Nonpneumatic Tire Resin Framework Temperature Dependence

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Solution Overview

Problem

The non-pneumatic tire disclosed in existing patents has a large temperature dependence of ride comfort and requires improvement in durability, especially at low temperatures, and its synthetic resin material-based design poses safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A non-pneumatic tire using a resin composition with a bending modulus of elasticity at -20°C of 1600 MPa or less and at 60°C of 150 MPa or more, comprising a thermoplastic elastomer with hard and soft segments, and a resin of the same kind as the hard segment, which improves ride comfort over a wide temperature range and enhances durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a synthetic resin material with high bending modulus is used for the ring member and connecting members, then the durability is improved, but the ride comfort at low temperatures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidride comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the bending modulus of elasticity of the synthetic resin material within a specific range: 200-1000 MPa at -30°C and 100-500 MPa at 60°C. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by ensuring the material is sufficiently stiff for durability while maintaining enough flexibility for ride comfort across the temperature range. The patent further refines this by specifying the ratio of bending moduli at different temperatures should be 0.4-2.0, creating a balanced material property profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining synthetic resin with specific additives and fillers to achieve the desired mechanical properties. The resin composition includes polypropylene or polyethylene as base materials, combined with reinforcing fillers and plasticizers in controlled amounts. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of high durability and acceptable ride comfort by distributing mechanical stresses and maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the bending modulus of elasticity is increased to improve durability, then the structural strength is improved, but the temperature dependence of ride comfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidtemperature dependence
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent directly addresses temperature dependence by establishing specific bending modulus ranges at two extreme temperatures (-30°C and 60°C) and controlling their ratio. The bending modulus at -30°C should be 200-1000 MPa, at 60°C should be 100-500 MPa, and their ratio should be 0.4-2.0. This parameter control ensures the material maintains appropriate stiffness across temperatures, minimizing ride comfort variation while preserving structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by designing the material properties to adapt to temperature changes. The synthetic resin composition is formulated to exhibit dynamic mechanical behavior that responds appropriately to temperature variations, maintaining optimal performance characteristics across the operating temperature range through its viscoelastic properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If a rigid synthetic resin material is used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ride comfort especially at low temperatures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveform stabilityVSAvoidride comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by optimizing the bending modulus parameter within a controlled range rather than maximizing rigidity. The specified range (200-1000 MPa at -30°C) provides sufficient form stability for manufacturing precision while avoiding excessive rigidity that would harm ride comfort. The material maintains adequate flexibility to absorb vibrations and provide comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating material properties for different components. The ring member and connecting members use synthetic resin with optimized mechanical properties, while other components may use different materials or resin formulations tailored to their specific functional requirements, allowing each part to optimize both manufacturing and performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 a small temperature dependence of ride comfort, providing excellent ride comfort and durability across varying temperatures, while maintaining structural integrity and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a thermoplastic elastomer (A) having a hard segment and a soft segment in a molecule thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the ride comfort is improved over a wide temperature range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 3

a copolymer having a polymer constituting a crystalline hard segment having a high melting point and a polymer constituting an amorphous soft segment having a low glass transition temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP3708386B1Nonpneumatic tire
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 BRIDGESTONE CORP
  • EP3708386B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3708386B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3708386B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a non-pneumatic tire having a small temperature dependence of ride comfort, providing a good ride comfort over a wide temperature range, and having an excellent durability. A solution thereto is a non-pneumatic tire (1) using a resin composition for a framework member, the resin composition having a bending modulus of elasticity at -20°C according to ISO 178 of 1600 MPa or less, and a bending modulus of elasticity at 60°C according to ISO 178 of 150 MPa or more.