Multi-Compound Motorcycle Tyre Tread for Grip and Straight-Line Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance motorcycle tires face challenges in maintaining stability and grip on various road surfaces, especially when using multiple compounds with different elastic properties, leading to driving instability and reduced tire mileage.
Innovation Solution
A motorcycle tire design featuring a tread band with multiple annular portions made of different elastomeric materials, where the interface between these portions is strategically positioned and accompanied by a specific distribution of grooves to minimize structural discontinuity and enhance grip and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soft compounds are used in the tread band to improve grip, then grip performance is improved, but stability when driving straight and tyre mileage are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tread band is divided into different annular portions with different elastomeric materials: a first annular portion with a softer compound for grip, and a second annular portion with a stiffer compound for stability. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without compromising overall tyre performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The tread band is segmented into multiple annular portions made of different compounds. The first annular portion (shoulder area) uses a softer elastomeric material while the second annular portion (central area) uses a stiffer material, creating functional zones that address both grip and stability requirements simultaneously.
2Reliability
If multiple compounds with different storage moduli are used in the tread band to improve grip, then grip performance is improved, but driving instability is increased due to structural discontinuity
Solution Approach 1:
Different elastomeric materials are assigned to specific annular portions of the tread band based on their functional requirements. The softer material in the first annular portion provides grip while the stiffer material in the second annular portion maintains structural continuity and reduces driving instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tread band employs a composite structure with at least two different elastomeric materials having different dynamic shear storage moduli. This composite approach allows the tyre to combine the advantages of both soft (high grip) and stiff (high stability) materials in a single integrated structure.
3Reliability
If soft compounds are used in the tread band, then grip performance is improved, but tyre mileage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tread band uses a softer elastomeric material in the first annular portion for enhanced grip performance, while employing a stiffer material in the second annular portion that provides greater wear resistance and extends tyre mileage.
Solution Approach 2:
The tread band is divided into functional segments: the first annular portion with softer compound for grip-critical areas and the second annular portion with stiffer compound for durability-critical areas, optimizing both performance and longevity.
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 tire achieves improved stability and grip on both dry and wet surfaces, reducing the feeling of driving instability and maintaining high performance, allowing safe use on roads and tracks.
Implementation Method 1
the tread band comprises a first annular portion made of a first elastomeric material, having a first dynamic shear storage modulus measured at 70° C., and at least one second annular portion made of a second elastomeric material, having a second dynamic shear storage modulus measured at 70° C., different form the first dynamic shear storage modulus
Data Source
AI summary
It is described a motorcycle tyre (100) intended to be fitted to a wheel of a motorcycle of the “supersport” segment, comprising an equatorial plane and a tread band extending in axial direction with a given axial development, wherein the tread band comprises a first annular portion made of a first elastomeric material, having a first dynamic shear storage modulus measured at 70° C., and at least one second annular portion made of a second elastomeric material, having a second dynamic shear storage modulus measured at 70° C., different form said first dynamic shear storage modulus measured at 70° C.