Convex Tread Block Geometry for Wet Tire Wear Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle tires face challenges in achieving uniform contact pressure distribution and wear on the outer surfaces of profile blocks, particularly on wet surfaces, which affects the channeling of water and overall tread wear.
Innovation Solution
The outer surfaces of profile blocks are designed with continuous convex curvature, maximizing curvature at the midpoint of block edges, with a gradual decrease towards the block edges, ensuring a uniform contact pressure gradient and efficient water channeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the outer surfaces of profile blocks are designed with continuous convex curvature, then water channeling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer surfaces of the profile blocks are designed with continuous convex curvature instead of flat surfaces. This curvature creates a natural gradient that facilitates water displacement from the center toward the grooves, improving water channeling efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing approach through standard molding techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The convex curvature is applied specifically to the outer surfaces of the profile blocks where water channeling is most critical, while other parts of the tire structure maintain their conventional designs. This localized application of curvature optimizes water evacuation without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire tire structure.
2Stress or pressure
If the maximum curvature is positioned at the midpoint of block edges, then contact pressure distribution is improved, but precision requirements for manufacturing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous convex curvature creates a gradual transition of contact pressure from the center of the profile blocks toward the edges, establishing a more uniform pressure distribution pattern. This equipotential approach to pressure distribution reduces stress concentrations and promotes even wear across the tread surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the geometric parameters of the profile blocks by introducing continuous convex curvature with specific radius values. This parameter change transforms the contact pressure distribution characteristics, creating a more favorable pressure gradient without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If shallow convex bulges are used with maximum height of 0.10 mm to 1.00 mm, then uniform wear is achieved, but the effect on water channeling may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than creating large, pronounced bulges that would guarantee water channeling but cause non-uniform wear, the invention uses shallow convex curvatures with controlled maximum heights of 0.10 mm to 1.00 mm. This partial action approach provides sufficient water displacement effect while maintaining uniform contact pressure and promoting even tread wear across the profile blocks.
Data Source
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AI summary
Vehicle tires with a profiled tread with diagonal or transverse grooves (1,1') running at angles of 15° to 85° to the circumferential direction, wherein intersecting diagonal or transverse grooves or grooves connecting successive diagonal or transverse grooves (1, 1') in the circumferential direction define and/or co-define profile blocks (3, 3', 3", 3a, 3'a, 3"a) or block-like profile structures which are bounded at the diagonal or transverse grooves (1,1') by block edges (5a, 5'a, 5"a, 4a, 4'a, 4"a).The outer surfaces of the profile blocks (3, 3', 3", 3a, 3'a, 3"a) or block-like profile structures are continuously convex outwards, such that the maximum curvature is located in the area of a straight line (l3, l3', l3") in plan view, which connects the midpoints of block edges (5a, 5'a, 5"a, 4a, 4'a, 4"a) relative to the edge lengths, with the curvature of the outer surfaces decreasing continuously from the respective line (l3, l3', l3") towards and up to the lateral block edges.