Conductive Strip Positioning for Tire Static Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accumulation of static electricity in tires made from non-conductive materials leads to issues like electric shocks, premature aging, and malfunctioning of electronic devices due to the lack of a flow path for electrical charges, and the addition of conductive strips to address this problem can cause irregular wear and vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A conductive strip of small thickness and width is integrated between the tread and the crown reinforcement, positioned circumferentially and angularly opposite to the connection region of the carcass reinforcement, to create a path for electrical charges while minimizing the impact on tire uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conductive strip is added to the tire to discharge electrical charges, then the electrical conductivity is improved, but the tire uniformity deteriorates causing irregular wear and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the conductive strip at a specific location (diametrically opposite to the carcass reinforcement bonding region) rather than distributing it uniformly. This localized placement ensures electrical charge discharge capability while minimizing disruption to tire uniformity and wear patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive strip is segmented into a narrow width (5-20 mm) rather than being a wide continuous conductor. This segmentation reduces the strip's impact on tire uniformity while maintaining sufficient electrical conductivity for charge discharge.
2Loss of energy
If non-conductive elastomeric materials with low hysteresis are used in the tread, then rolling resistance and fuel consumption are reduced, but electrical charge accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical conduction function from the structural elastomeric material by introducing a separate narrow conductive strip. This allows the main tread material to remain non-conductive (maintaining low rolling resistance) while the strip provides the necessary electrical conductivity for charge discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive strip acts as an intermediary element between the non-conductive tread material and the tire's electrical charge accumulation problem. It provides a dedicated pathway for electrical conduction without requiring the entire tread material to be conductive, thus preserving the low rolling resistance properties.
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
This solution effectively evacuates electrical charges without causing irregular wear, maintaining tire uniformity and preventing vibrations, thus ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive strip made of an electrically conductive rubbery material and arranged between the tread and the crown reinforcement... in order to create a path for the conduction of electrical charges
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
A tyre comprising beads extended by sidewalls that are in turn connected to a crown zone comprising a crown reinforcement on which a tyre tread, composed of at least one non-electrically-conductive material, is positioned radially outwards, the tyre comprising a carcass reinforcement (5) extending from bead to bead and wound about an axis to form a connecting region ensuring good mechanical strength, wherein the tyre comprises at least one conductive strip (7) having a thickness not exceeding 2 mm and of small width, arranged between the tread and the crown reinforcement, and the tyre is such that the conductive strip is located circumferentially such that it is positioned at an angle, diametrically opposite the connecting region of the carcass reinforcement.