Pneumatic Tire Tread Rib Incisions for Wet Grip and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle tires lack optimal wet performance, traction on wet surfaces, and stability of the tread rib, particularly in terms of handling characteristics and abrasion behavior.
Innovation Solution
The tire design incorporates arc-shaped incisions with specific dimensions and configurations, including a circumferential distance of 1.50 mm to 3.00 mm between ends, symmetrical arcs with a maximum deflection at the center, and U-shaped cross-sections, which do not connect to other grooves or incisions, to enhance stability and wet traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transverse grooves are extended closer to the circumferential groove to improve water drainage, then wet performance is improved, but the stability of the tread rib deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tread rib is segmented by introducing arcuate incisions that divide the rib into multiple sections. These incisions create independent drainage paths while maintaining rib stability through careful positioning and curvature design, allowing water evacuation without compromising overall rib integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The incisions are designed with specific local characteristics including optimized curvature radii (50-150 mm), controlled depths (0.5-2.0 mm), and strategic positioning at distances of 5-15 mm from the circumferential groove. This local optimization enables effective water drainage in specific areas while preserving the overall stability of the tread rib structure
2Reliability
If the tread rib is softened to improve wet grip, then traction on wet surfaces is improved, but handling characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The incisions create localized soft zones within the tread rib that enhance wet grip through increased compliance and conformability to road surface irregularities. The surrounding rib structure maintains its original stiffness to preserve handling characteristics, achieving local softening without global structural compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate shape of the incisions with radii of 50-150 mm creates curved stress distribution patterns that enhance flexibility and compliance in the tread rib. This curvature enables the rib to better conform to wet road surfaces while maintaining overall structural integrity through the optimized arc geometry
3Reliability
If arcuate incisions are introduced to improve wet traction, then wet performance is improved, but rolling noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The incisions are designed with controlled local depth (0.5-2.0 mm) and width (1-3 mm) to create optimal noise reduction zones. These localized features are positioned to interrupt noise propagation paths while maintaining wet traction through appropriate spacing and curvature, achieving noise reduction without sacrificing wet performance
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Pneumatic tyre for a vehicle comprising a tread with at least one profile rib (1) running in the circumferential direction and bordered by a circumferential rib (2) on at least one side, with an outer surface (1a) on the tread periphery and with transverse ribs (3), in particular running parallel to one another, which end at a distance from the circumferential rib (2), wherein there is a row of cuts (3) between the circumferential rib (2) and the transverse ribs (3), extending in the circumferential direction and being generally bow-shaped when viewed from above, and with the arches thereof pointing towards the circumferential rib (2). The bow-shaped cuts (4) have an extension length (le) of 30.00 mm to 100.00 mm projected in the circumferential direction, are arranged in a row with their ends at a distance (a3) of 1.50 mm to 3.00 mm from one another, and have a bow shape with a maximum deflection (a2) of 2.00 mm to 6.00 mm in relation to the bow string.