Pneumatic Tire Tread Block Flank Geometry for Snow Traction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing winter tires fail to significantly enhance traction on snowy surfaces despite the use of snow pockets and chamfered block edges, as they do not effectively transport and compact snow within these features.
Innovation Solution
The tire design features inclined surfaces on the block flanks leading into snow pockets, which are chamfered to direct snow into these pockets, and complementary half-shovel-like recesses on opposing blocks to enhance snow collection and compaction, with specific angles and dimensions optimizing snow transport and traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If snow pockets are provided in tread blocks to prevent snow from slipping through circumferential grooves, then traction on snow is improved, but the existing design fails to effectively transport and compact snow into the pockets
Solution Approach 1:
The block flank is segmented into two distinct sections: a first section with an inclined surface for snow transport, and a second section for snow compaction. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally, with the inclined surface directing snow into the pocket and the compaction section densifying it to form effective snow teeth.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined surface is positioned upstream (in the rolling direction) of the snow pocket, performing preliminary snow collection and direction before the snow enters the pocket. This preliminary action ensures that snow is actively guided into the pocket rather than passively relying on the pocket's position alone.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If block edges are chamfered to form triangular inclined surfaces to avoid uneven wear, then wear uniformity is improved, but traction enhancement on snowy surfaces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The chamfering is applied selectively only to the first section of the block flank that forms the inclined surface, while the second section retains different geometry for snow compaction. This local differentiation allows the inclined surface to provide both wear resistance and enhanced snow interaction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The first section of the block flank serves multiple functions: it provides wear resistance through chamfering like traditional designs, and simultaneously acts as an inclined surface for snow transport and direction into the snow pocket, enhancing traction performance.
3Productivity
If the inclined surface extends over the entire circumferential length of the block flank, then snow transport capability is maximized, but the snow pocket depth and compaction effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The block flank is divided into two sections along its circumferential length: the first section with the inclined surface for snow transport, and the second section for snow pocket formation and compaction. This segmentation ensures that the inclined surface does not encroach on the snow pocket volume, maintaining both transport capability and pocket depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined surface is designed with specific geometric parameters: it is inclined at an angle of 30° to 60° with respect to the radial direction, and its radially inner boundary edge is positioned at a distance of 20% to 80% of the circumferential groove depth from the top of the block. These parameter optimizations balance snow transport efficiency with snow pocket volume preservation.
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 design significantly improves traction on snowy surfaces by effectively transporting and compacting snow into the snow pockets, preventing slipping and enhancing grip through the creation of 'snow teeth' and targeted snow collection.
Implementation Method 1
When the tire rolls on snowy ground, the inclined surfaces are able to transport more snow into the snow pockets
Implementation Method 2
support the compaction of the snow in the snow pockets. The 'snow teeth' formed in the snow pockets in this way allow the tire to have more traction on snowy surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The vehicle pneumatic tire has a tread, which is implemented in the direction of travel, and has profile elements, which have profile blocks (2a,4a) and profile ribs. A block flank section is provided, which is chamfered under formation of a slant (11) that is bent toward an extent groove (3) of a block top side, and is related to a revolution direction (R) of the tire.