Studded Tyre Recess Geometry to Prevent Stud Embedment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Studded tires on icy roads experience reduced grip effectiveness due to powdered ice accumulation around the studs, which is not adequately addressed by existing recess designs that only collect but fail to expel the ice, leading to embedded studs and compromised traction.
Innovation Solution
A recess design with a first and second portion interconnected by a connection portion of restricted section, deforming to collect and expel powdered ice, maintaining stud exposure and improving traction by preventing ice accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a recess is provided around the stud to collect powdered ice, then the grip action of the stud on the road surface is improved, but the powdered ice accumulates in the recess and embeds the stud, reducing grip effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The recess is designed with a restricted section that allows it to deform dynamically during tyre rotation. When the recess enters the footprint area, it deforms to expel accumulated powdered ice, preventing embedment of the stud while maintaining collection capacity during non-contact phases
Solution Approach 2:
The recess is divided into a first portion for collecting powdered ice and a second portion for expelling it, connected by a restricted section. This segmentation allows the recess to perform both collection and expulsion functions effectively
2Reliability
If the recess deforms to expel powdered ice, then the stud remains exposed and grip action is maintained, but the recess structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The recess structure has different properties in different portions: the first portion has greater volume for collection, the restricted section provides structural flexibility for deformation, and the second portion facilitates expulsion. This local differentiation achieves the desired functionality without requiring entirely complex structures
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 enhances grip efficiency and road-holding performance on icy surfaces by effectively expelling powdered ice, maintaining stud effectiveness and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a studded tyre in which a recess shaped with a first and a second portion interconnected by a connection portion having a restricted section is formed around the stud deforms substantially during the phases of entering and exiting the footprint area at the connection portion, producing a contraction and expansion movement of the recess which promotes the expulsion of the powdered ice
Data Source
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AI summary
A studded tyre comprises a tread band (2), on which there are formed respective pluralities of grooves (4) and blocks (5) and a plurality of studs (9) which are provided on at least blocks. On at least one block on which a stud is provided, there is provided a first recess (20) which is intended to receive powdered ice and which is separated from said stud (9) and which extends on the block so as to at least partially surround the stud. The first recess (20) comprises a first portion (23) having a first width, a second portion (24) having a second width, and a connection portion (25) which is interposed between the first portion (23) and the second portion (24) and which has a width less than the first width and the second width.