Motorcycle Tyre Tread Pattern for Off-Road Traction and Road Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tyres for high-engine-capacity and high-power motorcycles face conflicting requirements between traction, mileage, noise/vibration reduction, and road performance, particularly when transitioning between on-road and off-road conditions, leading to compromised performance in one or more areas.
Innovation Solution
A tread pattern with a sequence of solid portions circumferentially and axially delimited by deep grooves, forming a continuous region, optimized with varying groove extensions and orientations to balance traction, stability, and wear resistance, ensuring effective water drainage and grip on diverse terrains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the tyre provides high traction when running off-road, then the tyre performs well on dirt and rough grounds, but the mileage and noise/vibrations are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tread band is divided into different zones with distinct groove patterns: the central portion has first grooves extending diagonally across the tread with intermediate circumferential portions, while the lateral portions have second grooves extending substantially transversely. This local differentiation allows the central portion to provide traction on off-road terrains while the lateral portions maintain roadholding and reduce noise/vibrations during road running.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the tyre is optimized for running on roads, then grip and stability are improved, but traction and controllability on slippery, sandy and muddy terrains are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tread pattern implements local quality by providing different groove configurations in different tread zones. The central portion with diagonal first grooves and intermediate circumferential portions optimizes roadholding and stability during road running, while the lateral portions with transverse second grooves enhance traction on slippery, sandy and muddy terrains.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If deep grooves are provided in the tread band, then water drainage is improved, but the structural integrity and wear resistance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The groove system is segmented into multiple types: first grooves extending diagonally with intermediate circumferential portions in the central tread, and second grooves extending transversely in the lateral portions. This segmentation allows effective water drainage through the grooves while the solid portions between grooves maintain structural integrity and wear resistance.
Data Source
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AI summary
Tyre for motorcycles, having a tread band (8) comprising a central annular portion (A) symmetrically located astride an equatorial plane (X- X) and two shoulder annular portions (B) located on axially opposite sides with respect to the central annular portion (A). The tread band (8) has a void-to-rubber ratio not greater than 25%. The central annular portion (A) has an axial extension not greater than 65% of the axial development of the tread band (8) and the central portion (A) has at least one module (14) circumferentially repeated. Each shoulder portion (B) has an axial extension not greater than 40% of the axial development of the tread band (8) and the module (14) comprises at least one pair of first grooves (19) with substantially circumferential course, at least partially located on opposite sides with respect to the equatorial plane (X-X). The central annular portion (A) has a void- to-rubber ratio not smaller than 10% and the module (14) comprises a plurality of second grooves (20) located substantially transversal- ly with respect to the equatorial plane (X-X). The substantially transverse second grooves (20) define in each module together with said first grooves at least two tread band solid portions (27). The second grooves (20) have at least one end (24) spaced away from the adjacent first groove (19) by a distance s so as to form a substantially continuous tread portion adapted to connect at least two tread band solid portions (27).