Multi-Layer Tire Tread Layout for Low Rolling Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tires face a challenge in balancing low rolling resistance and good wet performance, as rubbers with low heat generation properties compromise grip force, and existing configurations do not effectively reduce rolling resistance while maintaining wet performance.
Innovation Solution
A tire design featuring a tread with a cap rubber, intermediate rubber, and base rubber, where the loss tangent at 30°C of the cap rubber is higher than the intermediate rubber, and the intermediate rubber's loss tangent is higher than the base rubber, with specific layer configurations to optimize heat generation properties for reduced rolling resistance and maintained wet performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a rubber with low-heat generation properties is used for a tread, then rolling resistance is reduced, but grip force and wet performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tread is divided into multiple layers (cap layer and base layer) with different rubber compositions. The cap layer uses rubber with higher heat generation properties for grip, while the base layer uses rubber with lower heat generation properties for reduced rolling resistance, resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the tread are assigned different rubber properties tailored to their specific functions. The cap layer positioned at the tread surface has higher heat generation properties for grip force, while the base layer has lower heat generation properties for reducing rolling resistance, optimizing each region's contribution to overall performance.
2Reliability
If a rubber with high heat generation properties is used for a tread, then wet performance is improved, but rolling resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tread is segmented into functional layers where the cap layer uses high heat generation rubber for wet grip while the base layer uses low heat generation rubber for low rolling resistance, achieving both wet performance and energy efficiency simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap layer is specifically positioned at the tread surface where wet grip is most critical, assigning it high heat generation properties, while the base layer is assigned low heat generation properties, creating local optimization of rubber properties according to functional requirements.
3Reliability
If the entire outer layer is composed of cap rubber with high heat generation properties, then wet performance is maintained, but rolling resistance cannot be further reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outer layer is segmented into a cap layer and a base layer with different rubber compositions. The cap layer maintains wet performance while the base layer reduces rolling resistance, achieving a balance that using uniform rubber throughout cannot accomplish.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the outer layer are assigned different rubber properties: the cap layer portion has higher heat generation properties for wet grip, while the base layer portion has lower heat generation properties for reduced rolling resistance, optimizing overall tire performance.
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 tire achieves a reduction in rolling resistance while minimizing a decrease in wet performance, with the layer configurations allowing for effective heat generation and drainage, even when the tire wears, maintaining grip and wet handling capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a rubber that has heat generation properties is used for a tread... grip force... wet performance
Implementation Method 2
loss tangent at 30°C of the cap rubber is higher than the loss tangent at 30°C of the intermediate rubber, and the loss tangent at 30°C of the intermediate rubber is higher than the loss tangent at 30°C of the base rubber
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A tread 4 of a tire 2 includes cap, intermediate, and base rubbers. The cap rubber has a highest loss tangent at 30°C, and the base rubber has a lowest loss tangent at 30°C. The tread 4 includes a center portion 44 and a pair of side portions 46. The center portion 44 includes an outer center portion 48, an intermediate center portion 50, and an inner center portion 52. Each side portion 46 includes outer and inner side portions 54 and 56. The outer center portion 48 is composed of the cap rubber, the intermediate center portion 50 and the outer side portions 54 are composed of the intermediate rubber, and the inner center portion 52 and the inner side portions 56 are composed of the base rubber. A tread surface T includes outer surfaces of the outer center portion 48 and the outer side portions 54.