Pneumatic Tire Constricted Tread Blocks Snow Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pneumatic tires with tread blocks and grooves do not provide sufficient on-snow performance.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic tire design featuring tread blocks with constricted sections, each having V-shaped top edges that protrude towards the center, forming narrow portions between recesses on either side of the block, enhancing snow compression and traction by distributing deformation and pressure across the tire surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tread blocks with grooves are used, then the tire structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the on-snow performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tread block is segmented into multiple regions including first and second recesses with V-shaped top edges, creating distinct functional zones within the block that enhance snow interaction while maintaining manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the tread block are given different local characteristics - the V-shaped top edges create narrow portions for snow compression, while the recesses provide space for snow accumulation and shearing, optimizing performance in specific locations
2Reliability
If tread blocks with recesses are added to improve snow performance, then on-snow traction is enhanced, but the risk of crack formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The V-shaped top edges are pre-formed to create narrow portions that guide snow into the recesses before the tire encounters snowy conditions, enabling immediate snow compression and column formation without requiring block deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The recesses are pre-formed to accommodate snow accumulation, preventing stress concentration that would otherwise lead to crack formation in the tread block during snow interaction
3Reliability
If the V-shaped top edges protrude towards the center forming narrow portions, then snow compression efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex V-shaped top edge geometry is segmented into manageable sections that can be formed using standard tire manufacturing techniques, reducing the precision requirements while maintaining functional effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The dimensions and angles of the V-shaped top edges are optimized to achieve effective snow compression with tolerances compatible with conventional tire manufacturing processes, balancing performance with manufacturability
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 tire achieves improved on-snow performance by compressing and shearing snow into hard columns, generating increased traction while maintaining durability and preventing cracks, as demonstrated by enhanced traction and wear resistance in comparative testing.
Implementation Method 1
compressing and shearing snow into hard columns, generating increased traction
Implementation Method 2
distributing deformation and pressure across the tire surface
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic tire includes a tread portion including a plurality of tread blocks including at least one constricted block with a first recess disposed on axially one side of the block and a second recess disposed on axially other side of the block so as to form a narrow portion between the first recess and the second recess. Each of the first recess and the second recess includes a V-shaped top edge on a ground contacting surface of the block. Each of the V-shaped top edges protrudes toward a center of the block in a planar view of the block.