Asymmetric Tire Tread Profile for Dry and Wet Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle tire tread profiles face a conflict between achieving good dry braking and handling properties and aquaplaning and wet handling properties, as stable shoulder blocks with low groove void volume are beneficial for dry conditions, while many edges and large groove void volume are necessary for aquaplaning and wet conditions.
Innovation Solution
A tread profile design featuring a central circumferential groove with a wide row of shoulder blocks, additional transverse grooves within tread blocks, and asymmetrical tread block segments to enhance transverse rigidity, drainage, and adaptation to the ground contact area, optimizing both dry and wet handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stable shoulder blocks with low groove void volume are used, then dry braking and handling properties are improved, but aquaplaning and wet handling properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tread blocks are divided into multiple segments by transverse grooves, creating both stable shoulder blocks for dry conditions and additional edges for water drainage. The segmentation allows different portions of the tread to serve different functions - the outer portions provide stability while the inner portions with grooves provide drainage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the tread profile are designed with different characteristics. The shoulder area has stable blocks for dry handling, while the central area has grooves and edges for water drainage. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize its function for the specific driving conditions it encounters most frequently.
2Reliability
If large groove void volume is used, then aquaplaning and wet handling properties are improved, but dry braking and handling properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The groove system is segmented into transverse grooves that create multiple small voids rather than one large void. This segmentation provides sufficient drainage capacity for wet conditions while maintaining the structural integrity and stability of the tread blocks for dry conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove design extends in multiple dimensions - transverse grooves run across the tread width, and additional grooves are positioned at different depths and locations. This multi-dimensional groove arrangement maximizes water drainage capability without compromising the vertical stability of the tread blocks.
3Reliability
If many edges are used, then aquaplaning and wet handling properties are improved, but dry braking and handling properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tread blocks are segmented into multiple smaller blocks by transverse grooves, creating numerous edges that contact the road surface. These additional edges improve water drainage and wet handling while the overall block structure maintains sufficient stability for dry braking.
Solution Approach 2:
Additional edges are created specifically in the central and inner portions of the tread where water drainage is most critical, while the outer shoulder blocks maintain their stability for dry handling. This localized addition of edges addresses wet handling without compromising dry performance.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The tread profile has a central peripheral groove (2) turning in the peripheral direction of the vehicle tire and a profile block row (1) in the axial external region. The central peripheral groove borders the profile block row axially inwards by the vehicle tire periphery. The transverse grooves (8) lead into the central peripheral groove. The profile block row is arranged on the shoulder area formed for indicating vehicle outer side (OU).