Tyre Sidewall Elastomer with Incompatible Polymer

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire sidewalls for passenger vehicles lack resistance to external attacks such as shocks and tears without increasing weight, and traditional metallic protective layers are costly and impractical for mass production.

Innovation Solution

A tire sidewall composed of an elastomeric composition with a diene elastomer matrix, a crosslinking system, and an incompatible polymer, which provides a low coefficient of friction to prevent penetration and is easier to manufacture, reducing production costs and improving comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metallic protective layers with reinforcing wires are used in the sidewall, then resistance to external attacks (shocks, tears, perforations) is improved, but weight increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to external attacksVSAvoidsidewall weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material composition parameters by incorporating incompatible polymers (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or thermoplastic elastomers) at specific concentrations (0.1-10 phr) into the elastomeric matrix. This chemical composition modification enables the rubber to exhibit improved resistance to external attacks without requiring metallic reinforcement, thereby reducing sidewall weight while maintaining protective functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite elastomeric composition by combining the elastomeric matrix with incompatible polymers. This composite material structure allows the sidewall to achieve enhanced mechanical properties and resistance to external attacks through the synergistic interaction between the elastomeric matrix and incompatible polymer phases, eliminating the need for heavy metallic protective layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If metallic protective layers with stranded cables are used in the sidewall, then resistance to external attacks is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to external attacksVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the metallic protective layer component from the sidewall structure by developing an alternative elastomeric composition with incompatible polymers. This removal of the metallic cable reinforcement system simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces material costs, and eliminates the complex two-stage manufacturing process required for stranded cables while maintaining resistance to external attacks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material composition parameters by incorporating incompatible polymers (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or thermoplastic elastomers) at specific concentrations (0.1-10 phr) into the elastomeric matrix. This chemical composition modification enables the rubber to exhibit improved resistance to external attacks without requiring metallic reinforcement, thereby reducing sidewall weight while maintaining protective functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If metallic protective layers are used in the sidewall, then resistance to external attacks is improved, but the sidewall becomes less flexible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to external attacksVSAvoidsidewall flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material composition parameters by incorporating incompatible polymers (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or thermoplastic elastomers) at specific concentrations (0.1-10 phr) into the elastomeric matrix. This chemical composition modification enables the rubber to exhibit improved resistance to external attacks without requiring metallic reinforcement, thereby reducing sidewall weight while maintaining protective functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite elastomeric composition by combining the elastomeric matrix with incompatible polymers. This composite material structure allows the sidewall to achieve enhanced mechanical properties and resistance to external attacks through the synergistic interaction between the elastomeric matrix and incompatible polymer phases, eliminating the need for heavy metallic protective layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If complex two-stage manufacturing process with strands and twisting is used, then resistance to external attacks is improved, but production speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to external attacksVSAvoidmanufacturing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the metallic protective layer component from the sidewall structure by developing an alternative elastomeric composition with incompatible polymers. This removal of the metallic cable reinforcement system simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces material costs, and eliminates the complex two-stage manufacturing process required for stranded cables while maintaining resistance to external attacks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material composition parameters by incorporating incompatible polymers (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or thermoplastic elastomers) at specific concentrations (0.1-10 phr) into the elastomeric matrix. This chemical composition modification enables the rubber to exhibit improved resistance to external attacks without requiring metallic reinforcement, thereby reducing sidewall weight while maintaining protective functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances resistance to external attacks while maintaining flexibility, reducing damage from external aggressors and lowering production costs by eliminating the need for metallic protection, thus improving user comfort and tire durability.

Implementation Method 1

The tire according to the invention comprising the outer sidewall with a low coefficient of friction makes it possible to 'slide' the external aggressor on the sidewall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

an elastomeric composition based on: a) an elastomeric matrix comprising at least one diene elastomer, b) a crosslinking system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3224057B1Tyre including an outer sidewall that comprises an incompatible polymer

Publication Date: 2022.01.05 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

AI summary

The invention relates to a tyre provided with an outer sidewall, said outer sidewall including at least one elastomeric composition made from: a) an elastomeric matrix including at least one diene elastomer, b) a cross-linking system, and c) at least one polymer that is incompatible with the elastomeric matrix. The invention also relates to a method for preparing an elastomeric composition for an outer sidewall.