Tire Tread Wear Indicator with Segmented Silicone Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire wear indicator systems are inadequate in providing a clear and reliable visual warning of tread wear, particularly in unsafe conditions such as wet or icy surfaces, which can lead to accidents.
Innovation Solution
A tire wear indicator comprising multiple visually distinctive materials and portions, primarily made of liquid silicone rubber and high-temperature vulcanized silicone, integrated into the tread block to provide a clear visual indication of tread wear, with specific dimensions and configurations to ensure easy detection and manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tread wear indicator is embedded in the tread block, then the visual indication of tread wear is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tread wear indicator is divided into multiple portions (first portion, second portion, third portion) with different visual characteristics, each serving a specific function in indicating different stages of tread wear. This segmentation allows for clear visual differentiation while maintaining a modular structure that can be manufactured efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the indicator have different visual properties (colors, reflectivity, transparency) tailored to their specific locations and functions. The first portion has visual characteristics distinct from the second and third portions, allowing each local region to provide optimized visual indication for its specific wear stage.
2Ease of operation
If multiple visually distinctive materials are used in the indicator, then the visual perception of wear levels is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator utilizes multiple visually distinctive materials with different colors, reflectivity, and transparency properties to indicate different wear stages. The first portion has visual characteristics that differ from the second and third portions, enabling easy visual differentiation of wear levels without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator is constructed as a composite structure with multiple materials having different visual properties embedded in the tread block. This composite approach allows for enhanced visual indication while the materials are selected and arranged to be compatible with standard tire manufacturing processes.
3Measurement precision
If the indicator extends to the full groove depth, then the wear warning accuracy is improved, but the indicator durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator is pre-positioned at the bottom of the groove and extends upward to meet the groove depth. As the tread wears, the indicator progressively becomes visible, providing advance warning before the tread reaches unsafe wear levels. The indicator's full-depth extension ensures accurate wear measurement while its protective positioning maintains durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator structure is designed to be protected by the overlying tread material during normal service. The tread acts as a protective cushion that shields the indicator from direct environmental exposure and mechanical damage, allowing the indicator to maintain both precision and durability throughout the tire's service life.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~3d
Figure 4a~4d
AI summary
The invention relates to a tire (100) comprising a tread (120), the tread having a groove having a groove depth, the tread (120) comprising a tread wear indicator (200) mounted in said tread block (110), the tread wear indicator (200) having a longitudinal length, which longitudinal length of the tread wear indicator is at least 80% calculated from the groove depth, wherein the tread wear indicator (200) comprises a first portion (210) of the tread wear indicator (200) comprising a first visually distinctive material being visually perceptible from the color of said tread block (110), the first portion (210) of the tread wear indicator (200) having a first longitudinal length, and a second portion (220) of the tread wear indicator (200) comprising a second visually distinctive material, the second visually distinctive material being visually perceptible from the color of said tread block (110), the second portion (220) of the tread wear indicator (200) having a second longitudinal length, wherein the first portion (210) of the tread wear indicator is visually perceptible from the second portion (220) of the tread wear indicator. The invention further relates to a method for installing a tread wear indicator, and a use of a tread wear indicator.