Segmented Tire Tread Composition for Wet Grip and Lateral Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire technologies face challenges in simultaneously improving multiple tire characteristics such as rolling resistance, wet performance, and reducing maximum lateral force without significant trade-offs.
Innovation Solution
A tire design featuring a tread with two shoulder portions and a center portion, where the shoulder portions comprise a first rubber composition with a lower shear storage modulus and the center portion comprises a second rubber composition with a higher glass transition temperature, achieving a balance between reduced maximum lateral force and improved wet performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the tread is made with a single rubber composition, then the manufacturing process is simple, but it is difficult to simultaneously optimize rolling resistance, wet performance, and maximum lateral force
Solution Approach 1:
The tread is divided into multiple regions (center portion and shoulder portions) with different rubber compositions. The center portion uses a first rubber composition optimized for rolling resistance and wet performance, while the shoulder portions use a second rubber composition optimized for lateral force and cornering stability. This segmentation allows each region to have tailored properties for its specific functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different rubber compositions are applied to different locations of the tread. The center portion has a rubber composition with specific glass transition temperature and shear storage modulus for optimal rolling resistance and wet grip, while the shoulder portions have a different composition for maximum lateral force. This local quality approach ensures that each part of the tread has the optimal material properties for its specific operational role.
2Loss of energy
If rolling resistance is reduced to improve energy efficiency, then fuel consumption decreases, but wet grip performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tread is segmented into a center portion and shoulder portions with different rubber compositions. The center portion uses a rubber composition specifically optimized for low rolling resistance and good wet grip, while the shoulder portions use a different composition. This allows the center portion to minimize energy loss during rolling while maintaining wet grip performance where it is most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The rubber composition in the center portion is specifically formulated with glass transition temperature and shear storage modulus values optimized for reducing rolling resistance while maintaining wet grip. The local quality of this composition in the center portion allows it to minimize hysteresis losses during rolling without compromising wet braking performance.
3Reliability
If the maximum lateral force is reduced to lower rollover probability, then vehicle safety improves, but cornering stiffness and wet grip performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tread is divided into center and shoulder portions with different rubber compositions. The shoulder portions use a rubber composition specifically optimized to limit maximum lateral force and reduce rollover probability, while the center portion maintains higher cornering stiffness for stable handling. This segmentation allows the vehicle to benefit from reduced rollover risk without sacrificing cornering performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoulder portions have a rubber composition with specific glass transition temperature and shear storage modulus values that limit maximum lateral force generation, reducing rollover probability. The center portion has a different composition that maintains adequate cornering stiffness. This local differentiation of material properties allows simultaneous optimization of safety and handling characteristics.
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 tire design effectively reduces maximum lateral force while maintaining high cornering power and wet braking performance, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A tire design featuring a tread with two shoulder portions and a center portion, where the shoulder portions comprise a first rubber composition with a lower shear storage modulus... The first rubber composition has a shear storage modulus G' (1%) which is at least 10% lower than the shear storage modulus G' (1%) of the second rubber composition
Implementation Method 2
The first rubber composition has a shear storage modulus G' (1%) which is at least 10% lower than the shear storage modulus G' (1%) of the second rubber composition, and the second rubber composition has a glass transition temperature which is at least 5% higher than the glass transition temperature of the first rubber composition
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a tire having a tread comprising two shoulder portions and a center portion axially between the two shoulder portions, wherein at least one of the shoulder portions comprises a first rubber composition and the center portion comprises a second rubber composition different from said first rubber composition. The first rubber composition has a shear storage modulus which is at least 10% lower than the shear storage modulus of the second rubber composition, and the second rubber composition has a glass transition temperature which is at least 5% higher than the glass transition temperature of the first rubber composition.