Tire Conductive Path Structure for Static Charge Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reducing carbon in tire coating rubber to lower rolling resistance increases electrical resistance, blocking the conductive path for static electricity dissipation from the bead portion to the tread portion, making it difficult for static electricity to escape to the road surface.
Innovation Solution
A tire structure with a conductive member extending from the rubber chafer to reinforcement layers, forming a conductive path through the rubber chafer, belt layers, and tread under cushion to dissipate static electricity to the road surface, while maintaining low rolling resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the amount of carbon in the coating rubber of the carcass ply is reduced to lower rolling resistance, then the loss tangent of the coating rubber is reduced, but the electrical resistance of the coating rubber increases and the conductive path from the bead portion to the tread portion is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive member (conductive fiber) is introduced as an intermediary element to bridge the electrical connection between the bead portion and the tread portion. The conductive member extends through the carcass ply structure, making electrical contact with the tread reinforcement layer, thereby providing an alternative conductive path that does not depend on the carbon content of the carcass coating rubber.
Solution Approach 2:
The tire structure employs composite materials with different electrical properties in different layers. The carcass ply uses low-carbon rubber for low rolling resistance, while the tread reinforcement layer and conductive member use high-carbon or conductive materials to ensure electrical conductivity. This composite approach allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
2Reliability
If a conductive member is added to restore the conductive path, then static electricity dissipation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive member serves multiple functions: it provides the conductive path for static electricity dissipation, reinforces the tread portion structurally, and integrates with the existing tire manufacturing process. By combining multiple functions into a single element, the overall complexity is minimized while achieving the desired electrical conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive member's properties (conductivity, position, extent) are optimized to achieve effective static electricity dissipation without excessive complexity. The inner end position is specifically configured to ensure contact with the rubber chafer, and the outer end extends to the tread reinforcement layer, creating an efficient conductive path with minimal structural intervention.
3Reliability
If the inner end of the conductive member is positioned at the outer end of the rubber chafer or inner region, then the conductive path is established, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive member is positioned and secured during the tire manufacturing process before final assembly, ensuring proper alignment with the rubber chafer and tread reinforcement layer. This preliminary positioning action allows for controlled placement that meets the required precision standards while integrating seamlessly with the manufacturing workflow.
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
Facilitates effective dissipation of static electricity from the vehicle to the road surface, reducing rolling resistance and controlling weight gain, without significantly increasing rolling resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive member extends from the inner end in the tire radial direction thereof outwardly in the tire radial direction to at least a position of any of the reinforcement layers which is conductive among the one or more reinforcement layers
Data Source
AI summary
A rubber chafer is disposed on an outer side in the tire width direction of a bead filler. A tire comprises a conductive member. The inner end in the tire radial direction of the conductive member is located at a tire radial position of an outer end in the tire radial direction of the rubber chafer or in a tire radial region inner in the tire radial direction than the outer end in the tire radial direction of the rubber chafer. The conductive member extends from the inner end in the tire radial direction thereof outwardly in the tire radial direction to at least a position of any of the reinforcement layers which is conductive among the one or more reinforcement layers.