Segmented Tire Noise Reduction Layer with Cutouts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing noise reduction layers in tires often compromise tire performance due to damage from foreign objects, interference with sealant layers, and stress-induced detachment, leading to reduced noise reduction efficacy.

Innovation Solution

The use of discrete, annular noise reduction layers with cutouts and a porous foam material, strategically positioned on the sidewall with a separation from the sealant layer and bead portion, and coated with an anti-adhesive material to minimize interference 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 effectiveness is improved, but the ease of fitting and removing the tyre is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidease 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 discrete segments arranged circumferentially around the tyre. Each segment is separated from its neighbors, allowing the tyre to be fitted and removed more easily while maintaining noise reduction effectiveness in the segmented regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a noise reduction layer is placed in the tyre cavity, then noise reduction is achieved, but the layer is damaged by foreign objects piercing the tread

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoiddamage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A gap is introduced between the tread and the noise reduction layer, creating a protective space that prevents foreign objects piercing the tread from directly damaging the noise reduction layer. This gap acts as an intermediary buffer zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a noise reduction layer is placed in the tyre cavity, then noise reduction is achieved, but the layer adheres to the sealant during impacts, reducing noise reduction effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidadhesion prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A gap is maintained between the noise reduction layer and the sealant layer, preventing direct contact and adhesion between these two components during impact events. This intermediary space ensures the noise reduction layer remains effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The noise reduction layer is designed with flexible characteristics that allow it to move independently within the tyre cavity, reducing the likelihood of adhesion to the sealant layer during dynamic impact conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Shape

If a rectangular section of material is curved to create an annular noise reduction layer, then the layer conforms to the tyre shape, but wrinkles and detaches from the tyre

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveannular conformanceVSAvoidattachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The noise reduction layer is divided into multiple discrete segments rather than forming a continuous annular structure. This segmentation eliminates the wrinkling problem associated with curving rectangular material into a circle, while the segments collectively provide noise reduction and maintain stable attachment to the tyre.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This configuration effectively reduces tire noise while preventing damage and maintaining sealant performance, optimizing noise reduction without compromising tire functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The noise reduction layer may comprise a porous foam material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP3693192B1Tyre with a noise reduction layer
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 BRIDGESTONE EURO NV SA
  • EP3693192B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3693192B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP3693192B1 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) defines an inner radial side (28) and an outer radial side (30) and the inner radial side (28) comprises at least one cutout (32).