Pneumatic Tire Block Edge Geometry for Braking and Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pneumatic vehicle tires with transverse grooves face challenges in maintaining effective drainage while compromising braking properties and rolling noise on dry roads.

Innovation Solution

The design features a chamfered incoming block edge with a wedge-like projection and a chamfered trailing block edge, along with a base elevation that reduces transverse groove depth and features inclined flank surfaces, to enhance braking stability and reduce rolling noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If transverse grooves are formed in tread blocks to improve transverse drainage, then water evacuation capability is improved, but braking properties on dry roads deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransverse drainageVSAvoidbraking properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The block edge is designed with non-uniform geometry featuring a chamfer at the leading end and a specific angle configuration (140°-170°) between sections. This local geometric variation creates different functional zones: the chamfered leading end provides gentle ground engagement for reduced noise, while the angled sections maintain structural integrity for braking performance, and the overall configuration enables effective water evacuation through the transverse groove.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The block edge exhibits asymmetric geometry with respect to the block centerline and the transverse groove. The leading end chamfer and the specific angle (140°-170°) between sections create an asymmetric profile that optimizes both water drainage capability and mechanical strength, allowing the block to perform differently in various operational conditions (drainage vs. braking).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If transverse grooves are formed in tread blocks to improve transverse drainage, then water evacuation capability is improved, but rolling noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransverse drainageVSAvoidrolling noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The block edge is designed with non-uniform geometry featuring a chamfer at the leading end and a specific angle configuration (140°-170°) between sections. This local geometric variation creates different functional zones: the chamfered leading end provides gentle ground engagement for reduced noise, while the angled sections maintain structural integrity for braking performance, and the overall configuration enables effective water evacuation through the transverse groove.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The chamfer at the leading end of the block edge prepares the block for ground contact by creating a gradual transition zone. This preliminary geometric feature allows the block to enter the ground contact area more gently before the main block body engages, thereby reducing impact noise and vibration during rolling operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3009276B1Pneumatic tyre for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2017.09.13 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP3009276B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3009276B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

Vehicle pneumatic tire with a tread pattern having at least one circumferential groove (5) and at least one row of blocks (4) bounded at least on one side by a circumferential groove (5), the blocks (8) of which are separated from each other by transverse grooves (7) which are bounded on the block surfaces by block edges (9, 10), an incoming block edge (10) which first enters the ground when the tire rolls (when driving forward) and the outgoing block edge (9) provided on the adjacent block (8), wherein the incoming block edge (10) is composed of two sections (10a, 10b), of which the section (10b) adjoining the circumferential groove (5) is the shorter and which run to each other at an obtuse angle (γ), so that each block (8) has a wedge-shaped or has a triangular base (12).The longer section (10a) of the incoming block edge (10) is provided with a chamfer along its length, which extends along the shorter section (10b), wherein the outgoing block edge (9) has a generally straight or slightly curved course over its entire extent, wherein the mutual distance between the incoming block edge (10) and the outgoing block edge (9) is greatest at the bend between the two sections (10a, 10b) of the incoming block edge (10) and decreases from the bend in both directions.