 14. Claims ‘A pneumatic tire assembly comprising a pneumatic tie (10) having an inner cavity (12) and an inner sur- face (20) at least partially defining the inner cavity (12), structure (22) for facitating operation of the tire assembly, and a docking base (14) for securing the structure (22) tothe nner surface (20) of the inner cavity (12), wherein the docking base (14); bonded to the inner surface (20) and has a shape which is formable by amoldattachedto the inner surface (20) (ofthe inner cavity (12) during @ curing ofthe pneu- matic tire (10). 2, The pneumatic tre assembly as set forth in claim 1 vhereinthe inner surface (20) of theinner cavity (12) |s for maintaining pressurized ai-withinthe nner cav- ity (12), 3, The pneumatic tre assembly as set forth in claim 4 or 2 wherein the structure (22) is @ hydraulic pump for maintaining air in an inner cavity (12) of an air ‘maintenance te, wherein the structure (22) is an electronic sensor, wherein the structure (22) aba ancing weight fr the pneumatic re (10), or wherein the structure (22) an air compressor for maintain- ing air in an inner cavity (12) ofan air maintenance tie. 4. The pneumatic tre assembly as set forth in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the structure (22) is secured to the ‘pneumatic tre (10) by the docketing base (14), '5, The pneumatic tre assembly as set forth in at least ‘one ofthe previous claims further including @ second 1, 13, 3 EP 2730 437 At 14 docking base for securing a second structure to the inner surface (10) of the inner cavity (12) or for facil itating operation ofthe pneumatic ire assembly. ‘The pneumatic ire assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein the second docking base is bonded to the inner surface (20) and has a shape whichis formable by a mold attached to the inner surface (20) ofthe inner cavity (12) during @ curing ofthe pneumatictice (10) ‘The pneumatic ire assembly as set forth in claim 5 (6 wherein the structure (20) is a hydraulic pump for maintaining air in an inner cavity ofan ar main- tenance tre and the second structure is an alr com- pressor for maintaining arin the inner caviy ofthe air maintenance tie, ‘The pneumatic tre assembly as set forth in atleast Cone of the previous claims wherein the docking base (14) includes a lever arm (18) fr facilitating opera- tion ofthe structure (22) during a rotation ofthe pneu- mati tire (10) under a load ‘The pneumatic ie assembly system as set forth in atleastone ofthe previous claims wherein the dock- ing base (14) is shaped inverse correspondingly to the structure (22) andlor wherein the seconddocking base is shaped inverse correspondingly to the sec- fond structure, ‘The system as setforthinatleastone ofthe previous claims wherein the second structure is an aie com- pressor secured to the pneumatic tie (10) by the ‘second docking base. ‘The pneumatic tre assembly as set forth in atleast ‘one of the previous claims wherein the structure (20) andlor the second structure is @ rigid stucture, A system for maintaining air pressure within a cavity (12) ofa pneumatic tie (10), the system comprising a pneumatic tire assembly in accordance with at least one of the previous claims. ‘A method for securing @ device (30) to @ pneumatic tire (10), the method comprising the steps of: Positioning a mold and green rubber within the ‘mold on an inner surface (20) ofan inner cavity (12) ofa green tie; lemporarly securing the mold and green rubber to the inner surface (20); locating the greene within vuleanizing press; curing the green tre by the vulcanizing press; removing the cured tire from the vulcanizing press; removing the mold from the inner surface; and 10 Po 0 ‘securing the device (30) to a dacking base (14) formed integral tothe inner surface (20) by the mold, 44, The method as set fort in claim 13 further Including the step of applying heat and pressure by a bladder to the mold and surrounding green rubber thereby ‘molding the rubber of the green tie and the green rubber within the mold together with an appropriate shape; andlor further including the step of shaping the green rubber of the mold info a lever arm for facilitating operation of the device (30) during rota- tion ofthe pneumatic tire (10) under a load, 45, The method as set forth in claim 13 or 14 further Including the steps of: temporarily securing a second mold and more ‘green rubber to the inner surface (20) prior to curing the green tre: removing the second mold from the inner sur- face subsequent to removing the cured te from the vuleanizing press; and ‘securing a second device to @ second docking base formed integra tothe inner surface by the ‘second mold. MLS SS Ae , ed Kyi) ASG > Vas. — EP 2730 437 At Ales numoer EUROPEAN SEARCH REPORT Ep 13 19 1496 DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT

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