Tubeless Tyre Support Structure for Sealant and Noise Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire designs that combine a sealant layer for puncture recovery and a sound-absorbing layer often see their respective properties compromised due to physical interaction between the two components, leading to ineffective sealing and sound absorption.
Innovation Solution
A tubeless tire design featuring a support structure made of polymeric non-foamed material, such as ABS or silicone, which keeps the sound-absorbing layer separate from the sealant layer using a spacing portion in contact with the innerliner and a support portion, preventing physical interaction and maintaining the integrity of both functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a foam sound-absorbing layer is placed in contact with the sealant layer, then sound absorption is improved, but the sealing effectiveness deteriorates due to physical interaction between the foam and sealant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inner cavity into distinct functional zones by introducing a support structure that physically separates the sound-absorbing layer from the sealant layer. The support structure acts as a divider, allowing each layer to perform its function independently without interference, thus resolving the contradiction between sound absorption and sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves as an intermediary element between the sound-absorbing layer and the sealant layer. It provides mechanical support for the sound-absorbing layer while maintaining a defined separation distance from the sealant layer, preventing direct physical interaction that would compromise sealing while still allowing the sound-absorbing layer to function effectively
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the surface of the innerliner covered by sealant is minimized, then sound absorption is improved, but sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this contradiction by introducing a vertical dimension through the support structure. Instead of expanding the sealant area horizontally (which would reduce sound absorption), the support structure creates a vertical separation that allows the sealant to maintain its optimal coverage area while the sound-absorbing layer extends into the available space above it, effectively utilizing the third dimension to resolve the conflict
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 solution allows for a tire that effectively maintains both sealing and sound-absorbing properties, ensuring the tire remains functional post-puncture and reduces noise through separate layer management, enhancing the tire's performance and recyclability.
Implementation Method 1
a sound-absorbing layer, made of foamed material, which is also arranged in said inner cavity
Implementation Method 2
The viscosity of the sealant layer is one of the most important parameters that allows it to effectively carry out the tasks described above
Implementation Method 3
said support structure being made of polymeric non-foamed material and comprising a spacing portion having an end in contact with said innerliner and partially immersed in said sealant layer and a support portion, on which said sound-absorbing layer is fixed
Data Source
AI summary
A tubeless tyre (1) comprising a tread (2), a carcass (3) defining an inner cavity (4), an innerliner (5) designed to ensure that the air contained in the inner cavity (4) of the carcass (3) remains under pressure, a sealant layer (6) arranged in said inner cavity (4) in contact with the innerliner (5), and a sound-absorbing layer (7), which is also arranged in said inner cavity (4). The tyre comprises a support structure (8) housed inside said inner cavity (4) and designed to support said sound-absorbing layer (7), always keeping it separate from the sealant layer (6). The support structure (8) comprises a spacing portion (9) having an end in contact with said innerliner (5) and partially immersed in said sealant layer (6) and a support portion (10), on which the sound-absorbing layer (7) is fixed.