Regrooving Indicator Positioning in Pneumatic Tyre Tread
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic utility vehicle tires face challenges in determining the optimal time for regrooving without compromising wet grip characteristics, as conventional regrooving indicators positioned at the groove base can obstruct water outflow and lead to premature wear or late regrooving.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of regrooving indicators formed in the groove wall at a height above the groove base, allowing for visual indication of maximum radial wear without obstructing water outflow, ensuring timely regrooving and maintaining wet running characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If regrooving indicators are formed in the groove base extending radially outward, then the regrooving depth can be indicated, but water outflow is obstructed and wet grip characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The regrooving indicator is moved from the groove base (horizontal dimension) to the groove wall (vertical dimension), specifically positioned at a height H above the groove base where H corresponds to the maximum radial wear position. This dimensional relocation allows the indicator to fulfill its measurement function without interfering with water outflow through the groove base.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator is segmented into multiple portions arranged one behind the other along the groove wall, with each portion corresponding to a specific wear stage. This segmentation allows for progressive indication of wear while maintaining water flow paths through the groove base.
2Reliability
If regrooving is performed earlier to ensure sufficient groove depth, then tire performance is maintained, but service life is reduced due to premature regrooving
Solution Approach 1:
The regrooving indicators provide visual feedback on the wear state of the tread profile, allowing users to monitor the wear progression and determine the optimal regrooving timing. The indicators show when the tread has worn down to the point where regrooving should be performed, enabling precise timing that maximizes service life while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicators are positioned to show the maximum radial wear position in advance, allowing users to plan regrooving at the optimal moment before performance deteriorates, rather than reacting to actual performance loss.
3Duration of action of moving object
If regrooving is delayed to maximize service life, then more rubber material is utilized, but groove depth becomes too small and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The visual feedback from the regrooving indicators allows users to delay regrooving as long as possible while still knowing when to perform it, maximizing the utilization of rubber material and service life without compromising performance.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the tread profile is optimized for usage situation with maximum profile depth, then wet grip is improved, but the indication of optimal regrooving timing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The regrooving indicators utilize visual contrast (effectively color/reflectivity changes) to stand out against the groove wall, making them easily detectable even when the tread profile is optimized for wet grip with maximum profile depth. The indicators are designed to be visually distinct so users can easily identify the wear state.
Data Source
AI summary
Tread profile of a pneumatic vehicle tyre—in particular for commercial vehicles—comprising a regroovable tread profile with radially raised profile elements (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) and with grooves (6, 7, 8, 9), which respectively separate two adjacent profile elements (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) from one another, wherein the grooves (6, 7, 8, 9) are bounded inwards in the radial direction R by a groove base (10) and on both sides in the axial direction by a profile element flank, forming the groove wall (12, 13), and wherein at least one regrooving indicator (14) for indicating the regrooving depth is respectively formed in one or more grooves (3), characterized in that, in at least one groove (8), all of the regrooving indicators (14) formed therein are formed in a groove wall (12) at a height H measured in the radial direction R of H>0 mm above the groove base (10), wherein the height H corresponds to the maximum radial abrasion position of the tyre for regrooving.