Tyre Outer Profile Zones for Aerodynamic Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passenger vehicle tires, particularly those on the front axle, contribute significantly to aerodynamic drag, limiting the potential for reduced energy consumption and fuel efficiency, as existing designs do not adequately optimize turbulence zones for improved aerodynamics.
Innovation Solution
The tire design features a specific outer profile with strategically positioned annular reinforcing structures and a carcass reinforcement pattern that minimizes the distance between the carcass and the outer profile in distinct zones, optimizing airflow and reducing drag by controlling turbulence effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional tyre designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but aerodynamic drag is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific zones with different characteristics: a first zone with increased distance between carcass reinforcement and outer profile to reduce turbulence, and a second zone with constant or decreased distance. This localized variation in structural parameters optimizes aerodynamic performance without requiring complete redesign of the entire tyre structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes geometric parameters of the tyre profile, specifically the distance between the carcass reinforcement and outer profile in different radial zones. By adjusting these parameters (DMI between 1.0-2.5mm in the first zone, DMA ≥ 1.3 DMI), the patent achieves reduced aerodynamic drag while maintaining structural integrity.
2Loss of energy
If the distance between carcass reinforcement and outer profile is minimized, then structural strength is improved, but aerodynamic turbulence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates different structural zones: the first zone has increased distance (DMI = 1.0-2.5mm) to reduce turbulence and aerodynamic drag, while the second zone maintains constant or decreased distance to preserve structural strength. This localized differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both aerodynamic performance and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tyre profile is segmented into distinct zones along the radial direction: a first zone with specific distance characteristics for aerodynamic optimization, and a second zone with different distance characteristics for structural support. This segmentation allows each zone to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Data Source
AI summary
Tyre comprising a carcass reinforcement (60) and having an outer profile (200) such that the distance between both, measured between a point of the carcass and the point of intersection between the outer profile and a direction perpendicular to the carcass passing through this point of the carcass, reaches its minimum value DMI at a first point (62) of the carcass having a radial height HD ≥ 0.50· Η and ≤ 0.75-H, H being the radial height of the tyre; the tyre comprising: a first zone (Z1) surrounding the first point (62), wherein the distance between the carcass and the outer profile increases continuously while moving away from the first point (62), radially inward and radially outward, up to a distance (DMA) at the radially inner end point of the first zone ≥ 1.3 DMI; a second zone (Z2) adjacent to and radially inside of the first zone (Z1), wherein the distance between the carcass and the outer profile is constant or decreases continuously while moving radially inwardly; and a third zone (Z3) adjacent to and radially inside of the second zone (Z2), wherein the distance between the carcass and the outer profile increases again.