Segmented Noise Reduction Layer for Tyre Bead Stress and Sealant Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire noise reduction layers face issues such as reduced performance due to damage from impacts, interference with sealant layers, and differential stresses during use, which affect their efficacy and compatibility with tire mounting processes.

Innovation Solution

A noise reduction layer comprising discrete parts with cutouts, arranged on the sidewall to minimize stress and interference with sealant layers, and featuring a porous material or foam configuration, with a coating to prevent adhesion and enhance durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If a noise reduction layer is placed adjacent to the bead of a tyre, then noise reduction performance is improved, but the ease of fitting and removing the tyre is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise generationVSAvoidease of fitting and removing
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The noise reduction layer is divided into a plurality of separate annular sections rather than being a single continuous layer. This segmentation allows the sections to be more flexible and easier to manipulate during tyre fitting and removal, while still maintaining effective noise reduction coverage when assembled on the tyre bead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a noise reduction layer is used in the tyre, then noise generation is reduced, but the layer is damaged by foreign objects piercing the tread or contact with the tread during large impacts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise generationVSAvoiddamage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The noise reduction layer is positioned on the bead portion of the tyre, which is located away from the tread area that直接接触 foreign objects and impact forces. This prior positioning strategy protects the noise reduction layer from damage before impacts occur, as the bead portion is structurally protected by the tyre construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The noise reduction layer is extracted from the tread area and relocated to the bead portion of the tyre. This separation removes the noise reduction layer from the high-stress zone where foreign objects pierce the tread, while still achieving noise reduction through placement on the bead where it can dampen vibrations without being exposed to impact damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a noise reduction layer is present in the tyre, then noise is reduced, but the layer adheres to the sealant during impacts, reducing sealant effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise generationVSAvoidsealant performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The noise reduction layer is extracted from proximity to the sealant layer and repositioned on the bead portion of the tyre. This spatial separation prevents the noise reduction layer from adhering to the sealant during impacts, allowing the sealant to perform its function without interference while the noise reduction layer independently dampens vibrations on the bead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of manufacture

If a rectangular section of material is curved to create an annular noise reduction layer, then the layer can be formed, but compression forces at the inner radial side cause wrinkling and detachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayer formationVSAvoidwrinkling and detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The annular noise reduction layer is segmented into multiple separate sections rather than being formed as a single continuous curved piece. This segmentation eliminates the compression forces that cause wrinkling at the inner radial side, as each section can be independently formed without the stress of curving a large rectangular sheet into a tight annulus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of forcing a rectangular section into a curved annular shape that creates compression stresses, the noise reduction layer is constructed from multiple sections that are inherently suited to the annular configuration, eliminating the need to overcome material resistance to curvature and preventing wrinkling and detachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 reduces tire noise while minimizing interference with the sealant layer and enhancing the noise reduction layer's durability and ease of application, optimizing noise reduction performance and service life.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration damping sheet arranged on the cavity face of a tire assembly facing the cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

an annular sound insulation layer formed of a porous material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP3693193B1Tyre with a noise reduction layer
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 BRIDGESTONE EURO NV SA
  • EP3693193B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3693193B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP3693193B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

A tyre (10) comprising a tread portion (12), a bead portion (14) and a sidewall portion (16) extending between the bead portion (14) and the tread portion (12). The tread portion (12), bead portion (14) and sidewall portion (16) define an inner cavity of the tyre (10). The tyre further comprises a noise reduction layer (26) arranged on the sidewall portion (16) in the inner cavity of the tyre (10). The noise reduction layer (26) comprises a plurality of discrete noise reduction layer parts (26a, 26b, 26c).