Pneumatic Tire Sidewall Protection Element Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic vehicle tires, particularly van tires, face challenges in deformability during vulcanization and aerodynamics during driving due to the low rigidity at the step area where a protective element is typically located, leading to issues with air inclusions and air resistance.
Innovation Solution
The protective element is integrated into the sidewall contour without protruding, and a step-like arrangement is formed with a half-step radially inwardly adjoining the lower sidewall area, enhancing stiffness and aerodynamics, with the half-step having a radial height of 3 mm to 10 mm and approximately half the axial width of the step.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective element is placed on the sidewall to protect against chafing contacts, then the sidewall is protected from damage, but the rigidity of the pneumatic vehicle tire becomes low in the area of the step
Solution Approach 1:
The step is divided into multiple half-steps arranged axially inwardly, creating a segmented structure that distributes the protective function while maintaining overall rigidity. Each half-step contributes to the protective contour without concentrating stress in a single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective element is integrated into the sidewall contour in the axial dimension rather than protruding radially outward. This dimensional repositioning maintains the protective function against chafing while avoiding the creation of a rigid protruding structure that would compromise tire flexibility.
2Reliability
If a protective element protrudes axially outward from the sidewall contour to intercept chafing contacts, then protection is improved, but the aerodynamic resistance increases during driving
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the protective element protrude outward from the sidewall contour, the invention inverts the approach by integrating the protective element into the sidewall contour itself. The protective function is achieved through the integrated contour configuration rather than through outward protrusion, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective element is merged with the sidewall contour to form an integrated structure. This combination eliminates the separate protruding protective rib, streamlining the sidewall profile for better aerodynamics while maintaining protection through the integrated contour design.
3Reliability
If a protective element is placed on the sidewall to protect against damage, then service life is extended, but air inclusions occur during vulcanization molding
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element is merged into the sidewall contour as an integrated feature rather than being placed as a separate component during vulcanization. This integration eliminates the interface between the protective element and sidewall that would trap air, preventing air inclusions during the molding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective contour is pre-formed as part of the sidewall structure before vulcanization, ensuring that the protective geometry is already in place and properly integrated. This preliminary formation prevents air entrapment that would occur if a separate protective element were attempted to be positioned during the molding process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The tire has a protection element (8) in a region of a line (10) to protect a side wall (3) from abrasion contacts over the side wall. An outer contour of a collar region and upper and lower side wall portions (4, 5) of the side wall are designed in a convex-shape with a constant curvature. The protection element is integrated into a contour of the upper side wall portion. The lower side wall portion is arranged in an axially inwardly movable manner opposite to the contour of the upper side wall portion through an axially inwardly stepped stage (9).