Pneumatic Tire Side Protector Mud Discharge Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic tires with side protectors in the sidewall portion face challenges in mud performance and durability, particularly when traversing deep mud, as the recessed portions tend to clog with mud and lack effective mud discharge mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates side protectors with first and second grooves inclined in the tire radial direction, recessed portions that overlap and are connected with shoulder lateral grooves, and a configuration that allows for mud discharge through these grooves, enhancing traction and durability by compressing and shearing mud effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a recessed portion is provided in the side protector to shear mud and increase traction, then mud performance is improved, but the recessed portion becomes clogged with mud reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The side protector is segmented into multiple functional zones: the protruding outer portion for protection, the recessed portion for mud shearing, and the inclined grooves for mud discharge. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, preventing mud clogging by providing dedicated discharge pathways through the grooves that connect to the recessed portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a radial dimension to mud discharge by incorporating inclined grooves that extend from the recessed portion toward the tread portion. This creates a three-dimensional mud discharge system where mud can be evacuated not only laterally but also radially outward, preventing clogging by providing multiple escape routes for mud in different spatial dimensions.
2Reliability
If side protectors are arranged closely to provide continuous protection, then durability is improved, but mud discharge capability is reduced due to smaller recessed portions
Solution Approach 1:
The side protector structure is segmented into a protruding protective portion and a recessed functional portion. This segmentation allows the protruding part to provide continuous protection when arranged closely with adjacent side protectors, while the recessed part maintains sufficient volume for effective mud shearing and discharge through the inclined grooves.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the side protector are given different qualities: the outer protruding portion has high structural integrity for protection, while the recessed portion has optimized geometry for mud interaction. The inclined grooves are strategically positioned to provide efficient mud discharge pathways without compromising the protective function of the overall structure.
3Productivity
If grooves are added to the side protector for mud discharge, then mud performance is improved, but structural strength of the side protector is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined grooves are positioned locally within the recessed portion of the side protector, concentrating the discharge function in a specific zone rather than compromising the entire structure. The grooves are designed with optimal dimensions and angles to provide effective mud discharge while minimizing material removal and maintaining overall structural strength of the side protector.
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves are designed to provide sufficient mud discharge capability without excessive depth or width that would compromise strength. The inclined angle and termination position of the grooves are optimized to achieve the necessary discharge function while retaining adequate structural integrity for side protector performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic tire includes a tread portion, a pair of sidewall portions, bead portions formed radially inside the sidewall portions, shoulder blocks arranged in the tire circumferential direction with first pitches on at least one of end portions of the tread portion, side protectors protruding axially outwardly on at least one of the sidewall portions which is located on a side of the shoulder blocks, a recessed portion between a pair of side protectors adjacent in the tire circumferential direction. The side protectors are arranged in the tire circumferential direction with second pitches larger than the first pitches. Each side protector is provided with at least one first groove extending radially inwardly from a side of the tread portion and terminating within the side protector and at least one second groove extending radially outwardly from a side of the bead portion and terminating within the side protector.