Temperature-Responsive Tire Elastomer Composition for Dry and Ice Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire technologies do not effectively change tire performance in response to large changes in temperature or road surface conditions.
Innovation Solution
An elastomer composition containing a styrene-based elastomer and a temperature-responsive resin that changes hydrophilicity with temperature, satisfying the relationship (Contact angle at lower temperature)/(Contact angle at higher temperature) ≤ 0.90, where the lower temperature is lower than 25°C, and the resin comprises terpene, rosin, styrene, C5, C9, coumarone, indene, or olefin resins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If natural rubber is used to ensure flexibility and comfort, then the flexibility and comfort are improved, but the heat generation increases and driving range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite elastomer composition combining natural rubber (for flexibility and comfort) with polybutadiene rubber (for low rolling resistance and reduced heat generation). This composite approach allows the tire to simultaneously achieve comfort from natural rubber while mitigating its high heat generation through polybutadiene's superior heat dissipation properties and lower hysteresis losses.
2Loss of energy
If silica and processing oil are added to reduce rolling resistance, then the rolling resistance is reduced, but the compound becomes sticky and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for silica (20-80 parts by weight per 100 parts rubber) and processing oil (1-20 parts by weight per 100 parts rubber) to optimize the balance between rolling resistance reduction and compound handling. By controlling these parameters within specific ranges, the compound achieves low rolling resistance while maintaining manageable viscosity and processability during manufacturing.
3Ease of operation
If the tire compound is made softer for comfort, then the comfort is improved, but the durability and resistance to degradation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different rubber components with complementary properties: natural rubber provides comfort and flexibility in the tread compound, while polybutadiene rubber enhances durability and heat resistance. The specific formulation ratios and the addition of antioxidants (0.1-5 parts by weight per 100 parts rubber) and UV absorbers (0.1-5 parts by weight per 100 parts rubber) create localized protection zones that preserve overall tire durability while maintaining the soft, comfortable characteristics of the natural rubber base.
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 composition achieves improved dry grip performance at high temperatures and ice grip performance at low temperatures by altering hydrophilicity, enhancing tire performance across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the hysteresis loss at 55 degrees C. and the hysteresis loss at -10 degrees C., which are 60 to 100 based on the hysteresis loss of Standard IR (ISAFR-30) at 55 degrees C. being 60
Implementation Method 2
silica: 20 to 80 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the total rubber (A)
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an elastomer composition and a tire capable of changing tire performance in response to changes in temperature. The present invention relates to an elastomer composition containing a styrene-based elastomer, and a temperature-responsive resin that changes its hydrophilicity with changes in temperature, the elastomer composition satisfying the following relationship at two given temperatures differing by at least 10°C: (Contact angle at lower temperature)/(Contact angle at higher temperature) ≤ 0.90, the lower temperature being lower than 25°C.