Tread Groove Texture for Laser Sintering Level Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The laser sintering process used in tire molding results in level lines in the grooves of the tread, affecting the aesthetic appeal of the tire, and there is a need to improve this while maintaining the manufacturing efficiency of the process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a contrasting texture in the open groove portions of the tire tread, which masks the level lines and provides visual contrast, allowing for the detection of tread wear, while the closed groove portions remain texture-free until worn, revealing the level lines and indicating wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If laser sintering process is used to manufacture the mold, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but level lines appear in the grooves affecting aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding texture only to specific areas (groove portions) rather than the entire tread surface. The texture is selectively placed in grooves to mask level lines while leaving other areas smooth, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance without compromising the efficiency of the laser sintering process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of level lines (aesthetic defect) into a beneficial feature by adding texture that masks these lines. The texture transforms the visual defect into an acceptable or even desirable surface characteristic, allowing the laser sintering process to be used without compromising appearance.
2Shape
If texture is added to mask level lines, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tread surface into different zones: grooved areas receive texture to mask level lines, while non-grooved areas remain smooth. This segmentation allows selective application of texture only where needed, reducing overall manufacturing complexity compared to texturing the entire surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by adding texture only to groove portions rather than the entire tread surface. This partial application reduces the complexity of the manufacturing process while still achieving the aesthetic improvement in the critical areas where level lines are visible.
3Shape
If texture is present in closed groove portions, then aesthetic appearance is maintained, but tread wear detection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing texture only in open groove portions and leaving closed groove portions smooth. This allows wear detection in closed grooves (which remain smooth and visible) while still providing aesthetic improvement in open grooves through texturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the differential texture pattern as an intermediary indicator system. The presence or absence of texture in different groove portions serves as a visual mediator that communicates tread wear status to the observer without compromising aesthetic appearance in the textured areas.
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
The texture enhances the visual appeal by masking level lines when new and revealing wear, improving the tire's aesthetic and durability by reducing friction impact and enhancing light absorption for a deeper appearance.
Implementation Method 1
A sintering process using a laser, hereinafter referred to as laser sintering process, is known from document EP1641580. In this document, a first layer of metal powder is spread on a tray. All or part of the grains of this first layer of powder are then agglomerated by the beam of a laser
Implementation Method 2
This process uses an energy beam to fuse a metal powder. By 'energy beam', is meant electromagnetic radiation (for example a laser beam)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
Tread (2), said tread comprising a tread surface (20) and a plurality of grooves (21), at least one groove having, in cross section, a wavy overall shape with groove parts (210) that are completely open on the tread surface (20) and groove parts (211) that are closed completely or partially on said tread surface (20). The tyre is characterized in that the open groove parts (210) have a texture (3) that forms a contrast in the tread, the texture (3) comprising a plurality of elements protruding from or recesses with respect to the surface of the groove. The texture (3) is absent from the closed-groove parts (211).