Pneumatic Tire Sidewall Contrast Structure for Stronger Light Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contrast structures on pneumatic tires are limited in their contrast effect due to regular configurations, which restricts their ability to distinguish symbols or design elements effectively against smooth surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A large-area, nonuniform hill-and-dale contrast structure with an areal roughness value of 50 μm to 150 μm, featuring continuous hills and dales, ridges, and saddles, that captures light optimally and is robust against mold contaminants and damage, enhancing the contrast effect with smooth surface regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a regular contrast structure with individual elevations is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the contrast effect is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from regular, uniform elevations to an irregular hill-and-dale contrast structure with varying heights, slopes, and configurations. This asymmetric structure captures light more effectively from multiple angles, significantly improving the contrast effect while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through direct mold application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the contrast structure by defining hills and dales with varying heights (5 μm to 500 μm), different slopes, and irregular configurations rather than uniform elevations. These parameter variations enhance light capture efficiency and improve the contrast effect between structured and smooth surface regions.
2Illumination intensity
If a smooth surface is used, then the manufacturing is easy, but the light capture ability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curvature by creating hill-and-dale structures with rounded peaks and valleys rather than sharp or flat surfaces. These curved surfaces are more effective at capturing and reflecting light from various angles, improving light capture ability while the overall surface remains manufacturable through standard mold techniques.
3Reliability
If a regular contrast structure is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the robustness against contaminants is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating areas with different hill and dale characteristics within the contrast structure. Some regions have higher hills that are more resistant to contaminants, while other areas have dales that can trap and contain contaminants, preventing their spread. This local variation enhances overall robustness without complicating the manufacturing process.
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
The nonuniform hill-and-dale contrast structure provides a significantly improved contrast effect with smooth surface regions, making it more robust and effective in capturing light, while being resilient to mold-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
the hill-and-dale contrast structure according to the invention captures light in an optimum manner, and therefore its contrast effect with smooth surface regions is significantly better
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pneumatic tire for a vehicle, having formed on its outer surface at least one surface element (2) with a contrast structure (6) which imparts a roughness to the surface element (3).In the case of a tire of said type, it is the intention to make available a contrast structure with a considerably improved contrast effect.This is achieved in that the contrast structure (6) is a large-area, nonuniform hill-and-dale contrast structure (6) having an areal roughness value Sa according to EN ISO 25178 of 50 μm to 150 μm.