Regrooveable Tire Tread Structure for Wet Grip and Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy-duty tires face challenges in maintaining consistent tread performance, including grip on wet surfaces and rolling resistance, especially after partial wear, and conventional regrooving processes compromise tread rigidity and increase the risk of stone penetration.
Innovation Solution
The tire design incorporates regroovable grooves with incisions deeper than the original grooves, ensuring the tread maintains optimal rigidity and reduces stone penetration while enhancing rolling resistance and grip performance throughout its lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a tyre is designed as a one-piece structure, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the ability to regroove the tread is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The tyre is divided into a carcass and a tread component that can be regrooved. The tread component is further segmented into a tread body and regroovable tread portions, allowing selective regrooving of specific areas while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the tyre.
Solution Approach 2:
The tyre structure transitions from a static one-piece design to a dynamic multi-component assembly. The tread component can be detached, regrooved, and reattached, enabling the tyre to adapt its tread pattern over time based on wear and performance requirements.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a tyre is designed to be regroovable, then service life is extended, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tyre into separable components (carcass and tread), the patent enables selective regrooving of only the tread portions, extending service life without requiring complete tyre replacement. This segmentation allows for simplified regrooving operations compared to redesigning the entire tyre structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different parts of the tyre. The tread portions are designed with specific regroovable features while the carcass maintains its structural integrity. This local differentiation allows regrooving to be performed only where needed, balancing service life extension with manufacturing feasibility.
3Reliability
If grooves are made regroovable, then traction and handling are improved, but risk of detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regroovable tread portions are merged with the tread body through adhesive bonding and mechanical interlocking. This combination ensures that the regrooved portions remain securely attached during operation while maintaining the improved traction and handling characteristics of the regrooved surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary attachment features during the tyre manufacturing process, such as adhesive layers and mechanical interlocking structures, that are prepared in advance to prevent detachment. These preliminary actions ensure secure bonding before the tyre enters service, eliminating detachment risks while preserving the benefits of regroovable grooves.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tyre (1) which can be regrooved at least once and the tread of which comprises at least one regroovable groove (3) and at least one sipe (8). According to the invention, the height (Hi) of said at least one sipe (8) of the tyre when new is greater than the groove height (HN3) of said at least one regroovable groove (3) of the tyre when new and, after regrooving, the height (HR) of said at least one regrooved groove is greater than or equal to 70% of the groove height (HN3) of said at least one regroovable groove of the tyre when new.