Pneumatic Tire Annular Structure Reducing Rolling Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic tire manufacturing methods fail to effectively reduce rolling resistance while maintaining steering stability and ground contact area, leading to increased viscoelastic energy loss and rolling resistance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a cylindrical annular structure made from a metal thin plate with a rubber layer and a carcass portion, where the annular structure is embedded in the unvulcanized rubber layer and not exposed on the tire's surface, and a vulcanization process with controlled pressure to maintain eccentric deformation and reduce rolling resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional pneumatic tire structure is used, then the tire can maintain basic structural integrity, but rolling resistance increases due to loss of ground contact area and eccentric deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The annular structure is pre-formed with a specific cross-sectional shape (arc recessed toward the inner side) before tire manufacturing. This preliminary structural configuration ensures that when the tire is inflated and in use, the annular structure maintains eccentric deformation and ground contact area, thereby reducing rolling resistance while preserving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the tire by introducing an annular structure with a specific cross-sectional shape (arc recessed toward the inner side from the end portion). This parameter change in the structural geometry enables the tire to maintain eccentric deformation and ground contact area, reducing rolling resistance without compromising ground contact reliability
2Ease of manufacture
If the annular structure is exposed on the tire surface, then manufacturing is simpler, but steering stability and cornering power are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The annular structure is nested within the tire structure, specifically with its end portion positioned within the tire width and embedded in the unvulcanized rubber layer. This nesting approach allows the annular structure to contribute to steering stability and cornering power through its specific cross-sectional shape while being integrated into the tire, balancing manufacturing ease with performance requirements
3Productivity
If the sector is closed before pressurizing the bladder, then vulcanization proceeds faster, but the annular structure buckles and blowouts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The side plates are closed before the sector, creating a preliminary confined space that provides structural support during bladder pressurization. This preliminary action prevents the annular structure from buckling when pressure is applied, allowing subsequent sector closure and vulcanization to proceed without structural failure while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The side plates act as a preliminary cushioning structure that confines the bladder pressure before the sector is closed. This beforehand cushioning prevents blowouts and buckling of the annular structure during the pressurization phase, enabling safe and efficient vulcanization progression
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 method reduces rolling resistance by maintaining ground contact area and eccentric deformation, enhancing steering stability and cornering power while ensuring durability and pressure resistance.
Implementation Method 1
pressurizing a bladder inside the green tire after closing the side plates and prior to closing the sector
Implementation Method 2
closing the sector and starting vulcanization
Data Source
AI summary
A green tire of a pneumatic tire, including a cylindrical annular structure, an unvulcanized rubber layer, which will become a tread portion, provided along a circumferential direction of the annular structure on an outer side of the annular structure, and a carcass portion including fibers covered with rubber, provided on at least both sides in the width direction of a cylindrical structure including the annular structure and the unvulcanized rubber layer, is disposed in a vulcanization mold. The vulcanization mold is split into the side plates and the sector at a position on the inner side in the width direction of the annular structure. Next, the bladder inside the green tire is pressurized after closing the side plates and prior to closing the sector. Then the sector is closed and vulcanization is started.