Closed Sipe Tread Layout for Ice Braking and Turning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tires face challenges in achieving improved braking, driving, and turning performance on ice due to the reduction in the number of sipes per unit length in the tire circumferential direction, which can impair performance.
Innovation Solution
A tire design featuring closed sipes with specific configurations, including first and second sipe pieces extending in the tire axial direction and a third sipe piece inclined relative to the axial direction, arranged to overlap in both axial and circumferential directions, enhancing frictional force and pattern rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sipes including a component extending in the tire circumferential direction are arranged to increase frictional force in the tire axial direction, then turning performance on ice is improved, but the number of sipes per unit length in the tire circumferential direction decreases, which may impair braking/driving performance on ice
Solution Approach 1:
The sipes are designed with a three-dimensional configuration including a first sipe piece extending in the tire axial direction, a second sipe piece extending in the tire axial direction, and a third sipe piece inclined between them, creating a stepped or zigzag pattern. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows the sipes to provide both axial frictional force for turning and maintain sufficient circumferential density for braking and driving performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sipe is divided into multiple segments (first sipe piece, second sipe piece, third sipe piece) that are arranged in a stepped or zigzag pattern. This segmentation allows the sipe to function in multiple directions simultaneously, providing both axial and circumferential components for improved performance in both turning and braking/driving operations.
2Reliability
If a plurality of sipes are arranged in the tire circumferential direction to improve braking/driving performance, then frictional force on ice is enhanced, but the complexity of the sipe configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sipe pieces (first, second, and third sipe pieces) are merged into a single integrated sipe structure that functions as one unit. This merging approach provides the complex multi-directional functionality needed for both braking/driving and turning performance while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and structural integrity.
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 design provides excellent braking, driving, and turning performance on ice by maintaining sipe integrity and reducing clogging, while improving steering stability and wear resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The sipes exert a road surface scratching force (edge effect) by their edges, and consequently enhance performance on ice
Implementation Method 2
In order to increase the frictional force in the tire axial direction, sipes including a component extending in the tire circumferential direction are arranged
Data Source
AI summary
A tire comprises a tread portion including a land portion. In the land portion, closed sipes are arranged in a tire axial direction. Each of the closed sipes includes a first end, a second end, a first sipe piece extending in the tire axial direction on a first end side, a second sipe piece extending in the tire axial direction on a second end side, and a third sipe piece inclined with respect to the tire axial direction and positioned between the first sipe piece and the second sipe piece. The closed sipes arranged in the tire axial direction overlap each other in the tire axial direction.