Layered Tire Reinforcement Structure for Strength Without Added Weight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire manufacturing methods result in complex structures that are time-consuming and heavy, with airtightness and mechanical strength that can be improved without increasing weight or reducing performance.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a stratified assembly of two layers of flattened, completely connected reinforcing strips separated by a layer of uncoupling rubber, which provides both mechanical strength and airtightness by maintaining consistent strip separation during tire shaping, reducing the thickness and weight of the tire.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If multiple rubber plies are stacked to form tire structure, then mechanical strength and airtightness are improved, but tire weight and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidtire weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple traditional rubber plies (carcass ply, crown ply, and airtight liner) into a single integrated reinforcing structure. This structure uses flattened strips arranged in overlapping patterns with radial orientation to simultaneously provide mechanical strength and airtightness, eliminating the need for separate stacked plies and reducing overall tire weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite material construction with flattened reinforcing strips arranged in specific patterns. The strips are positioned to create overlapping regions that provide both structural reinforcement and gas impermeability, combining multiple functions into a unified composite structure rather than using separate homogeneous plies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If multiple rubber plies are stacked to form tire structure, then mechanical strength and airtightness are improved, but manufacturing time and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcing strips are pre-formed with flattened cross-sections and specific dimensional characteristics before being placed in the tire structure. This preliminary preparation allows for simplified integration during tire manufacturing, reducing the complexity and time required for assembly compared to traditional multi-ply construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If traditional airtight rubber inner liner is used, then airtightness is maintained, but regular pressure checks are required due to gas leaks

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveairtightnessVSAvoidpressure check frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from using a continuous rubber liner to using discrete flattened strips arranged in overlapping patterns. This dimensional change creates multiple overlapping barriers to gas permeation, enhancing airtightness through the cumulative effect of multiple strip layers rather than relying on a single continuous liner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Strength

If additional sidewall reinforcing strips are added, then mechanical strength under high stress is improved, but tire weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesidewall mechanical strengthVSAvoidtire weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides carcass reinforcement, crown reinforcement, and airtight sealing. The same flattened strips arranged in overlapping patterns perform all these functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sidewall reinforcement layers and reducing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11884115B2Method for producing a reinforcement structure for a tire

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

AI summary

The reinforcing structure for a tire is in the form of a stratified assembly formed of two layers of reinforcing strips of completely connected cross section, and flattened in shape. According to the method, the strips of each layer are laid side by side in a main direction of laying. The strips of the first layer are spaced apart by a distance that is less than the width of the strips of the second layer and in such a way that the edges of the strips of the first layer overlap the edges of the strips of the second layer. The two layers of strips are separated by a layer of uncoupling rubber.