Tire Sidewall Mark Visibility via Micro Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire designs struggle to enhance the visibility of marks on the sidewall portion without compromising air resistance or exceeding rubber gauge thickness, and previous solutions like eccentric serrations do not sufficiently improve indicia visibility.
Innovation Solution
A tire with a surface geometry arrangement featuring radially extending first micro projections and second micro projections that create a stereoscopic effect, enhancing light absorptivity and contrast to make marks appear more prominent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a projecting mark is formed on the sidewall surface to enhance visibility, then visibility is improved, but air resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating micro projections only in specific regions adjacent to the mark rather than modifying the entire sidewall surface. This localized modification enhances visibility of the mark while minimizing the impact on overall air resistance. The micro projections are confined to specific zones (first region radially extending from vanishing point, second region in shadow area) rather than uniformly distributed across the sidewall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension by adding micro projections that create stereoscopic depth effects. The first micro projections extend radially from the vanishing point and the second micro projections are positioned in the shadow region, creating a multi-dimensional visual effect that makes the mark appear to protrude from the surface without requiring actual large-scale protrusions that would increase air resistance.
2Illumination intensity
If a recessed mark is formed on the sidewall surface to enhance visibility, then visibility is improved, but the rubber gauge thickness is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by forming micro projections only in specific adjacent regions rather than modifying the entire mark area. This localized approach enhances visibility through stereoscopic effects while maintaining the overall mark depth within the rubber gauge thickness constraints. The micro projections are positioned in the first region (radially from vanishing point) and second region (shadow area) rather than requiring deep recesses throughout the mark.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension by adding micro projections that create apparent depth through optical effects rather than relying solely on actual physical depth. The radially extending first micro projections and the second micro projections in the shadow region create a stereoscopic illusion that enhances visibility without requiring the mark recess to exceed the rubber gauge thickness.
3Ease of manufacture
If eccentric serrations are used to camouflate defective outer appearance, then camouflaging effect is enhanced, but visibility of indicia is not sufficiently enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the surface geometry arrangement into distinct functional regions: a first region with first micro projections that radially extend from the vanishing point, and a second region with second micro projections located in the shadow area. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different purposes - the first region creates stereoscopic depth effects while the second region enhances contrast through shadow manipulation, together achieving both camouflaging and visibility enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different micro projection characteristics to different regions. The first micro projections in the radially extending region create stereoscopic depth perception, while the second micro projections in the shadow region enhance contrast and definition. This localized differentiation allows the indicia to be both camouflaged (through overall surface geometry) and highly visible (through region-specific micro projection effects).
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 surface geometry arrangement enhances the visibility of marks by creating a stereoscopic effect, making them appear to project from the depth side, thereby improving their visibility and appearance without affecting air resistance or rubber thickness.
Implementation Method 1
The first region may extend radially from a vanishing point on the surface of the sidewall portion toward the mark so as to allow the mark to be stereoscopically viewed
Data Source
AI summary
At least one mark in the form of a character or a figure and a surface geometry arrangement region can be disposed on a surface of a sidewall portion. The surface geometry arrangement region can include a first region formed adjacent to the mark outside the mark. The first region can have a plurality of first micro projections disposed therein. The first region can extend radially from a vanishing point on the surface of the sidewall portion toward the mark so as to allow the mark to be stereoscopically viewed.