Stiffness Enhanced Tire Tread via Simultaneous Extrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for increasing the stiffness of tire tread elements either compromise other performance criteria or require complex and costly sequential application of different materials.
Innovation Solution
Simultaneously extruding a tread cap and tread base with different stiffness properties, incorporating strips of a higher stiffness material into the tread cap from the tread base, allowing for adjustable stiffness properties in various tread elements without the need for multiple application stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If relatively stiffer tread base materials and tread cap materials are used to increase the stiffness of a tread element, then the stiffness of the tread element is improved, but other tread performance criteria are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating tread elements with non-uniform material distribution. Specifically, the tread elements have a higher modulus material concentrated in the gauge line region (affecting stiffness) while other regions maintain materials optimized for their specific functions (wet handling, dry handling, stopping). This allows different regions of the same tread element to have different material properties, improving stiffness without compromising overall tread performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple rubber compounds with different modulus values within single tread elements. The tread elements are constructed with a first rubber compound having a first modulus value and a second rubber compound having a second modulus value, where the difference in modulus values is at least 100 psi. This composite structure enables the tread element to exhibit enhanced stiffness characteristics while maintaining other performance properties through the synergistic combination of materials.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sequential application of different materials at multiple stations is used to create tread elements with different stiffness properties, then tread stiffness adjustment is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the application of different rubber compounds into a single extrusion operation. Instead of using separate application stations for different materials, the invention uses a multi-channel extrusion die that simultaneously extrudes a first rubber compound and a second rubber compound to form the tread elements with the desired material distribution. This consolidation reduces the number of processing stations and simplifies the manufacturing system while achieving the same functional result.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the extrusion process universal by designing a single extrusion system that can produce tread elements with varying stiffness properties by adjusting the material composition in different regions. The multi-channel extrusion die is configured to deliver different rubber compounds to different regions of the tread element, allowing one processing station to perform what would otherwise require multiple specialized stations. This multi-functional approach enhances adaptability while reducing complexity.
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
Enables easy adjustment of tread stiffness properties while reducing production complexity and cost, allowing for improved tire performance without compromising other criteria.
Implementation Method 1
forming a green tire tread by simultaneously extruding a tread cap formed of a first material and a tread base formed of a second material
Implementation Method 2
vulcanizing the radial green tire to form a pneumatic radial cured tire
Data Source
AI summary
A tire tread may be formed by simultaneously extruding a tread cap formed of a first material and a tread base formed of a second material having a substantially different stiffness property than the first material. One tread element may have a strip of the second material extending from the tread base into the tread cap and, a second tread element may also have a strip of the second material extending from the tread base into the tread cap.