Tread Wear Indicator Using Segmented Symbols for Multi-Stage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire tread wear indicators (TWIs) do not effectively indicate tread wear status at multiple depths, making it difficult to determine when a tire has reached significant stages of wear, particularly in wet or snowy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A tire tread wear indicator system comprising first, second, and third symbols, where the first and second symbols are alphanumeric characters and the third symbol surrounds the others, with specific visibility conditions based on tread wear, allowing for clear indication of tread wear stages through the visibility of these symbols as the tread wears.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional single-symbol tread wear indicator is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to indicate multiple tread wear stages is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tread wear indicator is segmented into multiple distinct symbols (first symbol, second symbol, third symbol) that disappear at different tread depth thresholds. Each symbol represents a specific wear stage, allowing the system to convey multiple pieces of information about tire condition simultaneously without requiring a complex mechanical or electronic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension wear indication (one symbol for one threshold) to a multi-dimensional indication system where multiple symbols operate at different wear depth dimensions. This allows the indicator to provide comprehensive wear status information across multiple thresholds using a simple visual configuration.
2Loss of information
If multiple symbols are added to indicate different wear stages, then the information provided improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring wear stages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual appearance changes (symbols becoming invisible or visible) as tread wears to indicate different wear stages. This transformation from visible to invisible states provides clear, easily detectable signals that require no special measurement equipment - users can simply observe which symbols are visible to determine the current wear stage.
3Ease of operation
If alphanumeric characters are used in the symbols, then the immediate meaning and usability improve, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple alphanumeric characters and basic geometric shapes for the symbols rather than complex designs. These simple forms are easy and inexpensive to mold into the tire tread, requiring minimal manufacturing precision while still providing clear, immediately recognizable information to users about tire wear status.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tire tread comprising first and second shoulder regions (22, 30) and a mid-section (24) between the first and second shoulder regions (22, 30) is disclosed. The tread (10) has a tread depth (TD), an outer ground contacting surface (28), and a treadwear indicator (20) comprising first, second and third symbols (32, 34, 36). The first and second symbols (32, 34) are alphanumeric characters and the third symbol (36) substantially surrounds the first and second symbols (32, 34). The first, second and third symbols (32, 34, 36) are visible on the ground contacting surface (28) prior to wearing the tread (10). The first symbol (32) is invisible and the second and third symbols (34, 36) are visible on the ground contacting surface after the tread (10) has been worn radially a first amount. The first and second symbols (32, 34) are invisible and the third symbol (36) is visible on the ground contacting surface after the tread (10) has been worn radially a second amount that is greater than the first amount.