Lightweight Tread Rubber Composition for Dry Tire Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tires face challenges in maintaining optimal grip performance during driving, braking, and turning, particularly in dry conditions, without compromising load capacity.
Innovation Solution
A tire design with a tread composed of a specific rubber composition having a G/WL ratio of 0.0150 or less, combined with a static friction coefficient µ of 0.65 or more, and a tread pattern featuring circumferential and lateral grooves, to enhance grip performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tire weight is reduced to improve grip performance, then the grip force relative to vehicle weight improves, but the maximum load capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the G/WL ratio to 0.0150 or less and controlling the static friction coefficient μ to satisfy inequality (1). This involves adjusting rubber composition parameters, filler content, and curing characteristics to achieve the desired balance between lightweight construction and grip performance without compromising load capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials in the rubber composition containing specific fillers, reinforcing agents, and polymer blends. This allows the tire to maintain high load capacity while reducing overall weight and improving grip characteristics through the synergistic properties of the composite formulation
2Reliability
If the static friction coefficient is increased to improve grip, then dry grip performance improves, but the tire weight may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the static friction coefficient μ as a key parameter that must satisfy inequality (1) in combination with the G/WL ratio. This involves optimizing rubber compound formulation, surface texture, and curing characteristics to achieve high friction without increasing tire weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the tread surface properties specifically for high friction contact with the road. The rubber composition and surface characteristics are tailored locally at the contact patch to maximize grip, while the rest of the tire structure maintains lightweight construction
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 design improves grip force relative to vehicle weight, ensuring enhanced dry grip performance and efficient drainage, thereby improving overall tire grip under various driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
when an average value of values of static friction coefficients of the rubber composition measured five times at a grounding pressure of 0.30 MPa and at a measurement temperature of 25°C on a road surface according to ISO15222 is referred to as μ
Data Source
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AI summary
It is an object of the present invention to provide a tire with improved grip performance. Provided is A tire comprising a tread, wherein the tread is composed of a rubber composition comprising a rubber component, wherein a ratio (G/WL) of a tire weight G, in kg, to a maximum load capacity WL, in kg, of the tire is 0.0150 or less, wherein, when an average value of static friction coefficients of the rubber composition measured five times at a grounding pressure of 0.30 MPa and at a measurement temperature of 25°C on a road surface according to ISO15222 is referred to as µ, G/WL and µ satisfy the following inequality (1), G/WL/μ≤0.0214