Buttress Protector Tire Structure for Curbstone Cut Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small-diameter pneumatic tires used on small shuttle buses face challenges in cut resistance when frequently stopped near curbstones, leading to potential punctures or wheel damage.
Innovation Solution
The pneumatic tire design includes a tread portion with a wide ground contact surface, sidewall portions with buttress portions and a protector protruding outward in the tire axial direction, which reduces contact with curbstones and enhances cut resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a small-diameter tire is used to reduce tire size for small shuttle buses, then the tire can fit compact vehicle spaces, but the cut resistance against curbstones deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a protruding structure in the axial direction (another dimension) to the sidewall portion, specifically positioning it at the buttress portion where the sidewall meets the tread. This protrusion extends outward to increase the distance between the curbstone and critical tire components, providing cut resistance without increasing the overall radial height of the tire significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding structure is positioned in advance at the buttress portion of the sidewall, which is the first point of contact when the tire approaches a curbstone. This preliminary positioning allows the protrusion to make initial contact with the curbstone, preventing the curbstone from reaching and damaging the bead or tread components.
2Strength
If the rim width is increased to improve structural stability, then the tire can better support vehicle loads, but the tire inner cavity volume decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges: rim width RW is 78% to 99% of tire cross-sectional width SW, and cross-sectional height SH to width SW ratio is 30% to 45%. These parameter optimizations allow the tire to achieve adequate structural stability while maintaining sufficient inner cavity volume for small-diameter tire applications.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing rim width (one dimension) to improve structural stability, the patent uses the protruding structure at the buttress portion (extending in the axial dimension) to provide the necessary support and protection, thereby maintaining tire inner cavity volume while achieving structural stability.
3Reliability
If a protector protruding outward in the axial direction is added to the buttress portion, then cut resistance against curbstones is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding structure is merged with the sidewall portion and integrated into the buttress region, forming a unified structural element rather than a separate attachment. This integration reduces manufacturing complexity while providing the necessary cut resistance function.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding structure is localized specifically at the buttress portion of the sidewall, which is the critical area for curbstone contact. This localized approach provides cut resistance where needed without adding complexity to the entire tire structure.
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A pneumatic tire 1 that is mounted and used on a rim R includes a tread portion 2 having a ground contact surface 2s, and a pair of sidewall portions 3 extending inward in a tire radial direction from both sides of the tread portion 2 in a tire axial direction . The rim R has a rim diameter RD of 10 to 18 inches. The rim R has a rim width RW that is 78% to 99% of a cross-sectional width SW of the tire. A ratio SH/SW of a cross-sectional height SH of the tire to the cross-sectional width SW is 30% to 45%. Each sidewall portion 3 has a buttress portion 3a located on an outer side in the tire radial direction. A protector 8 protruding outward in the tire axial direction is disposed on at least one of a pair of the buttress portions 3a.