Biodegradable Tire Stud Composition for Low-Noise Winter Traction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tire studs made of metal materials face issues such as high cost, noise generation, and environmental pollution due to material ejection, necessitating the development of biodegradable alternatives.

Innovation Solution

A tire stud comprising a stud body made of biodegradable polymers, including bio-based and synthetic biodegradable materials, with optional reinforcement from fibers and nanoparticles, and a metal or ceramic pin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional metal studs (aluminum) are used, then traction performance is improved, but cost increases and price fluctuation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraction performanceVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from metal to polymer, specifically using reinforced plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE) to maintain mechanical properties while reducing cost and eliminating price fluctuation associated with metal materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by reinforcing polymer studs with fibers or other additives to achieve the necessary mechanical strength and durability for traction performance, combining the advantages of polymer (low cost) with reinforcement (strength)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If metal body studs are used, then structural strength is improved, but noise generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidnoise generation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses polymer materials that are inherently quieter than metal while providing sufficient service life for the application, accepting that the stud body may degrade over time but eliminating the noise problem associated with metal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses fiber-reinforced polymer composites to achieve structural strength comparable to metal while maintaining the noise-reduction benefits of polymer materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If metal body studs are used, then durability is improved, but environmental pollution increases due to material ejection

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidenvironmental pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adopts biodegradable polymer materials that are designed to degrade after a certain service period, eliminating the environmental pollution problem caused by metal particle ejection and accumulation in ecosystems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material composition from non-biodegradable metal to biodegradable polymers, fundamentally altering the environmental behavior of the stud material from persistent pollution to controlled degradation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The biodegradable tire stud reduces environmental impact by ensuring complete degradation within a specified timeframe, minimizing material ejection and noise, while maintaining traction performance.

Implementation Method 1

For the degradation, oxidation and/or hydrolysis occur followed by biological process for lowering of the molar masses of macromolecules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

For the degradation, oxidation and/or hydrolysis occur followed by biological process for lowering of the molar masses of macromolecules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 3

the term 'biodegradable' relates to a compound/material susceptible to degradation by carbon dioxide, water and/or biomass

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBiodegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentEP4364975B1Tire stud comprising a biodegradable polymer and tire with such a tire stud
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO
  • EP4364975B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a tire stud (1) comprising a stud body (3) comprising at least one biodegradable polymer, wherein the at least one biodegradable polymer is one or more of a bio-based biodegradable polymer and a synthetic biodegradable polymer, and a pin (2). Further, the present invention relates to a tire comprising at least one such tire stud (1).