Variable Camber Tire Contact Patch Control for Low Rolling Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric vehicles face a challenge in balancing off-road performance with low rolling resistance, as off-road tires provide high rolling resistance and low rolling resistance tires lack acceptable off-road capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that dynamically adjust the camber of vehicle tires to change the contact patch from one portion of the tire to another, allowing for a combination of low rolling resistance and off-road performance by utilizing tires with distinct rolling characteristics in different portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If off-road tires are used, then off-road performance is improved, but rolling resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoff-road performanceVSAvoidrolling resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The tire is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion with off-road characteristics (aggressive tread pattern) and a second portion with low rolling resistance characteristics (smooth tread pattern). This segmentation allows each portion to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between off-road performance and rolling resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the tire are given different local qualities - the first portion has an aggressive tread pattern for off-road traction, while the second portion has a smooth tread pattern for low rolling resistance. This local differentiation enables the tire to provide both off-road capability and energy efficiency simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If low rolling resistance tires are used, then rolling resistance is reduced, but off-road performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverolling resistanceVSAvoidoff-road performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tire incorporates a movable wheel assembly that can dynamically change camber angle, allowing the contact patch to shift between the first portion (off-road) and second portion (low rolling resistance) based on driving conditions. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt to varying terrain requirements while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tire is designed to perform multiple functions through its two distinct portions - it can provide off-road traction when needed and low rolling resistance during normal driving. The movable wheel assembly enables the tire to switch between these functions, making it a universal solution for both off-road and on-road conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12280825B1Method and system for controlling a vehicle suspension for reduced rolling resistance

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 FCA US LLC

AI summary

A system and method of operating a vehicle includes determining a condition of the vehicle, changing a camber of at least one tire in response to the condition and changing a contact patch from a first portion of the at least one tire from a first portion to a second portion. The first portion has different rolling characteristics from the first portion.