Tire Underlayer Compound for Low Rolling Resistance and Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tires face challenges in reducing rolling resistance while maintaining good road grip and comfort, especially in wide and low profile sizes or all-season tires, which are characterized by higher rolling resistance, and existing solutions often compromise on performance when trying to minimize rolling resistance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a vulcanized elastomeric compound with specific dynamic mechanical properties, including a shear modulus value G′ of less than 0.90 MPa, a dynamic elastic compression modulus value E′ between 3.00 and 8.00 MPa, and a dynamic viscous compression modulus value E″ of less than 0.24 MPa, into the underlayer of the tire, which is achieved by using a composition with modified silicate fibers and limited reinforcing filler content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If rolling resistance is reduced through material composition changes, then energy efficiency improves, but road grip and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different layers of the tire. The underlayer uses a specific elastomeric compound with controlled filler content (5-20 phr) to optimize energy efficiency, while the tread band uses different compositions to maintain road grip. This local differentiation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without compromising overall tire performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite elastomeric compounds combining rubber matrices with specific inorganic fillers (silica, carbon black) and reinforcing fibers (cellulose, aramid, nylon, polyester) in controlled amounts. This composite approach allows tuning of mechanical properties to achieve low rolling resistance while maintaining adequate grip and comfort through the synergistic effects of different materials.
2Use of energy by moving object
If rolling resistance is reduced to meet energy efficiency requirements, then fuel consumption decreases, but handling and braking performance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the filler content parameter (5-20 phr) and selects specific filler types to achieve the desired balance. By adjusting these compositional parameters, the underlayer compound achieves low rolling resistance for energy efficiency while the overall tire structure maintains adequate handling and braking performance through the combined effect of all layers.
3Strength
If reinforcing filler content is increased to improve structural integrity, then tire strength increases, but rolling resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the filler content parameter to a specific range (5-20 phr) that provides sufficient structural integrity while minimizing rolling resistance. This parameter optimization ensures that the underlayer has enough strength to support the tire structure without excessive filler that would increase energy loss during rolling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials combining rubber with specific ratios of inorganic fillers and reinforcing fibers. This composite approach provides structural integrity through the reinforcing elements while the rubber matrix and optimized filler content keep rolling resistance low, achieving a balance between strength and energy efficiency.
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
This approach results in a tire with significantly reduced rolling resistance, improved handling, braking, and comfort, while maintaining or exceeding the performance of reference tires, even in challenging conditions, and meets the stringent energy efficiency requirements for electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a vulcanised elastomeric compound having a shear modulus value G′, measured at 70° C., 10 Hz, 9% strain according to the RPA method disclosed in the present description, of less than 0.90 MPa, a dynamic elastic compression modulus value E′ comprised between 3.00 and 8.00 MPa and a dynamic viscous compression modulus value E′′ of less than 0.24 MPa
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tyre (100) comprising a particular elastomeric compound in the underlayer (111), i.e. in the layer arranged between the tread band (109) and the belt structure (106) of the tyre.According to the invention, the tyre has a considerably reduced rolling resistance compared to known tyres, and at the same time, good road grip, excellent maneuverability and comfort.