Winter Tire Microgrooves for Snow Traction and Aquaplaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current winter tires face challenges in enhancing winter driving properties on snow and slush without compromising aquaplaning performance.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of essentially rectilinear microgrooves on the profile positive flanks of tread blocks, angled at 60° to 90° to the profile edges and extending at an acute angle of 20° to 40°, which absorb snow and transfer shearing forces to the profile flanks, allowing snow to collect and increase friction, while maintaining water drainage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If numerous parallel slits are formed in tread blocks to improve grip on snowy and icy surfaces, then winter driving properties are improved, but aquaplaning performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different groove configurations to different regions of the tread blocks. Microgrooves are formed specifically on the profile flanks at diagonal grooves, while circumferential grooves maintain smooth edges. This local differentiation allows snow collection and shear force transfer at diagonal grooves without compromising water drainage at circumferential grooves, thus improving winter grip while maintaining aquaplaning performance
Solution Approach 2:
The tread block surface is segmented into multiple functional zones: profile flanks with microgrooves for snow interaction, block surfaces with parallel slits for general traction, and groove edges that remain smooth for water drainage. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with other functions
2Reliability
If smooth edges are made at groove definitions to ensure good aquaplaning performance, then water drainage is improved, but snow retention and grip deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local quality differences by forming microgrooves only on profile flanks at diagonal grooves where snow collection is needed, while keeping circumferential groove edges smooth for water drainage. The microgrooves have specific dimensions (0.1-0.5mm width, 0.05-0.3mm depth) optimized for snow interaction, while groove edges maintain smoothness for hydroplaning resistance
3Reliability
If microgrooves are formed on profile flanks to collect snow and transfer shear forces, then traction on snow is improved, but water drainage capacity may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the groove system into diagonal grooves with microgrooved profile flanks for snow handling and circumferential grooves with smooth edges for water drainage. This segmentation ensures that snow collection functions and water drainage functions are spatially separated, allowing both to perform optimally without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies asymmetric groove configurations: microgrooves are formed at diagonal grooves running across the tread, while circumferential grooves remain smooth. This asymmetry in groove treatment allows the tire to handle snow and water differently at different groove locations, optimizing performance for both functions simultaneously
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 microgrooves enhance traction on snow by deforming the tread blocks to collect snow, thereby improving snow-to-snow friction without affecting aquaplaning performance and potentially improving water drainage.
Implementation Method 1
transfer the shear forces generated when snow slides through the grooves to the profile positive flanks. These forces deform the profile positive in such a way that the cuts formed in the profile positive open slightly
Implementation Method 2
increasing snow-snow friction and thus traction on snow
Implementation Method 3
they do not impair the water drainage capacity of the grooves; on the contrary, they can even contribute to improved water drainage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to pneumatic vehicle tyres for passenger motor vehicles, in particular for use in winter driving conditions, comprising a tread having profile positives, in particular profile blocks (3, 4), and having grooves, in particular circumferential grooves (2), transverse grooves or diagonal grooves (1), bordering profile positives, wherein profile positives are provided in which a respective number of cuts (6) are formed running substantially parallel to one another, extending at an angle (γ) of 60° to 90° to a profile positive edge (8a, 8b) bordering the profile positive with a groove, and feeding into the groove (1) on the associated profile positive flank (7a, 7b), and wherein, on profile positive flanks (7a, 7b) of profile positives, in which the cuts (6) run at an angle (γ) of 60° to 90° to the associated profile positive edges (8a, 8b), substantially straight micro grooves (9) are formed which extend along the profile positive flanks (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b) at an acute angle (δ) of 20° to 40° to the profile positive edges (8a, 8b), which have a depth (t3) from 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm and a width (B) on the profile positive flank, corresponding to at least the depth (t3) thereof.