Tire Sidewall Contrast via Recessed Micro-Protuberances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire designs fail to sufficiently enhance the contrast between the foreground and background, such as manufacturer names or brand names, on the sidewall, which limits the visibility of these markings.
Innovation Solution
The tire features a decorative portion with micro-protuberances at a density of 2 to 10 per square millimeter, including recessed micro-protuberances on the surface, which reduces light reflection and creates a darker matte appearance, thereby increasing contrast with non-decorative portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the outer surface is made uniformly black to provide a dark background, then the background color is uniform and simple, but the contrast with the foreground markings is insufficient and visibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating micro-protuberances with recesses only in specific decorative portions of the tire sidewall, while leaving other areas smooth. This localized surface modification allows the decorative background to have a darker, matte appearance with reduced light reflection, thereby enhancing contrast with the foreground markings without affecting the entire tire surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves color/reflectivity changes by forming recesses in the micro-protuberances that reduce light reflection. The recessed structures create a matte black appearance in the decorative portions, changing the optical properties from a smooth reflective surface to a diffuse non-reflective surface, thereby improving visibility contrast with the foreground.
2Illumination intensity
If micro-protuberances are added to create a darker background, then the contrast and visibility are improved, but the surface complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tire sidewall surface into distinct decorative portions and non-decorative portions. The micro-protuberances with recesses are confined to the decorative portions, creating a segmented structure that adds complexity only where needed for visual enhancement, while leaving the foreground marking areas simple and smooth for optimal visibility.
3Illumination intensity
If the micro-protuberances have deep recesses to reduce light reflection, then the matte effect and contrast are enhanced, but the structural strength and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the micro-protuberances, specifically controlling the depth and diameter ratios. The recess depth is designed to be between 0.03-0.15mm with a depth-to-diameter ratio of 0.2-0.6, and the protruding height is controlled at 0.05-0.20mm. These parameter adjustments ensure sufficient light reflection reduction for matte effect while maintaining structural integrity and durability.
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
This design significantly improves the visibility of brand names and other markings by enhancing the contrast between the decorative and non-decorative areas, ensuring better visibility and durability of the tire's surface features.
Implementation Method 1
the reflection of the light irradiated to the micro-protuberances is reduced by the recesses, so the decorative portion appears darker (blacker)
Data Source
AI summary
A tire has an outer surface comprising a decorative portion which is visible and provided with micro-protuberances at a density of from 2 to 10 micro-protuberances per 1 sq.mm, and the micro-protuberances include a recessed micro-protuberance provided at its top surface with a recess.