Motor Vehicle Tire Tread Pattern Wear Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance 'Sport Touring' vehicle tires face challenges in communicating optimal operating conditions to drivers while maintaining driving characteristics like stability, controllability, and traction, as existing tread patterns do not effectively indicate when a tire has reached its optimal performance stage.
Innovation Solution
A tread pattern featuring secondary recesses that disappear after a certain number of kilometers, altering the empty/solid ratio and changing the tread pattern, providing a visual indication to the driver that the tire has reached optimal conditions, thus enhancing performance without compromising technical characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the tread band includes graphical elements formed by recesses to communicate optimal operating conditions, then the communicative value and consumer appeal are improved, but the structural integrity and driving characteristics may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating recesses with specific depth characteristics (0.5-2mm) in localized areas of the tread band to form graphical elements, while the rest of the tread structure maintains its original integrity. This allows the graphical communication function to be added without compromising the overall structural integrity and driving characteristics of the tire.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the depth of recesses within a specific range (0.5-2mm) to achieve the desired effect. The recesses are designed to disappear after a predetermined number of kilometers through wear, transforming the tread pattern from showing graphical elements to showing only the underlying tire structure, thereby communicating the optimal operating condition timeline.
2Illumination intensity
If recesses are formed in the tread band to create graphical elements, then the visual indication of optimal conditions is improved, but the tread band structure is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The recesses are created with controlled depth (0.5-2mm) in specific locations to form graphical elements, while the surrounding tread structure maintains its full strength. This localized modification approach ensures that the visual indication function is achieved without significantly weakening the overall tread band structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The recesses are designed to extend only partially through the tread band depth, not completely穿透ing it. This partial action approach creates the visual effect of graphical elements while preserving sufficient structural material to maintain tread band strength and integrity during normal operation.
3Loss of time
If the recesses are designed to disappear after a predetermined number of kilometers, then the indication of optimal operating conditions is achieved, but the tread pattern changes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The tread pattern is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The recesses are intentionally created to wear away and disappear after a predetermined number of kilometers, transforming the tread appearance from showing graphical elements to showing the underlying tire structure. This dynamic change communicates the passage of time and the achievement of optimal operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The recesses are designed to disappear after a specific distance threshold (predetermined number of kilometers), creating a periodic visual indication. The tread pattern transitions from one state (with graphical elements) to another (without graphical elements) based on usage accumulation, providing a clear signal to the driver about the tire's operational status.
Data Source
AI summary
A tire for motor vehicles, having a tread band extending around a rotation axis includes an annular central portion astride an equatorial plane of the tire, two annular shoulder portions arranged on axially opposite sides with respect to the annular central portion and two annular side portions each arranged between the annular central portion and a respective annular shoulder portion, the tread band having at least one module replicated along a circumferential direction of the tire and including at least one plurality of primary grooves inclined with respect to the equatorial plane and arranged at least on the annular portions, and at least one plurality of secondary recesses arranged mainly on the annular central portion and on at least one annular side portion, wherein a substantial disappearance of the secondary recesses determines a difference in the empty/solid ratio on the annular central and side portions between a new tire and a tire that has travelled at least 2000 km greater than 1.7%.