Studded Tyre Block Geometry for Noise and Grip Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The performance of studded tires in terms of road holding and noise emissions is constrained by the arrangement of studs in the tread band, which is limited by the specific shape and geometry of the tread pattern, particularly when a large number of studs are used, making it difficult to optimize both grip on icy surfaces and reduce noise emissions effectively.

Innovation Solution

The studs are arranged according to a predefined distribution model that allows for axial and circumferential offsetting, creating a bridge between blocks to reduce noise and maintain firm contact with the road, while modifying the shape of blocks to accommodate studs within the tread pattern without touching the edges or being outside the blocks, thereby optimizing stud placement and reducing noise emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If a large number of studs are distributed over the entire tyre to optimize noise emissions, then noise distribution across frequency spectrum is improved, but the freedom to position studs within blocks is constrained by block shape and geometry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise emissionsVSAvoidfreedom in positioning studs
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the tread band into multiple blocks with different shapes and geometries. This segmentation allows studs to be positioned in various configurations across different block types, enabling both optimal noise distribution and adequate grip on icy surfaces while maintaining the constraints of block geometry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different blocks in the tread pattern are given different local qualities through varied shapes and geometries. This allows specific blocks to be optimized for stud placement while others maintain traditional configurations, enabling the large number of studs needed for noise optimization without compromising overall tread pattern integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If studs are positioned within blocks at minimum spacing from edges to ensure firm grip on icy surfaces, then road holding is improved, but the ability to distribute studs for noise reduction is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip on icy surfacesVSAvoidnoise emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tread band is divided into multiple blocks that can be segmented into different types based on their function. Some blocks are designed with geometries optimized for stud placement to ensure grip, while others are configured to facilitate noise reduction through stud distribution, allowing both requirements to be met simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces dynamic flexibility in the tread pattern design by allowing different block configurations and stud arrangements in different regions of the tread band. This enables the system to adaptively balance between grip requirements (studs positioned within blocks) and noise reduction requirements (studs distributed across the tread band)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3820718B1Studded tyre for vehicle wheels
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 PIRELLI TYRE SPA
  • EP3820718B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3820718B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A studded tyre comprises a tread band (2) on which a tread pattern is defined, in which pattern a module (M) is identified. The tread band (2) comprises at least one first block (110), in which a stud (100) is arranged, and at least one reference block (130), which does not comprise any studs and is arranged in a corresponding position to the first block (110) in a module (M) that is separate from that comprising the first block. An original edge (111) is identified on the first block (110) and corresponds to the edge of the reference block when the reference block is superimposed on the first block, which original edge divides the first block (110) into a main body (112), which substantially corresponds to the reference block, and into a projection (113), which corresponds to a portion of the first block that has been added with respect to the reference block. The stud (100) is positioned in the first block so as to touch the original edge (Ill) or to be arranged entirely inside the projection (113).