Tire Tread Flow Deflector Water Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle tire tread designs fail to efficiently manage water flow, leading to increased risk of aquaplaning due to insufficient water displacement, particularly in fluctuating weather conditions, and require separate molds for left and right tires based on predetermined rotating direction.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a flow deflector in the circumferential groove, which reduces its width and arcs into the transverse groove, creating a venturi and coanda effect to enhance water flow and reduce vortex formation, thereby improving water discharge and reducing the likelihood of hydroplaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the circumferential groove width is reduced to enhance water flow rate, then water discharge efficiency is improved, but the groove capacity to transport water is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential groove is segmented by the flow deflector into different sections: an upstream section for water collection, a constricted section for acceleration, and a downstream section for continued transport. This segmentation allows the groove to simultaneously achieve high flow rate in the constricted section while maintaining adequate water capacity in the upstream and downstream sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove width parameter is dynamically changed along its length through the flow deflector. The groove transitions from a wider configuration (higher capacity) to a constricted configuration (higher velocity) and then back to a wider configuration (continued transport capacity). This parameter variation resolves the contradiction between flow rate and water capacity.
2Productivity
If the groove geometry is optimized for water flow in a predetermined rotating direction, then water flow efficiency is improved, but the tire design complexity increases due to requiring separate molds for left and right tires
Solution Approach 1:
The flow deflector features an asymmetric cross-sectional shape with a specific curvature that is optimized for water flow in one direction. When the tire is mounted with the correct sidewall facing outward, the asymmetric geometry creates optimal flow conditions. The symmetry of the overall tire design allows the same tread pattern to be used on both left and right sides while maintaining directional flow optimization through proper mounting orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single tread pattern design with the asymmetric flow deflector serves multiple functions: it optimizes water flow efficiency when mounted correctly, and the symmetric overall design allows universal application to both left and right tire positions. This eliminates the need for separate left and right tire molds while maintaining water flow optimization through proper installation orientation.
3Productivity
If the flow deflector constricts the groove width, then water pressure decreases and flow rate increases, but vortex formation may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow deflector features a curved, arcuate shape rather than a sharp angular constriction. This curvature allows water to transition smoothly through the narrowed section, reducing flow separation and vortex formation. The rounded geometry maintains laminar flow characteristics even in the constricted section, enabling high flow rate without excessive vortex generation.
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
This design significantly enhances water flow efficiency, reducing the propensity for hydroplaning and maintaining manufacturing efficiency and cost-effectiveness for 'inside/outside' tires with undetermined rotating direction, allowing for a single mold production.
Implementation Method 1
The flow deflector, which is arranged at what in water flowing direction is the intersection of a circumferential groove and a transverse groove, has been found to enhance distinctly the transverse flow of water and to reduce the tire's propensity to hydroplaning. The width-reducing feature of the flow deflector constricts a flow in the circumferential groove, whereby the water pressure decreases and the flow rate increases.
Implementation Method 2
The flow deflector continues arcuately into the transverse groove so as to turn into a wall of the transverse groove. The continuation of the flow deflector in its curve into the transverse groove is designed to change the flowing direction of water from circumferential to transverse.
Implementation Method 3
One feature of the flow deflector is its ability to achieve a considerable reduction in vortex formation, resulting in an enhanced discharge of water.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle tire (1), including a tread (2) which intended for rolling contact with a foundation, the tread 82) being formed with a tread pattern (20) which includes circumferential grooves (25) and transverse grooves (26) for removing water from a contact patch between the foundation and the tire (1). The circumferential groove (25) has its wall (251) formed with a flow deflector (259) reducing a width of the circumferential groove (25), commencing from the wall (251) of the circumferential groove (25), bypassing a reduced-width portion (250) of the circumferential groove (25), and continuing arcuately into the transverse groove (26) so as to turn into a wall (261) of the transverse groove (26).