Alternating Sipe Segments for Tire Snow Grip and Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fine incisions in vehicle tires for snow grip compromise tire rigidity, leading to impaired dry grip properties and handling on snow due to their design, which either reduces rigidity or hinders the opening and closing of fine incisions.
Innovation Solution
A tread profile design with alternating first and second extension sections in fine incisions, where the first sections have a rectilinear contour aligned primarily in the circumferential direction and the second sections form a three-dimensional structure with a changing orientation, enhancing stiffness and allowing unimpeded opening and closing of fine incisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fine incisions are formed deep and long in profile block elements to increase gripping edge length for snow grip, then snow grip properties are improved, but the rigidity of profile block elements is reduced and dry grip properties are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The fine incision is divided into multiple extension sections (first extension sections and second extension sections) arranged in an alternating sequence. This segmentation allows different portions of the incision to serve different functions: some sections provide gripping edges for snow while others maintain structural rigidity, resolving the contradiction between snow grip and dry grip properties.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the fine incision are designed with different characteristics. The first extension sections and second extension sections have different orientations and depths, creating local variations in the incision structure. This allows the tire to have enhanced snow grip in specific areas while maintaining overall rigidity through strategically placed non-extending sections.
2Reliability
If fine incisions are formed with zigzag or wavy course to increase effective gripping edge length, then traction and braking properties on snow are improved, but the reduction in rigidity increases and drying properties are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The zigzag or wavy fine incision is segmented into alternating first and second extension sections. This segmentation controls the distribution of material removal, ensuring that gripping edges are enhanced where needed while sufficient material remains to maintain the rigidity of the profile block element, thus improving snow traction and braking without excessive rigidity loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forming continuous zigzag patterns throughout the entire fine incision, the patent applies zigzag sections partially in an alternating sequence with non-extending sections. This partial application of the zigzag pattern provides sufficient gripping edge enhancement for snow while avoiding excessive material removal that would compromise overall rigidity and drying properties.
3Strength
If three-dimensional contour is formed along the entire radial extent of fine incision with zigzag shape, then rigidity is increased and dry properties are promoted, but the opening and closing of fine incision on snow is hindered and handling properties are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The fine incision is segmented into alternating first extension sections (with largest directional component in circumferential direction) and second extension sections (with largest directional component in axial direction). This segmentation ensures that not the entire incision is constrained by three-dimensional contouring, allowing sufficient portions to open and close freely for snow grip while other portions provide rigidity enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
Three-dimensional contouring is applied locally to specific extension sections rather than uniformly along the entire radial extent. The first extension sections and second extension sections have different contour characteristics, creating local variations that balance rigidity enhancement with the ability to open and close on snow surfaces, thus maintaining handling properties.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A tread profile of a vehicle tyre comprising profile elements (13) with sipes (14) which are formed in profile elements (13) and which are formed extending along a first main direction of extension extended in the radially outer surface (17) and having the greatest axial direction component and along a second main direction of extension extended radially inwardly proceeding from the radially outer surface (17). The sipe (14), in the extension thereof along the first main direction of extension, extends to a depth (T1) in an alternating sequence of first extension portions (15) arranged in succession, in which the sipe (14) is oriented with a greatest direction component of the extension thereof in the circumferential direction (U), and second extension portions (16), in which it is oriented with a greatest direction component of the extension thereof in the axial direction (A). The sipe (14) is formed in the sectional planes formed at right angles in the radially outer surface (17) with a sectional contour which in the first extension portion (15) is substantially rectilinear and which in the second extension portion (16) is formed with a radial extension portion (20), with rectilinear profile and with a radial extension portion (22), in which the sectional contour also has a direction component which is oriented at right angles hereto and which is formed with alternating orientation along the extension of the sectional contour.