Tyre Sidewall Matrix Symbol Texture for High-Contrast Readability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire sidewall coded matrix symbols suffer from poor readability due to insufficient contrast between dark and light parts, leading to difficulties in decoding and increased wear from friction.
Innovation Solution
A tire sidewall texture is integrated with a coded matrix symbol, featuring recessed and raised elements that enhance contrast and durability, allowing for improved readability and resistance to wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a coded matrix symbol is engraved directly on the sidewall, then the symbol is created, but the contrast between dark and light parts is insufficient leading to poor readability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous rubber material in the form of a foam layer on the tire sidewall. This foam layer contains air pockets that scatter light, creating enhanced contrast between dark and light parts of the coded matrix symbol. The porous structure allows light to interact with multiple interfaces, improving readability without requiring complex manufacturing processes beyond standard tire production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining rubber material with a foam layer having different optical properties. The foam layer, being less dense and having different refractive index compared to solid rubber, creates natural light scattering that enhances symbol contrast. This composite approach achieves high readability while maintaining compatibility with existing tire manufacturing processes
2Reliability
If the sidewall surface is made smooth, then manufacturing is easier, but the coded matrix symbol suffers from wear due to friction with the road
Solution Approach 1:
The foam layer's porous structure provides resistance to friction wear. The air pockets within the foam act as cushions that absorb mechanical stress from road contact, reducing the impact of friction on the coded matrix symbol. This porous structure maintains symbol integrity even after prolonged exposure to road abrasion
Solution Approach 2:
The foam layer serves as a protective cushioning layer positioned between the road surface and the coded matrix symbol. This beforehand cushioning absorbs frictional forces and mechanical impacts before they can damage the symbol, ensuring long-term durability and maintaining readability throughout the tire's service life
3Measurement precision
If a texture is added to enhance contrast, then readability improves, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The foam layer provides the required texture through its inherent porous structure rather than requiring additional surface treatments or complex texturing processes. The air pockets within the foam create natural light scattering effects that enhance symbol visibility, achieving high contrast with a relatively simple structural solution that integrates well with standard tire manufacturing
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 textured sidewall design improves the visibility and durability of coded matrix symbols, ensuring effective decoding even after wear, while reducing manufacturing costs through integration with tire production processes.
Implementation Method 1
The texture allows to 'trap' all or part of the incident light rays that encounter the coded matrix symbol
Implementation Method 2
The texture allows to 'trap' all or part of the incident light rays that encounter the coded matrix symbol
Implementation Method 3
The light portions of the coded matrix symbol are composed of a pattern comprising a plurality of second recessed and/or raised elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The invention relates to a rubber tyre comprising a sidewall (3). The tyre is characterised in that the sidewall (3) comprises at least one encoded matrix symbol (4), said encoded matrix symbol (4) comprising dark parts and light parts, the texture of the dark parts being of the same material as the sidewall (3) and contrasting with the rest of the tyre (1). The texture is an organised arrangement of a plurality of elements, such as strands (401), sipes (402), parallelepipeds (403), blocks (404), grooves (405), recessed (411)/raised (414) patterns.