Run-Flat Tire Sidewall Rubber Composition for Low Heat Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing run-flat tires face challenges in enhancing durability while maintaining low rolling resistance, particularly due to limitations in the side-reinforcing rubber composition.

Innovation Solution

A side-reinforcing rubber for run-flat tires is developed, comprising a vulcanized rubber formed from a rubber composition containing dienic rubber, a vulcanizing agent, and carbon black with specific properties, including a polysulfide bond ratio of 40% or less and the use of modified butadiene rubber and thiuram compounds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a side-reinforcing layer is formed using conventional rubber composition to enhance run-flat durability, then the tire can maintain structural integrity under load, but the rolling resistance increases and heat generation rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverun-flat durabilityVSAvoidrolling resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the polysulfide bond ratio (Sx bond ratio) to be 40% or less, and by specifying the carbon black properties (DBP oil absorption of 120 mL/100 g or more, specific surface area of 20 to 80 m²/g). These parameter optimizations reduce hysteresis loss and heat generation while maintaining the reinforcing effect needed for run-flat durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining dienic rubber with specifically selected carbon black having high DBP oil absorption and controlled specific surface area. This composite approach creates a rubber composition that achieves both mechanical reinforcement for durability and low hysteresis for reduced rolling resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the side-reinforcing rubber is made stiffer to improve run-flat performance, then the tire can support higher loads, but heat generation increases and antiaging performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveside wall stiffnessVSAvoidheat-resistant antiaging performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the polysulfide bond ratio (Sx bond ratio) to be 40% or less, which prevents excessive crosslinking that would cause heat buildup. Simultaneously, it specifies carbon black with DBP oil absorption of 120 mL/100 g or more and specific surface area of 20 to 80 m²/g, achieving the right balance between stiffness and heat resistance for improved antiaging performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If carbon black with high surface area is used to enhance reinforcement, then the tire strength increases, but heat generation increases and rolling resistance worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetire strengthVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes carbon black parameters by specifying DBP oil absorption of 120 mL/100 g or more and specific surface area of 20 to 80 m²/g. This parameter control ensures sufficient reinforcement while limiting excessive surface area that would cause high hysteresis and heat generation, thereby reducing rolling resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Loss of energy

If the rubber composition is optimized for low rolling resistance, then energy efficiency improves, but run-flat durability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverolling resistanceVSAvoidrun-flat durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite rubber composition combining dienic rubber with carbon black having high DBP oil absorption (≥120 mL/100 g) and controlled specific surface area (20 to 80 m²/g). This composite provides both low hysteresis for reduced rolling resistance and sufficient reinforcement for run-flat durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls the polysulfide bond ratio to be 40% or less while optimizing carbon black properties, achieving a balance that delivers both low rolling resistance through reduced heat generation and adequate run-flat durability through maintained structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly improves the durability life of run-flat tires by enhancing heat-resistant antiaging performance and maintaining low-heat generation properties, thereby supporting the tire's structure under high-compression and high-temperature conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a carbon black having a dibutyl phthalate oil absorption of 120 mL/100 g or more, and has a specific surface area according to a nitrogen adsorption method of 20 to 80 m2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

a carbon black having a dibutyl phthalate oil absorption of 120 mL/100 g or more, and has a specific surface area according to a nitrogen adsorption method of 20 to 80 m2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

a vulcanized rubber which is formed from a rubber composition containing a rubber component containing a dienic rubber, a vulcanizing agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3640292B1Side-reinforcing rubber for run-flat tire and run-flat tire
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 BRIDGESTONE CORP
  • EP3640292B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The side-reinforcing rubber for run-flat tires of the present invention is a side-reinforcing rubber for run-flat tires, including a vulcanized rubber which is formed of a rubber composition containing a rubber component containing a dienic rubber, a vulcanizing agent, and a carbon black having a dibutyl phthalate oil absorption of 120 mL/100 g or more, and has a specific surface area according to a nitrogen adsorption method of 20 to 80 m2/g, with a ratio of an Sx bond (where x is 3 or more) to all sulfide bonds in the side-reinforcing rubber for run-flat tires being 40% or less. The side-reinforcing rubber for run-flat tires is excellent in durability life.