Pneumatic Tyre Contrast Structure with Variable Web Height

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle tire surface designs with contrasting structures have limited design options for varying contrast, particularly for displaying graphic elements, and struggle to achieve a targeted reduction in contrast effect.

Innovation Solution

The tire features webs with a continuous height decrease along their longitudinal extent, with a repeat spacing of 0.2 mm to 1.2 mm, allowing for a controlled reduction in contrast effect by adjusting the height of the webs, which can decrease by up to 100%, and are designed to adapt to the tire's surface level, enabling a uniform and intense contrast gradient.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a contrasting structure with uniform web height is used, then the contrast effect is strong and consistent, but the design options for varying contrast are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign options for varying contrastVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the height of individual webs within the contrasting structure. Different webs have different heights (first webs with height h1, second webs with height h2 where h1 ≠ h2), creating different contrast effects in different local areas. This allows the same contrasting structure to display multiple graphic elements with different contrast levels, thereby increasing design options without requiring multiple separate structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the height of webs is varied to create different contrast effects, then design flexibility improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrast variation capabilityVSAvoidweb height control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements parameter changes by defining specific height ranges for different webs. First webs have heights in the range of 0.1-0.7mm while second webs have heights in the range of 0.05-0.3mm. These parameter specifications provide clear manufacturing targets that balance design flexibility with manufacturability, allowing varying contrast effects while maintaining control over web height dimensions during production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If a large number of fine webs are used to create high-contrast patterns, then the contrast effect intensifies, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrast intensityVSAvoidcontrasting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the contrasting structure into multiple individual webs arranged in rows and columns. By segmenting the structure into discrete webs with controlled spacing (0.2mm to 2.0mm) and specific height variations, the patent achieves intense contrast effects through the cumulative scattering of light by multiple web flanks while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized web dimensions and patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 approach allows for a more precise control over the contrast effect, achieving a clear and uniform decrease in contrast, enhancing the visibility of markings and providing a smooth transition from contrasting to smooth surfaces, thereby improving the tire's aesthetic and functional design.

Implementation Method 1

The scattering of light at the flanks of the peaks or valleys reduces the reflection of the light at the surface of the tire, changing the brightness effect.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3838629B1Pneumatic vehicle tyre comprising a contrasting surface structure with ridges
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP3838629B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3838629B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3838629B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle tire (1) with at least one surface element (4) formed on an outer surface (2, 3) of the vehicle tire (1), in particular a sidewall outer surface (2) and/or a tread outer surface (3), having a surface contrast structure (5) with adjacent ribs (6). The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a vehicle tire. The objective is to influence the contrast effect even more precisely and to enable a decrease in contrast within the surface element. This is achieved by continuously decreasing the height (7) of at least one first rib (6) along the longitudinal extent of the at least one first rib (6).