Studded Tyre Layout With Variable Stud Protrusion for Lasting Grip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Studded tires experience reduced grip over time due to wear of studs, leading to inadequate traction and steering control, especially on icy and snowy roads.

Innovation Solution

The design of studded tires with varying stud protrusions in the center and shoulder areas, where center area studs have higher protrusions than shoulder area studs, combined with specific stud configurations and tire structures to optimize grip and reduce wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If studs are installed in tread blocks, then grip on ice is improved, but grip deteriorates over time due to wear

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovegripVSAvoidlifetime
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating stud protrusion heights between center and shoulder areas. Center area studs have higher protrusion (1.0-1.3mm) while shoulder area studs have lower protrusion (0.6-0.9mm). This local differentiation optimizes grip in the center area where it is most needed while reducing road wear and maintaining acceptable grip in shoulder areas throughout the tire's lifetime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If studs have high protrusion, then grip is improved, but road wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovegripVSAvoidroad wear
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces road wear by implementing local quality with varying stud protrusions. Shoulder area studs have lower protrusion (0.6-0.9mm) compared to center area studs (1.0-1.3mm), which minimizes road wear in shoulder areas while maintaining sufficient grip. This local differentiation balances grip performance with road wear reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If uniform stud protrusion is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but grip performance deteriorates due to wear distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidgrip consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes grip consistency throughout the tire's lifetime by applying local quality with differentiated stud protrusions. Center area studs with higher protrusion (1.0-1.3mm) maintain grip as they wear, while shoulder area studs with lower protrusion (0.6-0.9mm) are designed to wear down to an optimal height. This local differentiation ensures consistent grip performance across different tire usage conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4461571B1A studded tyre for vehicles
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 NOKIAN TYRES
  • EP4461571B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1f
  • EP4461571B1 patent drawingFigure 1g~1j
  • EP4461571B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a tyre (200) comprising a tread (210) having tread blocks (220); a plurality of stud holes (250); and a plurality of studs (100) installed in at least some of the stud holes (250). Studs (100b) in a centre area (CR) of the tyre (200) have higher protrusion from a surface of the tread block (220) than studs (100a) in a shoulder area (SR1, SR2) of the tyre (200).