Tire Shoulder Block and Sidewall Layout for Mud Traction and Low Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire designs fail to provide optimal traction and noise reduction across various on-road and off-road conditions, particularly in mud and snow, due to limitations in tread pattern and groove configuration.

Innovation Solution

The tire features a unique combination of extruded, angled shoulder blocks with an alternating pattern, staggered and narrower lateral grooves, and a 3-ply with 2-ply high turn-up construction, which enhances traction, noise suppression, and puncture resistance, while maintaining a reduced number of tread blocks in contact at maximum load for improved handling and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional tread patterns are used, then the tire structure is simple, but traction on soft surfaces (mud and snow) is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetractionVSAvoidtread pattern complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tread is divided into multiple functional segments including extruded shoulder blocks, staggered lateral grooves, and center ribs with specific groove patterns. This segmentation allows each element to perform specialized functions for improved mud and snow traction while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the tread are given different properties: the shoulder area features extruded angled blocks for off-road grip, the center has specific groove configurations for water evacuation, and the block patterns vary by region. This local differentiation optimizes traction in specific conditions without requiring complete redesign of the entire tread

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional groove configurations are used, then manufacturing is simple, but noise reduction is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovenoiseVSAvoidgroove configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral grooves are configured in a staggered asymmetric pattern rather than uniform alignment. This asymmetry disrupts noise propagation paths and reduces the pumping effect that generates tire noise, while the irregular configuration also helps break up water films for improved traction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Strength

If more tread blocks are used for better traction, then grip improves, but handling at maximum load deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovegripVSAvoidhandling

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tread block design allows dynamic adaptation under load. The extruded shoulder blocks and staggered groove configuration enable the tread to deform and redistribute contact pressure optimally under maximum load conditions, maintaining both grip and handling characteristics through load-dependent behavior

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3448698B1Tire with unique tread block and upper sidewall design

Publication Date: 2024.07.24 AMERICAN PACIFIC IND INC

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AI summary

A tire including a sidewall, wherein the sidewall may include an upper sidewall. The upper sidewall may include a plurality of extruded, angled blocks proximate an outer edge of the tire. The tire may include a plurality of shoulder blocks. The plurality of shoulder blocks may be at the outer edge of the tire on a shoulder.