Triangular Tread Block Recesses for Durable Snow Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire designs fail to adequately improve on-snow traction performance, as the cut-out portions in previous tire configurations are not effective in compacting snow on road surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The tire features a tread portion with blocks and grooves, where each block has a ground contacting surface and wall surfaces with triangular recesses that extend to the groove bottoms, allowing for enhanced snow compaction and improved traction by forming firm snow blocks and effectively shearing snow during driving and braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cut-out portions are provided in groove walls, then some snow compaction effect is achieved, but on-snow traction performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tread blocks are segmented into multiple independent blocks arranged in circumferential and lateral rows. Each block is further segmented with multiple recesses (first recesses on ground contacting surfaces, second recesses on wall surfaces) of different sizes and depths. This multi-level segmentation creates numerous snow compaction points that work simultaneously, significantly improving on-snow traction compared to conventional single-cut-out designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the tread blocks are assigned different local qualities through varying recess configurations. First recesses are provided on ground contacting surfaces with specific patterns, while second recesses are provided on wall surfaces with different patterns. The recesses have varying sizes, shapes, and depths tailored to their specific locations, optimizing snow compaction effectiveness in different zones of the tread.
2Reliability
If larger and deeper recesses are provided to improve snow compaction, then on-snow traction improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recesses are segmented into two distinct groups: first recesses on ground contacting surfaces and second recesses on wall surfaces. This segmentation allows the mold to be designed with separate cavity systems for each group, making it easier to manufacture complex three-dimensional recess structures compared to a single monolithic recess design.
Solution Approach 2:
The recesses are pre-formed during tire manufacturing through the mold cavities. The mold is designed with convex projections that correspond to the desired recess shapes, allowing the complex recess geometries to be created in a single molding operation rather than requiring post-manufacturing processing.
3Reliability
If multiple types of recesses with different configurations are provided, then snow shearing performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recess system is segmented into first recesses (on ground contacting surfaces) and second recesses (on wall surfaces), with each segment serving a specific functional purpose. This segmentation allows for optimized snow shearing performance through coordinated action of different recess types while maintaining systematic organization that simplifies design and manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The recesses serve multiple functions simultaneously: compacting snow into the tread blocks, shearing snow during rotation, and maintaining traction forces. Both first and second recesses contribute to these multiple functions, allowing the tread structure to achieve superior on-snow performance through a unified multi-functional design rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
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 configuration significantly enhances on-snow traction performance by effectively compacting and shearing snow, maintaining high traction forces throughout the tire's lifespan, even as recesses wear down and new ones take their place.
Implementation Method 1
the tire of the present invention further improves the on-snow traction performance
Implementation Method 2
effectively shearing snow during driving and braking
Data Source
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AI summary
A tire is provided with blocks in a tread portion. Each of the blocks has a block wall surface provided with first recesses. Each of the first recesses extends across a block ground contacting surface and the block wall surface. Each of the first recesses has a triangular ground contacting surface opening on the block ground contacting surface and a triangular wall surface opening on the block wall surface. The wall surface opening has a first end terminating without reaching a groove bottom of one of grooves demarcating the each of the blocks.