Pneumatic Tire Bead Reinforcement Layout for Heavy-Load Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand to further improve the durability performance of the bead portions in pneumatic tires, particularly in tires for small trucks that are subjected to heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic tire design that includes a pair of bead portions with a bead core and a reinforcing rubber portion adjacent to the axially outer side of the turnup portion. The reinforcing rubber portion consists of an axially inner rubber layer and an axially outer rubber layer, with the radially outer end of the axially outer rubber layer positioned radially outside the radially outer end of the axially inner rubber layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional bead structure with single-layer rubber is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the bead durability performance is insufficient under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing rubber portion is divided into multiple rubber layers (first rubber layer, second rubber layer, third rubber layer) with different configurations. Each layer serves specific functions: the first layer provides base reinforcement, the second layer with greater thickness enhances lateral rigidity, and the third layer extends radially to improve overall structural stability under heavy loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different rubber layer configurations at specific locations within the bead portion. The multi-layer structure is concentrated in the reinforcing rubber portion adjacent to the turnup portion, providing localized reinforcement where stress concentration occurs under heavy loads, rather than uniformly reinforcing the entire bead structure.
2Reliability
If the bead portion is reinforced to improve durability, then the bead durability performance improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing rubber portion is segmented into discrete layers that can be manufactured separately and then assembled during tire production. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of each layer with optimal properties, while the overall assembly process remains integrated into conventional tire manufacturing workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite rubber structures with varying thicknesses and radial extensions in different layers. These composite rubber configurations provide enhanced mechanical properties for improved durability while maintaining compatibility with existing rubber compounding and curing processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pneumatic tire 1 has a bead portion provided with a reinforcing rubber portion disposed adjacently to the axially outer side of a carcass. The reinforcing rubber portion comprises an axially inner rubber layer and an axially outer rubber layer. The radially outer end of the axially outer rubber layer is positioned radially outside the radially outer end of the axially inner rubber layer. The radially inner end of the axially outer rubber layer is positioned radially inside the radially inner end of the axially inner rubber layer.