Heat Insulating Layer for Pneumatic Tire Tread
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic tires experience increased rolling resistance due to hysteretic losses under deformation, which leads to energy loss and elevated temperatures, reducing tire durability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A flexible heat insulating layer with low thermal conductivity is applied radially inward from the tire tread to maintain the tire tread at an elevated temperature above the glass transition temperature, reducing thermal cooling and rolling resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the tire tread operates at elevated temperatures to reduce hysteretic losses and rolling resistance, then energy efficiency improves, but thermal runout and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tire structure is segmented into distinct thermal zones: the tread operates at elevated temperatures for reduced rolling resistance, while the heat insulating layer and interior portions are protected from excessive heat. This spatial segmentation allows different parts of the tire to operate at optimal temperatures for their respective functions.
Solution Approach 2:
A heat insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the hot tread and the cooler interior portions of the tire. This layer mediates heat transfer, allowing the tread to maintain elevated temperatures for energy efficiency while protecting the rest of the tire structure from thermal damage.
2Loss of energy
If heat insulating layer is added to maintain tread temperature, then rolling resistance reduces, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat insulating layer is implemented as a thin, flexible film or coating applied to the interior surface of the tread or underlying structures. This approach adds minimal structural complexity while effectively providing thermal insulation. The flexible nature allows it to conform to the tire's curved geometry without requiring rigid support structures.
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 heat insulating layer effectively maintains the tire tread at a higher temperature, reducing rolling resistance and improving tire durability by minimizing energy loss and heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
a heat insulating layer having a low thermal conductivity configured to maintain at least a portion of the tire tread at or above a desired elevated temperature greater than a glass transition temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include a method of forming a pneumatic tire having a heat insulating layer and a pneumatic tire having a heat insulating layer, for reducing the thermal cooling of a tread of a pneumatic tire. A flexible heat insulating layer is applied to the tire at a location radially inward from the tire tread and opposite the tire tread relative the tire thickness. The heat insulating layer is characterized as having thermally insulating properties configured to maintain at least a portion of the tire tread at or above a desired elevated temperature greater than a glass transition temperature for any such portion of the tire tread under normal tire operating conditions. The heat insulating layer is also characterized as having a low thermal conductivity.