Tire Tread Block Sipe Termination for Ice and Dry Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asymmetrical block-type tread patterns with sipes extending to the outer edges of tire blocks compromise steering stability on dry roads and on-ice performance due to reduced block rigidity and ineffective sipe edge contact with the road surface.
Innovation Solution
A tire design featuring an asymmetrical tread pattern with outboard and inboard tread edges, including outboard middle blocks with zigzag sipes that terminate within the blocks, maintaining block rigidity and allowing effective sipe edge contact on icy roads, while also enhancing steering stability through strategically placed main and lateral grooves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sipes are extended to the axially outer edges of outboard middle blocks, then on-ice performance is improved through increased block deformation and sipe edge contact, but steering stability on dry roads deteriorates due to decreased block rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating sipe configurations between outboard middle blocks and other blocks. Specifically, outboard middle blocks have sipes that extend to axially outer edges to enhance on-ice performance, while other blocks maintain different sipe patterns. This localized differentiation allows each region to optimize for its specific functional requirements without compromising overall tire performance
Solution Approach 2:
The tread pattern is segmented into distinct regions (outboard middle blocks, shoulder blocks, crown blocks) with different sipe configurations. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each region - outboard middle blocks use extended sipes for ice traction while other regions use closed or shorter sipes to maintain structural integrity and steering stability
2Stability of the object's composition
If only closed sipes are provided in outboard middle blocks, then block rigidity is maintained for steering stability, but on-ice performance deteriorates due to decreased block deformation and ineffective sipe edge contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by applying different sipe designs to different block types. Outboard middle blocks specifically receive sipes that extend to axially outer edges, while other blocks use closed sipes. This targeted approach ensures that only the blocks needing flexibility for ice traction receive it, while other blocks maintain rigidity for steering stability
Solution Approach 2:
The tread is segmented into functional zones where outboard middle blocks are distinguished from shoulder and crown blocks. This segmentation enables the outboard middle blocks to specialize in ice contact with extended sipes, while other blocks specialize in maintaining structural support and steering precision
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 design improves on-ice traction and steering stability by maintaining block rigidity and ensuring effective sipe edge contact, balancing performance on both dry and icy surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
when a tread block (T) with sipes (s) contacts with the ground (g) as shown in FIG. 8(a), the tread block (T) is deformed, and the edges (e) of the sipes (s) can scratch the road surface
Data Source
AI summary
A tire comprises a tread portion 2 having an outboard tread edge To and an inboard tread edge Ti and provided with an outboard shoulder main groove 3 and an outboard crown main groove 4 extending continuously in the tire circumferential direction so as to define an outboard middle land region 10 therebetween. The outboard middle land region 10 comprises outboard middle blocks 17 circumferentially divided by outboard middle lateral grooves 16. Each of the outboard middle blocks 17 is provided with outboard middle sipes 20 extending zigzag in the tire axial direction, wherein each of the outboard middle sipes 20 has an axially outer end terminated within the outboard middle block 17, and the above-said a plurality of outboard middle sipes 20 include at least one outboard middle sipe whose axially inner end is connected with the outboard crown main groove 4.