Self-Supporting Tyre Sidewall Inserts for Lower Rolling Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-supporting tires face a challenge in balancing rolling resistance and comfort during normal inflation conditions while maintaining sufficient self-supporting capacity for run-flat scenarios, as high modulus sidewall reinforcement inserts increase rolling resistance and compromise comfort.
Innovation Solution
Reducing the rigidity of sidewall reinforcement inserts by decreasing their reinforcing filler content and using special white fillers instead of conventional silica, and compensating with increased thickness to achieve a better balance between rolling resistance and run-flat distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high modulus sidewall reinforcement inserts are used to maintain self-supporting capacity, then run-flat distance is improved, but rolling resistance increases and comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the elastomeric material by controlling the glass transition temperature (Tg) to be between -100°C and -50°C, and adjusting the complex shear dynamic modulus (G*) to be between 0.5 MPa and 2.0 MPa. This parameter optimization allows the sidewall reinforcement insert to provide adequate run-flat support while reducing rolling resistance and improving comfort compared to conventional high modulus materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite elastomeric materials with specific molecular structures and filler compositions to achieve the desired balance between run-flat performance and rolling resistance. The use of elastomers with controlled Tg ranges and specific G* values creates a composite material that exhibits different mechanical properties at different operating conditions, providing both run-flat capability and reduced energy loss during normal operation.
2Reliability
If high modulus sidewall reinforcement inserts are used to ensure self-supporting capacity, then run-flat distance is improved, but ride comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the glass transition temperature (Tg) to be between -100°C and -50°C, which ensures that the elastomeric material remains sufficiently flexible at normal operating temperatures to provide comfortable ride quality, while still maintaining adequate stiffness at lower temperatures and under load to support run-flat operations. The complex shear dynamic modulus (G*) is controlled between 0.5 MPa and 2.0 MPa to balance comfort and support.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to self-supporting tyres for vehicle wheels having sidewall reinforcement inserts (113) with reduced rigidity. These tyres have a good mileage in flat running conditions, greater comfort and significantly reduced rolling resistance compared to known self-supporting tyres, with higher modulus sidewall reinforcement inserts.