Tyre Sidewall Stiffening Insert for High-Load Handling Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger vehicle tires designed for high load capacity suffer from unsatisfactory vehicle behavior, particularly during yaw, due to the flexing of sidewalls under significant load, and existing solutions like larger tire sizes or increased inflation pressure lead to undesirable effects such as reduced interior space, increased noise, and compromised comfort.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sidewall insert made of a rigid elastomeric composition with a modulus at 10% extension greater than or equal to 6 MPa and a maximum thickness of less than or equal to 5.0 mm to enhance the rigidity of the sidewalls, thereby reducing sidewall flex and improving vehicle handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If tire size is increased to carry greater load, then load capacity is improved, but vehicle interior space is reduced and exterior dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by inserting a rigid elastomeric composition specifically in the sidewall region where structural support is needed, rather than increasing the entire tire size. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary load capacity while preserving vehicle interior space and exterior dimensions.
2Strength
If tire size is increased to carry greater load, then load capacity is improved, but external noise and rolling resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid elastomeric composition is inserted locally in the sidewall region to provide structural support for load capacity without increasing the overall tire size. This localized approach avoids the increased external noise and rolling resistance that would result from larger tire dimensions.
3Strength
If inflation pressure is increased to carry greater load, then load capacity is improved, but tire stiffness increases and passenger comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid elastomeric composition is inserted specifically in the sidewall region to provide localized structural support for load capacity. This allows the tire to maintain lower overall inflation pressure for passenger comfort while the reinforced sidewall provides the necessary structural support for high load capacity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If sidewall rigidity is increased to improve vehicle handling, then vehicle behavior is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewall insert is designed as a separate, discrete component that can be manufactured independently and then inserted into the tire sidewall. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of the insert itself and flexible integration into the tire production process, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired sidewall rigidity improvement.
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 sidewall insert enhances vehicle handling without increasing tire size or reducing passenger comfort, while maintaining manufacturing cost-effectiveness by replacing existing sidewall material, thus addressing the unsatisfactory behavior of high-load capacity tires.
Implementation Method 1
the or each rigid elastomeric composition of the sidewall insert having a modulus at 10% extension greater than or equal to 6 MPa
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tyre (10) of the high load capacity type, comprising a crown (12), two beads (32), and two sidewalls (30) connecting each bead (32) to the crown (12). The sidewall (30) comprises a sidewall insert (90) containing a so-called rigid elastomeric composition (92) having a modulus at 10% elongation greater than or equal to 6 MPa and a maximum thickness (Emax) less than or equal to 5.0 mm.