Low-Profile Tire Tread Rubber for Braking and Rolling Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction in profile depth of summer and all-season tires adversely affects braking properties on dry and wet roads due to altered bending and deformation characteristics of the profile positive.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic vehicle tire with a radially outermost tread layer made of a rubber material with a Shore A hardness of 40 ShA to 55 ShA, combined with a low profile depth of up to 6.5 mm, enhances dry and wet braking properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the profile depth of the tread is reduced to lower rolling resistance, then rolling resistance decreases, but braking properties on dry and wet roads deteriorate due to altered bending and deformation characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter (Shore A hardness) of the tread rubber from conventional values (62-68 ShA) to a softer range (40-55 ShA). This parameter change allows the tread to maintain larger contact area and better deformation characteristics at reduced profile depths, thereby preserving braking properties while achieving lower rolling resistance.
2Reliability
If the Shore A hardness of the tread rubber is reduced to improve braking properties, then braking properties improve, but handling properties and response behavior to steering forces deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter change by selecting a specific Shore A hardness range (40-55 ShA) that optimizes the balance between braking properties and handling characteristics. This intermediate hardness value provides sufficient softness for good braking contact while maintaining enough stiffness for acceptable handling response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics by combining the softer tread material with a reduced profile depth, creating a dynamic system where the tread can deform more effectively during braking while maintaining structural integrity for steering response. The low profile depth prevents excessive deformation that would compromise handling.
3Loss of energy
If the profile depth is reduced, then rolling resistance decreases, but the contact area and mechanical stiffness of the tread are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material hardness parameter to compensate for the reduced profile depth. The softer rubber material (40-55 ShA) allows the tread to conform better to the road surface, maintaining larger contact area despite the shallower profile, thereby preserving both rolling resistance benefits and contact characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic vehicle tire in radial design that is a summer tire or all-season tire, with a profiled tread including rows of profile blocks and/or profile ribs running around the tire in circumferential direction, wherein the total number of sipes within each row of profile blocks and/or profile ribs is not more than 150, wherein the tread is in the form of a single layer or multiple layers with a radially outermost tread layer that extends at least over the width of the ground contact area, wherein the profile depth of the tread is up to 6.5 mm, and the tread or its radially outermost tread layer consists of a rubber material with a Shore A hardness at room temperature in accordance with DIN ISO 7619-1 of 40 ShA to 55 ShA.