Pneumatic Tire Block Bridges for Traction Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pneumatic tires lack enhanced rigidity between blocks in the tire width and circumferential directions, which affects traction and ground contact properties.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic tire design featuring blocks divided by longitudinal and lateral grooves, with bridges coupling adjacent blocks to improve rigidity and traction, including chamfered portions and two-step recesses in the longitudinal grooves for increased snow column shear force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If longitudinal grooves are formed to divide blocks, then ground contact property is improved, but rigidity between blocks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tread blocks are divided into multiple segments by longitudinal grooves, creating first and second blocks that improve ground contact. This segmentation allows each block to independently conform to the road surface while maintaining overall tire performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Bridges are introduced as intermediary structures that connect adjacent blocks across the longitudinal grooves. These bridges serve as mediators that maintain rigidity and structural integrity while allowing the grooves to perform their ground contact function.
2Force
If bridges are added to couple blocks, then traction property is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridges are integrated into the existing tread structure, merging the coupling function with the overall tire design. Rather than adding separate components, the bridges are formed as part of the tread element itself, reducing complexity while achieving the desired coupling effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridges serve multiple functions: they couple adjacent blocks to improve traction, maintain structural rigidity, and work in conjunction with the longitudinal and lateral grooves. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.
3Strength
If groove portions are formed in coupling portions, then rigidity of coupling is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The groove portions are pre-formed into the coupling portions during the molding process. This preliminary action ensures that the rigidity-enhancing features are integrated into the basic structure, avoiding the need for post-manufacturing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove portions modify the geometric parameters of the coupling portions, creating recesses that increase rigidity. These parameter changes are achieved through standard molding techniques, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving structural properties.
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic tire includes a plurality of blocks formed by being divided by a longitudinal groove in a tire width direction and divided by a lateral groove in a tire circumferential direction. The blocks include a first block on the inner side in the tire width direction, a second block on the outer side in the tire width direction, a third block adjacent to the first block in the tire circumferential direction, and a fourth block adjacent to the second block in the tire circumferential direction. The pneumatic tire includes a bridge formed in the longitudinal groove and the lateral groove and coupling the first block, the second block, and the third block, or the third block, the fourth block, and the second block.