Tire Stud Conduits for Ice Splinter Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Studded tires experience a reduction in grip effectiveness due to the accumulation of ice splinters generated when studs scrape the ice, leading to reduced contact and performance on icy surfaces.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating conduits in the tire tread near the studs to quickly remove ice splinters, with a geometric configuration where the sum of the mean cross sections of the conduits is greater than or equal to half the minimum cross section of the stud, optimizing the proximity and positioning of the conduits to enhance ice splinter removal and improve grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If studs scrape the ice to generate grip forces, then grip on ice is improved, but ice splinters accumulate in the contact area reducing stud effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful ice splinters from the contact area by introducing conduits that channel and remove splinters away from the stud-tire interface. The conduits act as extraction pathways that continuously clear the harmful byproduct of the gripping action, maintaining stud effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduits serve as intermediary structures between the stud contact point and the tire exterior. These intermediaries transport ice splinters away from the critical contact zone, mediating between the force-generating stud and the accumulating debris without interfering with the gripping function.
2Reliability
If conduits are added to remove ice splinters, then grip performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conduits perform multiple functions: they remove ice splinters, channel water, and potentially aid in heat dissipation. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural elements by providing several benefits from a single feature integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduits are implemented as flexible channels within the rubber tread material, utilizing the inherent flexibility and moldability of elastomers to create integrated pathways without rigid structural additions. This maintains the tire's flexibility while adding the splinter removal function.
3Productivity
If conduits are positioned close to studs for effective splinter removal, then grip is improved, but stud retention may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The conduits are strategically positioned in specific locations relative to the studs, with their cross-sectional areas and distances optimized for each stud's function. This local optimization allows effective splinter removal near active studs while maintaining adequate rubber coverage for stud retention in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies that the sum of conduit cross-sections should be at least half the stud's minimum cross-section, providing sufficient splinter removal capacity without excessive conduit material that would compromise stud retention. This partial action approach balances the two competing requirements.
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 effectively reduces the interface thickness between the tire and ice, increasing the anchorage force and improving grip performance on ice, while maintaining stud retention and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
the studs scrape the ice and generate additional forces on the ice
Implementation Method 2
the studs dig into the ice, compensates for the loss of grip
Data Source
AI summary
A tire (10) for driving on ice, comprising: a tread (20) having a rolling surface with a groove, a stud (30) with a part (31) thereof projecting from the rolling surface and having a minimum cross section Sm; a conduit (200-205) that forms, on the rolling surface of the tire, two opposing edges (211, 221; 212, 222; 213, 223), the conduit opening into the groove and/or onto a lateral face of the tread; wherein, for each stud, the sum of the mean cross sections Sn of the conduits, each mean cross section Sn being measured at right angles to one of the opposing edges formed by the conduit, is greater than or equal to half the minimum cross section Sm of that part of the stud that projects from the tread.