Studded Tyre Stud Density and Projection Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Studded tires provide excellent grip on icy surfaces but degrade road surfaces and cause premature wear on non-icy or snow-covered roads, leading to increased abrasiveness and wear, prompting bans or restrictions in some areas.
Innovation Solution
A studded tire design with an average surface density of at least 6.7 studs per square decimeter and a projecting height of 0.8 to 1.2 mm for each stud, combined with a static striking force of 120 to 170 Newtons, to enhance ice grip while minimizing road surface abrasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of studs is increased or projection height is increased to improve ice grip, then ice grip efficiency is improved, but road surface abrasiveness and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the projection height of studs (0.4-1.0mm) and their surface density (6.7-13.3 studs/dm²). This optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal parameter range that provides sufficient ice grip while minimizing road surface damage, rather than simply increasing parameters unilaterally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating differentiated zones in the tread: central ribs with higher stud density for ice grip, and shoulder areas with lower density to reduce road abrasion. This spatial differentiation allows the tire to provide excellent ice traction where needed while minimizing harmful effects on road surfaces in other areas.
2Reliability
If studded tires are used to improve winter driving behavior, then grip on icy surfaces is improved, but road surface degradation and premature wear occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes stud projection height (0.4-1.0mm) and surface density (6.7-13.3 studs/dm²) to achieve the right balance. These controlled parameter changes ensure that studs are sharp enough to penetrate ice for reliable grip, while not being excessively aggressive that would cause premature road surface wear and degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by selectively concentrating studs in central ribs where ice grip is most critical, rather than distributing them uniformly across the entire tread. This partial concentration provides sufficient winter traction while reducing the overall number of studs contacting the road, thereby minimizing road surface degradation.
3Force
If stud projection height is increased to enhance ice penetration, then ice grip is improved, but nail wear and road abrasion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the projection height parameter to a specific range (0.4-1.0mm) that provides sufficient ice penetration force for safe winter driving, while avoiding excessive height that would lead to accelerated stud wear and premature failure. This precise parameter control resolves the contradiction between penetration force and wear resistance.
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
The design improves ice grip performance while limiting the abrasive impact on dry pavement, reducing nail wear and road degradation, thus achieving a balance between traction and road surface preservation.
Implementation Method 1
The contact with the ice, and more particularly the penetration of said nail into the ice, makes it possible to compensate for the decrease in grip observed at the level of the sculpture elements of the tread of the tire. Indeed, the nails scrape the ice and generate additional forces on the ice.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a pneumatic tyre comprising a tyre tread (12) with a tread surface (32), and a plurality of studs (20) secured in the tyre tread (12) and projecting relative to said tread surface (32), the average area density of studs (20) on the tread surface (32) being at least equal to 6.7 studs per dm2 and the projection height Hs of each stud (20) of the plurality of studs (20) being at most equal to 1.6 mm.