Corrugated Crown Tire With Sidewall Insert to Limit Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with tyres comprising corrugated crown layers do not behave at the expected level due to significant sidewall bending under load, despite the high lateral and vertical rigidity provided by the corrugated crown layers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sidewall insert made of a rigid elastomeric composition with a modulus at 10% extension greater than or equal to 6 MPa and a maximum thickness of 5.0 mm or less, positioned between the sidewall's outer and inner surfaces, to reduce sidewall bending amplitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If corrugated crown layers are used to increase lateral and vertical rigidity, then crown block rigidity is improved, but sidewall bending under load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a sidewall insert with specific material properties (modulus at 10% extension between 6-20 MPa) only in the sidewall region where bending occurs. This localized modification allows the crown block to maintain high rigidity from corrugated layers while the sidewall insert specifically addresses the bending issue without requiring global structural changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the rigid elastomeric composition (with fillers like silica or carbon black) with the existing sidewall structure. The composite nature of the elastomeric composition provides enhanced mechanical properties that reduce sidewall bending while maintaining flexibility, creating a multi-material system that balances rigidity and flexibility requirements.
2Reliability
If sidewall insert with rigid elastomeric composition is added to reduce sidewall bending, then vehicle behavior is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sidewall into two functional zones: the original sidewall material and the added sidewall insert. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the base sidewall provides flexibility and the insert provides rigidity - while simplifying the overall design by addressing only the specific problem area rather than redesigning the entire tire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sidewall insert acts as an intermediary element between the flexible sidewall and the rigid crown block. It mediates the mechanical stresses and deformations, providing a transition zone that reduces sidewall bending amplitude without requiring fundamental changes to either the sidewall or crown block design.
3Strength
If thicker sidewall insert is used to further reduce sidewall bending, then rigidity is improved, but tire weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the thickness of the sidewall insert (0.5-5.0 mm) and the modulus of the elastomeric composition (6-20 MPa). By optimizing these parameters, the invention achieves the minimum necessary rigidity improvement without excessive weight gain, finding the optimal balance point where sufficient performance enhancement is achieved with minimal mass addition.
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
Improves vehicle behavior by providing a better compromise between manufacturing cost and performance, while maintaining high rigidity without significantly increasing tire weight or rolling resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the or each rigid elastomeric composition of the sidewall insert having a modulus at 10% extension greater than or equal to 6 MPa
Data Source
AI summary
A tire (10) not suitable for running flat comprises a crown block (12), two beads (32), and two sidewalls (30) connecting each bead (32) to the crown block (12). The crown block (12) comprises a crown reinforcement (16) comprising a corrugated crown layer (24, 26, 28) comprising corrugations. The sidewall (30) comprises a sidewall insert (90) comprising an elastomeric composition (92) referred to as a rigid elastomeric composition having a modulus at 10% extension greater than or equal to 6 MPa and a maximum thickness (Emax) less than or equal to 5.0 mm.