Drop-Shaped Tire Bead Core for Stability and Air Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic tires face challenges in maintaining bead stability and air sealing performance without compromising other tire properties.
Innovation Solution
The pneumatic tire incorporates a drop-shaped bead core with a circular portion and a tapering portion, along with an apex attached to the bead core, which enhances stability and air sealing while maintaining tire performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional bead structure is used, then the tire can be manufactured with simple structure, but the bead stability and air sealing performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bead core is divided into two distinct portions: a circular portion providing structural foundation and a tapering portion extending radially outwardly to engage with the apex. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill specific functions - the circular portion maintains overall bead integrity while the tapering portion enhances air sealing and stability through apex engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The bead core transitions from a symmetric circular cross-section to an asymmetric tapering cross-section that radially outwardly extends. This asymmetric geometry creates a wedge-shaped interface with the apex, improving mechanical interlocking and air sealing performance while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Strength
If the bead core cross sectional area is increased to improve stiffness, then mounting surface support is improved, but the tire width and overall dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bead core concentrates its cross-sectional area in specific critical regions - the circular portion provides foundational support while the tapering portion radially outwardly extends to engage the apex. This localized concentration of material enhances bead stiffness and mounting surface support precisely where needed, without proportionally increasing overall tire width or unnecessary dimensions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 3e~3h
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a pneumatic tire comprising a tread, sidewalls and a first bead (151) and a second bead (152), which beads (151, 152) are spaced apart, the first bead and the second bead comprising: a drop shaped bead core (10), the drop shaped bead core (10) having a cross sectional area comprising or consisting of a circular portion (10a) and a tapering portion (10b), and an apex (20) positioned adjacent and/or against the bead core, the method comprising: connecting the apex to the drop shaped bead core, thereby obtaining an assembly comprising the drop shaped bead core and the apex, pre-forming a tire comprising said assembly, and vulcanizing the pre-formed tire, thereby obtaining the pneumatic tire. The invention further relates to a pneumatic tire.