Multi-Layer Tire Tread Structure for Stiffness and Rolling Resistance

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle tire treads face a conflict between achieving optimal transverse stiffness for improved handling properties and minimizing rolling resistance, particularly in high-performance sports tires, where the use of harder rubber materials in the shoulder regions enhances transverse stiffness but increases rolling resistance.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer tread design is employed, comprising a base layer with a high modulus of elasticity and a top layer with varying rubber materials in different regions, where the shoulder regions use softer materials with lower modulus of elasticity, stabilized by a central region of higher modulus, to balance stiffness and rolling resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If harder rubber material with high modulus of elasticity is used in the shoulder regions of the tread, then transverse stiffness and handling properties are improved, but rolling resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransverse stiffnessVSAvoidrolling resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The tread is divided into multiple independent regions with different rubber materials: shoulder regions (first and second regions) use softer rubber with lower modulus of elasticity to reduce rolling resistance, while the central region (third region) uses harder rubber with higher modulus of elasticity to maintain transverse stiffness. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the tread are assigned different material properties tailored to their specific functional requirements. The shoulder regions use softer material (lower modulus of elasticity) optimized for reducing rolling resistance and energy loss, while the central region uses harder material (higher modulus of elasticity) optimized for maintaining transverse stiffness and handling properties during cornering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If softer rubber material with low modulus of elasticity is used in the shoulder regions to reduce rolling resistance, then energy efficiency is improved, but transverse stiffness and handling properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverolling resistanceVSAvoidtransverse stiffness

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The tread is divided into multiple independent regions with different rubber materials: shoulder regions (first and second regions) use softer rubber with lower modulus of elasticity to reduce rolling resistance, while the central region (third region) uses harder rubber with higher modulus of elasticity to maintain transverse stiffness. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the tread are assigned different material properties tailored to their specific functional requirements. The shoulder regions use softer material (lower modulus of elasticity) optimized for reducing rolling resistance and energy loss, while the central region uses harder material (higher modulus of elasticity) optimized for maintaining transverse stiffness and handling properties during cornering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If a multi-component tread with different rubber materials is used to optimize handling properties, then transverse stiffness is improved, but the complexity of the tread structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransverse stiffnessVSAvoidtread structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tread is divided into three distinct regions (first shoulder region, second shoulder region, and central region) that can be manufactured as separate components and then assembled or co-vulcanized. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process compared to creating a fully integrated multi-material structure, while still achieving the desired transverse stiffness through the strategic placement of harder rubber in the central region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tread employs a composite structure combining different rubber materials with distinct modulus of elasticity values. The softer rubber in the shoulder regions and harder rubber in the central region work together to achieve optimal transverse stiffness and handling properties, while the modular composite design facilitates simplified manufacturing through separate component production and assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS12594788B2Multi-layer tread for use in vehicle tyres

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a multi-layer tread for use in vehicle tires, comprising: a) a base layer comprising a first rubber material, and b) a top layer arranged on the base layer and connected to the base layer, wherein the top layer comprises: i) a first side region comprising a second rubber material, ii) a second side region comprising a third rubber material, and iii) a central region arranged between the first side region and the second side region and comprising a fourth rubber material, wherein the first rubber material has a higher modulus of elasticity than the fourth rubber material, and wherein the fourth rubber material has a higher modulus of elasticity than the second rubber material and the third rubber material.