Multi-Compound Tread Layout for Wet Grip and Lateral Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tires face challenges in simultaneously improving rolling resistance, wet performance, and reducing maximum lateral force without significant trade-offs, particularly in SUV or van tires, which require enhanced cornering stiffness and reduced rollover probability.
Innovation Solution
A tire design with a tread comprising two shoulder portions and a center portion, where the shoulder portions have a more flexible rubber composition with a lower shear storage modulus and a higher glass transition temperature than the center portion, enhancing flexibility and wet performance while maintaining cornering stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the tread uses a uniform rubber composition, then manufacturing is simple, but it cannot simultaneously optimize rolling resistance, wet performance, and maximum lateral force
Solution Approach 1:
The tread is divided into multiple zones (center portion and shoulder portions) with different rubber compositions. The center portion uses a first rubber composition optimized for rolling resistance and wet performance, while the shoulder portions use a second rubber composition optimized for lateral force and cornering stiffness. This segmentation allows each zone to have tailored properties for its specific functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the tread are assigned different material properties: the center portion has composition optimized for longitudinal performance (rolling resistance, wet braking), while the shoulder portions have composition optimized for lateral performance (cornering stiffness, maximum lateral force). This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing regional optimization rather than uniform compromise.
2Loss of energy
If rolling resistance is reduced through rubber composition optimization, then energy efficiency improves, but wet grip performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tread is segmented into a center portion and shoulder portions with different rubber compositions. The center portion uses a first rubber composition specifically optimized for reducing rolling resistance and improving wet grip, while the shoulder portions use a different composition. This segmentation allows the center portion to specialize in minimizing energy loss without compromising overall wet performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The center portion of the tread is assigned a rubber composition with properties optimized for low rolling resistance and good wet grip characteristics, while other regions have different compositions. This local quality approach allows the center portion to specialize in energy efficiency and wet performance without requiring the entire tread to compromise other important properties.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tread uses a single rubber composition, then material consistency is maintained, but it cannot simultaneously achieve limited maximum lateral force and improved cornering stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The tread is divided into center and shoulder portions with different rubber compositions. The shoulder portions use a second rubber composition specifically formulated to limit maximum lateral force and control cornering stiffness, while the center portion uses a first rubber composition. This segmentation allows the shoulder portions to specialize in lateral force management without requiring the entire tread to have compromised composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoulder portions are assigned a rubber composition with properties specifically optimized for controlling maximum lateral force and cornering stiffness, while the center portion has a different composition. This local quality differentiation allows each region to have tailored material properties for its specific functional role in lateral force management and cornering performance.
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 design reduces maximum lateral force and improves wet braking performance while maintaining cornering stiffness, addressing the trade-offs in tire characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
The first rubber composition has a shear storage modulus G' (1%) which is at least 10% lower than the shear storage modulus G' (1%) of the second rubber composition
Implementation Method 2
the second rubber composition has a glass transition temperature which is at least 5% higher (and/or at least 1°C higher) than the glass transition temperature of the first rubber composition
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A tire is disclosed comprising a tread (10) comprising two shoulder portions (6) and a center portion (8) located axially between the two shoulder portions (6). At least one of the shoulder portions (6) comprises a first rubber composition. The center portion (8) comprises a second rubber composition different from said first rubber composition. The first rubber composition has a shear storage modulus G'(1%) which is at least 10% lower than a shear storage modulus G'(1%) of the second rubber composition. The second rubber composition has a glass transition temperature which is at least 5% higher than the glass transition temperature of the first rubber composition.