Rectangular Metal Reinforced Fabric for Tire Belt Strength-to-Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic tire belt structures face challenges in differentiating the hooping and stiffening functions, leading to interference and reduced durability, while efforts to reduce weight and rolling resistance are hindered by the limitations of steel availability and manufacturing complexities.
Innovation Solution
A reinforced fabric with metal reinforcing elements having a rectangular cross-section, embedded in an elastomer composition, with a specific laying pitch and cross-sectional ratio, providing enhanced breaking strength and stiffness while maintaining a sufficient inter-cable distance to prevent splitting, and incorporating a heat-shrinkable textile hooping ply for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the thickness of the reinforcing plies is reduced to reduce tire mass and rolling resistance, then weight and energy consumption are reduced, but the hooping and stiffening functions become insufficient and interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the crown reinforcement into distinct functional layers: a hooping ply with circumferential threads for hooping function, and separate working plies with inclined metal reinforcing elements for stiffening function. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in its specific function without interference, even at reduced thicknesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different material properties and structural characteristics to different regions of the belt structure. The hooping ply uses textile fibers oriented circumferentially, while the working plies use metal reinforcing elements at specific angles, creating local optimization of mechanical properties for each functional requirement.
2Strength
If the density and diameter of metal monofilaments are increased to improve breaking force, then breaking strength is improved, but the thickness and mass of the plies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the metal reinforcing elements by using flat cross-sections instead of circular ones. This parameter change allows achieving the same breaking force with reduced mass and thickness, as the flat profile provides more efficient stress distribution and higher stiffness-to-weight ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines metal reinforcing elements with flat cross-sections with rubber compounds to create composite ply structures. This composite approach optimizes the breaking force while controlling the mass and thickness of the plies, achieving superior mechanical properties compared to traditional circular monofilaments.
3Strength
If the inter-cable distance is reduced to increase breaking force, then breaking force is improved, but the plies become difficult to manufacture and rubber filling becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the local arrangement of metal reinforcing elements by positioning them at specific angles (±15° to ±45° relative to the circumferential direction) with controlled spacing. This local optimization ensures sufficient breaking force while maintaining adequate inter-cable distance for proper rubber filling and manufacturing feasibility.
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 solution effectively balances weight reduction with increased breaking force and durability, reducing rolling resistance and manufacturing difficulties, while maintaining advantageous breaking strength and stiffness properties for modern vehicle applications.
Implementation Method 1
each metal reinforcing element having, in a plane perpendicular to the main direction, a cross-section inscribed in a rectangle of length W and height T
Implementation Method 2
embedded in an elastomer composition based on at least one elastomer, a reinforcing filler, and a crosslinking system
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a heat-shrinkable textile hooping ply for improved performance
Data Source
AI summary
A reinforced fabric comprises a plurality of metal reinforcing elements arranged in a transverse direction, substantially parallel to each other and extending in a main direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, embedded in an elastomer composition based on at least one elastomer, a reinforcing filler, and a crosslinking system, each metal reinforcing element having, in a plane perpendicular to the main direction, a cross-section inscribed in a rectangle of length W and a height T.