3D Tire Sipe Oscillation Profile for Mold Release and Block Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire sipe formation methods result in constant radial oscillation, compromising between aggressive extraction from molds and reduced stability between tread blocks, leading to difficulties in manufacturing and performance.

Innovation Solution

Varying the intensity of radial oscillation of the sipe blade to create three-dimensional sipes with higher frequency oscillation at outer radial locations for improved stability and lower frequency oscillation at inner radial locations, allowing for better mold removal and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If constant aggressive radial oscillation is used in sipe formation, then tread rubber can be extracted from mold, but stability between adjacent tread blocks is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetread extraction from moldVSAvoidstability between tread blocks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the radial oscillation characteristics of the sipe blade at different radial locations. Specifically, the sipe blade exhibits higher frequency oscillation at outer radial locations to improve stability between tread blocks, while maintaining lower frequency oscillation at inner radial locations to facilitate mold extraction. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each region for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If constant less aggressive radial oscillation is used in sipe formation, then stability between tread blocks is improved, but tread rubber becomes difficult to extract from mold

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability between tread blocksVSAvoidtread extraction from mold
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by creating distinct oscillation zones within the sipe blade. The inner radial portions operate with lower frequency to provide flexibility for mold extraction, while the outer radial portions operate with higher frequency to ensure stability between adjacent tread blocks. This spatial variation in oscillation characteristics simultaneously achieves both manufacturing ease and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If variable radial oscillation intensity is used in sipe formation, then both stability between tread blocks and ease of mold extraction are improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability between tread blocksVSAvoidsipe blade oscillation control
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the sipe blade oscillation characteristics variable rather than fixed. The sipe blade dynamically adjusts its oscillation frequency based on radial location, with higher frequency at outer locations and lower frequency at inner locations. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize both stability and extractability without requiring complex external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3600919B1Variable oscillation three dimensional sipe
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 BRIDGESTONE BANDAG LLC
  • EP3600919B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3600919B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3600919B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tire can include a three-dimensional sipe formed into a tire tread. The three-dimensional sipe can be formed in a tread element of the tire tread and can include a three-dimensional pattern. The three-dimensional sipe can have a first frequency of oscillation at a top end of the three-dimensional sipe and a second frequency of oscillation at a bottom end of the three-dimensional sipe with the first frequency of oscillation being different from the second frequency of oscillation.