Off-Road Motorcycle Tire Sidewall Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorcycle tires designed for rough terrain face durability issues due to temperature-induced deformation and reduced rigidity, leading to decreased controllability and stability over time, as existing recessed and protruded configurations on the sidewalls can act as crack initiation points.
Innovation Solution
The tire features fin-like projections on the sidewall surface to enhance heat dissipation through air turbulence, combined with an arcuate end configuration and side reinforcing layers to prevent crack growth and maintain durability, while the carcass plies and belt structure provide additional support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If recessed and protruded configurations are provided on the sidewall outer surface to generate air turbulence and dissipate heat, then temperature in the sidewall portion is decreased, but durability of the sidewall deteriorates due to crack initiation at these configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of sidewall regions: the upper sidewall portion (first sidewall portion) receives the heat-dissipating recessed and protruded configurations, while the lower sidewall portion (second sidewall portion) near the ground contact area maintains a smooth surface to prevent crack initiation. This localized differentiation allows heat dissipation where needed while preserving durability where stress concentration would be harmful.
Solution Approach 2:
The sidewall is segmented into two distinct functional zones: the first sidewall portion for heat dissipation with turbulent flow-generating configurations, and the second sidewall portion for durability with smooth surface. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different surface characteristics to different functional requirements of the same component.
2Ease of operation
If the tire is inflated at relatively low internal pressure to demonstrate good traction and gripping performances on rough terrain, then traction performance is improved, but deformation of sidewall portions is intensified and internal temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tire structure itself provides heat dissipation functionality through the recessed and protruded configurations on the sidewall that generate air turbulence during rotation. This self-service mechanism allows the tire to actively cool itself during operation, addressing the temperature increase problem that arises from low-pressure operation without requiring external cooling systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sidewall portion is allowed to deform on rough terrain to maintain low internal pressure operation, then adaptability to terrain is improved, but rigidity of the sidewall portion decreases and controllability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameter (temperature) of the sidewall through active heat dissipation, which in turn affects the mechanical parameter (rigidity). By maintaining lower temperature in the sidewall through air turbulence generated by the recessed and protruded configurations, the rubber material retains its rigidity and elastic properties, preventing the vicious cycle of temperature-induced softening and excessive deformation.
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
This design effectively suppresses temperature rise in the sidewall, maintaining rigidity and preventing crack formation, thus ensuring good controllability and stability over a long period without compromising durability.
Implementation Method 1
fin-like projections on the sidewall surface to enhance heat dissipation through air turbulence
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A motorcycle pneumatic tire for travelling over rough terrain, wherein: the tire has a plurality of fin-like projections provided in the tire circumferential direction with intervals therebetween in an outer surface of the sidewall portion such that the fin-like projections each protrude from the outer surface and extend in the tire radial direction; a surface of at least the end portion on the outer side in the tire radial direction of each fin-like projection is formed to have an arcuate configuration protruding toward the tire inner surface side in a cross section in the width direction of the tire; and the arcuate surface of the end portion on the outer side in the tire radial direction of the fin-like projection is smoothly connected to an outer side surface of a shoulder block provided on the outermost side in the tire width direction of the tread portion.