Tire Sidewall Protection via Localized Tread Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tires lack sufficient resistance to sidewall damage such as splitting or puncture when encountering obstacles, particularly in off-road conditions, due to the thin rubber material and lack of protective features designed for ground contact.
Innovation Solution
The tire incorporates block-based and groove-based tread features along the sidewall, positioned based on the radial position of the equator and calculated contact areas to enhance resistance to sidewall damage, with features staggered and shaped to optimize protection while considering aesthetic and functional requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tread features are added along the sidewall to protect from obstacles, then resistance to sidewall damage is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning tread features specifically in the lower sidewall region where obstacle contact is most likely to occur, rather than uniformly across the entire sidewall. This localized approach provides protection where needed while minimizing added complexity and cost in areas where protection is less critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by adding tread features only to specific portions of the sidewall (lower regions) rather than the entire sidewall structure. This partial application provides sufficient protection against the most common damage scenarios while avoiding the excessive complexity and cost of complete sidewall reinforcement.
2Reliability
If tread features are added along the sidewall to protect from obstacles, then resistance to sidewall damage is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By concentrating tread features in the lower sidewall region where obstacle contact is most probable, the patent reduces the total amount of additional material and structural complexity required, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining effective protection where it is most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The partial application of tread features to only the lower sidewall region rather than the entire sidewall reduces material consumption and manufacturing complexity, resulting in lower production costs while providing adequate protection for the critical vulnerability zones.
3Reliability
If tread features are added along the sidewall to protect from obstacles, then resistance to sidewall damage is improved, but sidewall flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains sidewall flexibility by placing rigid tread features only in the lower sidewall region where obstacle contact occurs, while leaving the upper sidewall regions with their original flexible rubber composition intact, thus preserving the tire's ability to flex during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
By applying protective tread features to only a portion of the sidewall rather than the entire structure, the patent minimizes the impact on overall sidewall flexibility while still providing adequate protection in the critical lower regions where damage is most likely.
4Reliability
If tread features are added along the sidewall to protect from obstacles, then resistance to sidewall damage is improved, but aesthetic appearance is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent minimizes aesthetic impact by confining tread features to the lower sidewall region, which is less visible when the tire is mounted and in use, while maintaining protection effectiveness. This localized approach preserves the overall aesthetic appearance of the tire more than full sidewall feature coverage would.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tire with improved resistance to sidewall damage such as splitting or puncture is provided. More particularly, the present invention provides a tire with tread features positioned along the sidewall in a manner that improves the protection of the sidewall against damage when contacting obstacles during operation of the tire.