Pneumatic Tire Bead Conductive Path for Electrostatic Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic vehicle tires face challenges in achieving an electrically conductive connection to the rim in the bead areas due to the high electrical resistance of rubber components made with silica or carbon black, which hinders effective electrostatic charge discharge.
Innovation Solution
An electrically conductive material is applied on the outside of the horn profile, extending radially to contact the carcass insert, either inside or outside the tire, ensuring a conductive path between the rim and the carcass insert, using rubber strips, threads, fabrics, pastes, or powders to facilitate easy manufacturing and reliable electrostatic discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If rubber components are made with silica or carbon black to reduce rolling resistance, then rolling resistance is reduced, but electrical conductivity becomes too high (electrical resistance becomes too high) preventing effective electrostatic charge discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the electrical conduction function into separate segments: the horn profile remains electrically insulating (made with silica-filled rubber for low rolling resistance), while distinct electrically conductive elements (conductive rubber strips or conductive material applied to the horn profile) provide the electrical conduction path. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its primary function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary conductive element (conductive rubber strip or applied conductive material) that mediates between the insulating horn profile and the carcass insert. This intermediary provides the necessary electrical conduction path while allowing the horn profile itself to maintain its insulating properties for rolling resistance reduction.
2Reliability
If electrically conductive material is integrated into the horn profile, then electrical connection to the rim is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The horn profile is manufactured separately as an insulating component, and the electrically conductive elements are added as separate segments in subsequent manufacturing steps. This allows the horn profile to be produced using standard silica-filled rubber compounds, while conductive strips or applied conductive materials are added later through simpler processes like adhesive bonding or coating.
Solution Approach 2:
The horn profile is first manufactured with its insulating properties established, and then the electrically conductive elements are prepared and positioned in advance before final assembly. This preliminary separation of manufacturing steps simplifies the overall process compared to integrating conductivity into the horn profile itself.
3Ease of manufacture
If electrically conductive material is applied on the outside of the horn profile extending radially to contact the carcass insert, then a simple and effective conductive connection is achieved, but the structural integrity of the horn profile may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive material is applied as a separate layer or element on the outer surface of the horn profile rather than being integrated into the horn profile's load-bearing structure. This segmentation ensures the horn profile's structural integrity is maintained while the applied conductive material provides the electrical connection path.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically conductive material is applied only in specific local areas on the horn profile's outer surface where electrical contact is needed, rather than throughout the entire horn profile structure. This localized application maintains the horn profile's overall structural strength while providing necessary electrical conductivity at critical contact points.
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
This solution allows for a simple and effective electrically conductive connection between the rim and the carcass insert, enabling reliable electrostatic charge discharge without compromising tire uniformity or manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
electrically conductive material in contact with the horn profile in at least one bead area electrically connects the carcass insert to the rim
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a radial-type pneumatic tire for vehicles, comprising an inner layer (2), sidewalls (1), bead cores (5), a carcass insert (4) wrapped around the bead cores (5) and in electrically conductive contact with the outer surface of the tread, and electrically non-conductive horn profiles (3), wherein electrically conductive material (8, 8') in contact with the horn profile (3) in at least one bead area electrically connects the carcass insert (4) to the rim (7). The electrically conductive material (8, 8') extends along the outer surface of the horn profile (3) and has at least one section (8a, 8'a) which extends radially beyond the horn profile (3) and contacts the carcass insert (4).