Sinusoidal Lamellae Tread Profile for Winter Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing winter tire tread profiles with sinusoidal fine incisions face limitations in snow absorption and friction due to limited opening in the areas between the maxima and minima of the waveform, which restricts the ability to improve snow-snow friction effectively.
Innovation Solution
A tread profile design featuring sinusoidally corrugated fine incisions with a progressively increasing amplitude profile along the main direction of extension, ensuring increased stiffness at maxima and a larger, continuous pocket for snow absorption, enhancing grip properties and rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If sinusoidal fine incisions with constant amplitude are formed in the tread profile, then large edge lengths improve grip on snow and ice with high rigidity of the tread block element, but the fine incision opens only to a small extent in the large extension areas between maxima and minima, severely limiting snow absorption capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the amplitude of the sinusoidal fine incisions along their extension direction. The amplitude increases from a first value at the start of the incision to a second, larger value at the end, creating zones with different functional characteristics. This allows the incision to provide both rigidity (in areas with smaller amplitude) and snow absorption (in areas with larger amplitude where the incision opens more completely).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the fine incision amplitude along its extension direction. By progressively increasing the amplitude from the first value to the second value, the incision transitions from a state with high rigidity to a state with complete opening and large snow storage capacity, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining structural integrity and enabling snow absorption.
2Quantity of substance
If the amplitude of sinusoidal fine incisions is increased to create larger pockets for snow absorption, then snow-snow friction is improved, but the rigidity of the tread block element is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fine incision into different zones along its extension direction, with each zone having a different amplitude characteristic. The incision is divided into a first section with smaller amplitude (providing rigidity) and a second section with larger amplitude (providing snow absorption). This segmentation allows both contradictory requirements to be satisfied in different parts of the same structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the fine incision by making the amplitude variable rather than constant. The amplitude dynamically increases along the extension direction of the incision, allowing the structure to adapt its properties from rigid to flexible/opening as needed for different functional requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If the fine incision is made to open completely for maximum snow absorption, then grip on soft ground is improved, but the tread block element becomes less stiff and dry braking properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different amplitude zones within the same fine incision structure. The first portion of the incision has smaller amplitude to maintain stiffness and support dry braking performance, while the second portion has larger amplitude to provide complete opening and maximum snow absorption capability, thereby satisfying both requirements locally.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
Tread profile of a vehicle pneumatic tyre, in particular a winter tyre, with profile block elements (35) in which fine indents (40) in the form of sinusoidal waves are constructed, with the fine indents (40) being formed with an amplitude profile of the sinusoidal wave form which increases progressively along their main direction of extension.