Pneumatic Tyre Sidewall Linear Recesses Aerodynamics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic vehicle tires face increased air resistance and noise at high speeds due to early breaks in the laminar air flow, and their surface structures are prone to abrasion when contacting curbs, while the vulcanization process often results in flash marks from vent valves.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic vehicle tire design featuring ring-shaped linear structures distributed radially and circumferentially on the sidewalls, forming a network of closely arranged, open-ring depressions that reduce air resistance by creating mini-turbulence and protect against abrasion, with an optimized configuration for venting during vulcanization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If surface structures are formed on the tire sidewall to reduce air resistance, then air resistance and noise are reduced, but the surface structures are prone to abrasion when contacting curbs
Solution Approach 1:
The surface structure is segmented into multiple ring-shaped linear depressions distributed in the radial and circumferential directions, creating discrete turbulence-generating elements rather than continuous structures, reducing abrasion while maintaining aerodynamic benefits
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using elevations or protrusions to reduce air resistance, the patent uses recessed linear depressions that enclose surface elements, inverting the conventional approach of adding material to removing material, thereby protecting against curb contact abrasion while maintaining aerodynamic performance
2Ease of manufacture
If vent valves are used during vulcanization to vent trapped air, then air can escape from the mold, but flash can occur at the vent valve positions
Solution Approach 1:
The linear depression structures serve as intermediaries that guide and control the venting process, allowing air to escape through the recessed areas without direct contact between the vent valve and the visible sidewall surface, preventing flash marks while maintaining effective venting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions vent valves within or near the linear depression patterns, using the depression structures as templates or guides for vent valve placement, ensuring that any potential flash occurs within the recessed areas rather than on visible surfaces
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 design effectively reduces air resistance and noise, enhances abrasion resistance, and facilitates trouble-free venting during the vulcanization process, minimizing flash marks and improving fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
causes turbulence to develop in the boundary layer of the air flowing around the tire sidewall surface at high speeds
Implementation Method 2
the boundary layer of the air flowing around the tire sidewall surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Pneumatic vehicle tyre having a profiled tread (2) and having two tyre sidewalls (3) which have surface structures on the axially outwardly directed surface thereof, characterized in that the surface of at least one sidewall (3) is formed with a portion having an accumulation of annular, linear structures (6) which are arranged distributed alongside one another both in the radial direction R and in the circumferential direction U, wherein each linear structure (6) at least partially surrounds a surface element (7) in close proximity, and these are formed recessed as a linear recess (6) in relation to the surface elements (7) which they surround and in relation to that surface of the sidewall (3) which surrounds the linear structure (6).