Tyre 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 tire, affecting its aesthetics due to the layered structure of the molded elements, which are exacerbated by the curvilinear nature of the mold.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a texture with specific brightness and structural features in the grooves and transition zones of the tire tread, which contrasts with the rest of the tire, to mask the level lines and improve aesthetics while reducing aerodynamic mixing forces and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If laser sintering process is used to manufacture mold elements, then manufacturing efficiency and productivity are improved, but contour lines appear in the grooves affecting aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a specific texture pattern (contour texture) only to the groove regions of the tire tread, while leaving other areas with different surface characteristics. This localized application of varying surface qualities allows the groove areas to mask the unwanted contour lines from laser sintering, while maintaining overall tire aesthetics and functionality.
2Shape
If contour texture is added to mask level lines, then visual appeal is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the contour texture directly into the groove structure during the tire molding process. The texture elements are combined with the groove geometry itself, creating a unified feature that serves both aesthetic purposes (masking contour lines) and functional purposes (maintaining groove drainage and tread design). This merging eliminates the need for separate manufacturing steps or additional components.
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 effectively masks level lines, enhances the visual appeal by providing a 'velvet' appearance, reduces rolling resistance, and improves water and debris evacuation, while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the grooves.
Implementation Method 1
a first layer of metal powder is spread onto a tray. All or part of the grains in this first layer of powder are then sintered by a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
a laser beam, depending on the desired shape of the object
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tyre made of rubber material comprising a tread (2), said tread (2) including a plurality of grooves (21), each groove (21, 23) having a groove base, walls surrounding the groove base, and transition areas between the walls and the groove base. The tyre is characterised in that all or part of the grooves (21, 23) include a texture (3) that extends only on the groove base and on at least one portion of the transition areas associated with said groove base, said texture (3) being in contrast with the rest of the tyre (2).