Studded Tire Tread with Temperature-Dependent Rubber for Ice Grip and Road Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Studded tires provide excellent grip on ice but degrade road surfaces and cause premature wear, leading to restrictions on their use in non-icy conditions, and existing solutions do not optimize the operating point effectively.
Innovation Solution
A studded tire design featuring a tread with two distinct rubber compositions, where the second part envelops the nail and changes modulus with temperature, allowing the nail to protrude on ice and retract on asphalt, reducing road wear and improving grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If studded tires are used to improve grip on ice, then ice grip is improved, but road surface degradation and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tread is divided into two distinct parts with different rubber compositions: a first part in contact with the ground providing general traction, and a second part enveloping the nail head that specifically controls nail protrusion. The second part uses a rubber composition whose modulus changes significantly with temperature, creating locally optimized properties for ice grip while minimizing road damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention exploits the temperature-dependent change in the complex modulus of the second rubber composition. At low temperatures (ice conditions), the modulus is high (≥5 MPa at 5°C), keeping the nail protruding for ice grip. At higher temperatures (asphalt conditions), the modulus drops (≤0.5×G*(5°C) at 20°C), allowing the nail to retract and reduce road surface degradation.
2Reliability
If the nail is firmly anchored in the tread, then ice grip is improved, but the nail cannot retract on asphalt reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The nail anchoring system uses two distinct rubber compositions with different mechanical properties. The first rubber composition provides general tread flexibility, while the second rubber composition specifically surrounds the nail head with temperature-dependent modulus characteristics that enable controlled nail protrusion and retraction based on operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring system transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration through temperature-dependent material properties. The second rubber composition's modulus changes with temperature, allowing the nail to dynamically adjust its protrusion state: firmly anchored when cold (ice grip mode) and more flexible when warm (retraction mode for asphalt conditions).
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
Significantly enhances the compromise between ice grip and road wear, with improved traction on ice and reduced nuisance on asphalt, demonstrated through applicant tests.
Implementation Method 1
the complex modulus G* of the second rubber composition changes as a function of the temperature such that G*(5°C) is greater than or equal to 5 MPa and G*(20°C) is less than or equal to 0.5·G*(5°C)
Implementation Method 2
the body of the nail is at least partially in contact with the first part of the tread; and the head of the nail is fully anchored in the second part of the tread
Data Source
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AI summary
Studded tyre (10) the tread (20) of which comprises a first part (201) in contact with the ground and a second part (202) arranged radially on the inside of the first part, and at least one stud (30) projecting from the tread (20) and the head (70) of which is entirely anchored in the second part (202) of the tread (20), in which the complex modulus G (0°C) of the rubber compound of which the first part (201) of the tread (20) is formed is less than 1.5 MPa and in which the complex modulus G of the rubber compound of which the second part (202) of the tread (20) is made changes as a function of temperature such that G (5°C) is greater than or equal to 5 MPa and G*(20°C) is less than or equal to 0.5-G*(5°C).