Tire Sidewall Elastomer Composition for Impact Resistance and Stain Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tyre outer sidewalls face challenges with resistance to external attacks such as impacts and tears, and suffer from staining issues due to the migration of anti-ozonants, while being costly and heavy due to metal reinforcement, and having suboptimal cracking resistance from natural rubber/polybutadiene compositions.

Innovation Solution

A tyre outer sidewall composition featuring a thermoplastic elastomer matrix with a glass transition temperature of less than or equal to −50° C, comprising synthetic diene elastomers, crosslinking systems, and reinforcing fillers, which prevents penetration and minimizes staining without metal reinforcement, thereby enhancing flexibility and reducing production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metallic protective plies are used to resist external attacks, then resistance to impacts and tears is improved, but weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to external attacksVSAvoidsidewall weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters by using thermoplastic elastomers with specific glass transition temperatures (≤-50°C) and specific molecular structures instead of metallic strands, achieving comparable protective properties through different material physics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite elastomeric system combining thermoplastic elastomers with synthetic diene elastomers to achieve the protective function previously requiring metal reinforcement, eliminating the need for metallic protective plies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If metallic protective plies are used to resist external attacks, then resistance to impacts and tears is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to external attacksVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters by using thermoplastic elastomers with specific glass transition temperatures (≤-50°C) and specific molecular structures instead of metallic strands, achieving comparable protective properties through different material physics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite elastomeric system combining thermoplastic elastomers with synthetic diene elastomers to achieve the protective function previously requiring metal reinforcement, eliminating the need for metallic protective plies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If anti-ozonants are added to prevent cracking, then resistance to ozone-induced cracking is improved, but staining of the sidewall surface worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to crackingVSAvoidsidewall staining

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters by using specific thermoplastic elastomer compositions with controlled anti-ozonant content and specific molecular structures that reduce anti-ozonant migration while maintaining cracking resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite system where thermoplastic elastomers work synergistically with synthetic diene elastomers to provide ozone resistance through the thermoplastic component while minimizing staining

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution provides improved resistance to external attacks, reduced staining, and enhanced flexibility, leading to a more durable and cost-effective tyre sidewall with improved comfort and performance.

Implementation Method 1

one or more thermoplastic elastomers comprising at least one elastomer block and at least one thermoplastic block, the elastomer block(s) not denoting one or more polyisobutylene blocks; and one or more synthetic diene elastomers selected from butadiene polymers having a glass transition temperature of less than or equal to −50° C.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGlass transition temperature:

Implementation Method 2

said composition comprising at least one crosslinking system and one or more reinforcing fillers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrosslinking:

Implementation Method 3

said composition comprising at least one crosslinking system and one or more reinforcing fillers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReinforcement:

Data Source

PatentUS11359077B2Tire provided with an outer sidewall comprising one or more thermoplastic elastomers and one or more synthetic diene elastomers

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

AI summary

A tire has an outer sidewall, said outer sidewall comprising at least one composition based on an elastomeric matrix comprising: one or more thermoplastic elastomers comprising at least one elastomer block and at least one thermoplastic block, the elastomer block(s) not denoting one or more polyisobutylene blocks; and one or more synthetic diene elastomers selected from butadiene polymers having a glass transition temperature of less than or equal to −50° C.; said composition comprising at least one crosslinking system and one or more reinforcing fillers.