Tread Block Sipe Layout for Acute-Angle Tire Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic tires with blocks having acute angle regions are prone to rigidity issues, leading to block chipping and reduced durability and traction.
Innovation Solution
The tire design incorporates sipes with a wavy shape and varying amplitudes that enhance rigidity in acute angle areas, improving durability and traction by resisting stress and preventing block distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blocks are designed with acute angle regions at both ends, then the tire can achieve better grip performance through sipe arrangement, but the rigidity in acute angle regions decreases leading to block chipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different sipe interval configurations to different regions of the block. Specifically, the first sipes near the acute angle regions are spaced farther apart (greater interval) compared to the second sipes in the central region (smaller interval). This local differentiation maintains rigidity where needed (at acute angles) while preserving grip performance in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The sipe arrangement is segmented into at least two groups: first sipes positioned near the acute angle regions and second sipes positioned in the central region. This segmentation allows independent optimization of sipe intervals for different functional requirements - rigidity maintenance at edges and grip enhancement in the center.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform sipe intervals are used across all blocks, then manufacturing is simplified, but rigidity varies in acute angle regions causing block chipping
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniform sipe intervals throughout, the patent implements local quality by specifying different interval requirements for different regions: larger intervals for first sipes near acute angles and smaller intervals for second sipes in central regions. This targeted approach maintains manufacturing feasibility while preventing block chipping.
3Reliability
If multiple sipes are arranged closely together, then grip performance improves through increased edge effect, but rigidity in acute angle regions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating sipe intervals based on position. First sipes near acute angle regions have greater intervals to maintain rigidity, while second sipes in the central region have smaller intervals to maximize grip performance through enhanced edge effects. This spatially varying configuration optimizes both competing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sipe system is segmented into functionally distinct groups: first sipes for structural support near acute angles with larger spacing, and second sipes for grip enhancement in the center with smaller spacing. This segmentation enables simultaneous achievement of rigidity and grip performance.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A pneumatic tire is provided which achieves a rigidity improvement in acute angle areas of blocks, thereby improving the durability and traction of the tire. A tire includes a tread (10). The tread (10) includes central blocks (70) defined by grooves (12). Each of the central blocks (70) has at least four central sipes (120) arranged in an arrangement direction. Each of the central sipes (120) has a wavy shape with amplitude in a tire surface view. Each of the central blocks (70) has acute angle regions (75) respectively disposed at both ends thereof in the arrangement direction. Each of the central sipes (120) includes first sipes (125) and second sipes (126). The first sipes (125) are respectively disposed at both the ends of the central block (70) in the arrangement direction and are respectively closest to the acute angle regions (75). The second sipes (126) are arranged between the first sipes (125). An interval (E) between one of the first sipe (125) and the second sipe (126) adjacent to said first sipe (125) is greater than an interval (D) between a pair of the second sipes (126) adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction.