SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FORMING NON-PNEUMATIC TIRES

摘要

A system (10) for molding a non-pneumatic tire includes a lower mold portion (12) including a lower face plate (30) configured to provide a lower relief (34) corresponding to a first side of the tire. The lower mold portion also includes a plurality of lower projections (46) extending from the lower face plate and configured to correspond to cavities in the first side of the tire, wherein the lower projections taper as the lower projections extend from the lower face plate, and wherein at least some of the lower projections are hollow. The system further includes an upper mold portion (14) configured to be coupled to the lower mold portion. The lower mold portion and the upper mold portion are configured to be coupled to one another, such that a hub (16) associated with the tire provides a seal between the lower mold portion and the upper mold portion.