Thermoplastic Elastomer Tire Frame Molecular Orientation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tires made from resin materials, such as thermoplastic elastomers, face challenges in achieving superior durability due to uncertainties in controlling the state of the resin material, which affects the tire's properties like cracking resistance.

Innovation Solution

A tire frame using a thermoplastic elastomer with a specific molecular orientation value (f) between -0.08 and 0.08, measured by small angle X-ray scattering, along with controlled long period (L) and crystallinity (Xc) values, enhances durability by effective dispersion of mechanical power and improved crystal growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a tire frame is formed using a thermoplastic elastomer as a resin material, then weight reduction and ease of molding are achieved, but durability and cracking resistance remain insufficient due to uncontrollable resin material state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetire weightVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the orientation parameter (f value) of the thermoplastic elastomer molecules within the range of -0.08 to 0.08. This parameter control transforms the resin material state to achieve both weight reduction benefits and improved durability, resolving the contradiction between using lightweight thermoplastic elastomers and maintaining tire reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the resin material state is controlled to improve tire properties, then durability is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision and control complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidresin material state control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback control by measuring the orientation parameter (f value) of the thermoplastic elastomer and adjusting manufacturing parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of the resin material state to achieve the target f value range, thereby improving durability while maintaining manageable manufacturing precision through systematic monitoring and adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 tire exhibits superior durability and resistance to cracking while maintaining favorable fuel efficiency, achieved through precise control of molecular orientation and crystallinity in the thermoplastic elastomer.

Implementation Method 1

the thermoplastic elastomer having a value of orientation f, as measured by small angle X-ray scattering, of from -0.08 to 0.08

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSmall angle X-ray scattering: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP3421536B1tire
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 BRIDGESTONE CORP
  • EP3421536B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3421536B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3421536B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tire having a tire frame, the tire frame comprising a thermoplastic elastomer as a resin material, and the thermoplastic elastomer having a value of orientation f, as measured by a small angle X-ray scattering method, of from -0.08 to 0.08.