Tire Sidewall Defect Masking with Interpenetrating Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for masking sidewall deformation defects in tires, such as moiré patterns, are complex, costly, and do not provide a satisfactory appearance to consumers, as they are not effective for all viewing angles.
Innovation Solution
A tire with a sidewall pattern comprising interpenetrating spherical-cap protruding elements that deflect light uniformly, reducing light absorption and creating a uniform reflective surface, thereby masking deformation defects from various angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a moiré pattern is formed over the entire sidewall to mask the crater defect, then the defect becomes invisible, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the moiré pattern only to specific zones around the crater defect rather than the entire sidewall. The pattern is concentrated in annular regions immediately surrounding the defect, allowing localized masking while reducing overall manufacturing complexity and material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The masking pattern is divided into multiple discrete annular zones rather than a continuous全覆盖 pattern. These segmented zones are positioned at specific distances from the crater, enabling selective application that simplifies manufacturing while maintaining effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a moiré pattern is formed to mask the crater defect, then the defect becomes less visible, but the pattern does not provide satisfactory appearance from all viewing angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar patterns to three-dimensional raised protrusions with specific geometric profiles. These 3D structures create multiple light reflection surfaces that effectively mask the defect from various viewing angles, including oblique angles that planar patterns cannot address.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are designed with curved, spherical-cap geometries that reflect light in multiple directions. This curvature ensures that the masking effect remains effective regardless of the observer's viewing angle, providing uniform appearance coverage that flat patterns cannot achieve.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional moiré patterns are used to mask the defect, then the defect is hidden, but the pattern creates excessive light absorption and reduces overall sidewall reflectivity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using recessed or flat patterns that absorb light, the patent employs raised protrusions that actively reflect light. This inverted approach transforms the masking mechanism from light absorption to light reflection, maintaining overall sidewall brightness while hiding the defect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the optical properties of the masking pattern by using light-reflecting protrusions rather than light-absorbing moiré patterns. This changes the visual appearance from dark/absorptive to bright/reflective, maintaining energy efficiency while achieving defect masking.
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 pattern effectively masks sidewall deformation defects by uniformly reflecting light, making the defects invisible from most angles, improving appearance and manufacturing simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
Rays of light originating from one and the same light source and illuminating the sidewall of the tire are thus substantially deflected in the same way on the pattern... making it possible to obtain a better surface for reflection of the light
Data Source
AI summary
A tire made of rubbery material having a sidewall includes a pattern formed on this sidewall. The pattern has a plurality of protruding elements, with the protruding elements having the form of spherical-cap portions having a radius, and, within the pattern, each protruding element interpenetrates with several adjacent protruding elements so that the distance between a tip of the protruding element and a tip of another adjacent protruding element is less than the diameter of the protruding element.