Pneumatic Tyre Spike Distribution for Ice Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pneumatic vehicle tires with profiled treads and spikes struggle to optimize handling properties on icy ground, particularly in the transmission of lateral forces and braking/traction forces, and suffer from uneven spike distribution and increased rolling noise.

Innovation Solution

The tire design incorporates two types of spikes in specific spike tracks across the tread, with one type optimized for lateral force transmission and the other for braking/traction force transmission, ensuring a balanced distribution that enhances handling and durability, and adjusts the ratio and placement of these spikes based on the tread profile and vehicle type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spikes with different designs are used in lateral and central circumferential regions, then lateral force transmission and braking/traction force transmission are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling properties on icy groundVSAvoidspike distribution arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using two different spike types with distinct characteristics in different circumferential regions of the tread. Type 1 spikes with larger cross-sectional area are placed in lateral circumferential regions for optimal lateral force transmission, while type 2 spikes with smaller cross-sectional area are placed in central circumferential regions for optimal braking and traction force transmission. This regional differentiation optimizes handling properties on icy ground while managing the complexity through systematic arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The tread is segmented into lateral circumferential regions and central circumferential regions, with each region equipped with specifically designed spike types. This segmentation allows independent optimization of spike characteristics for different functional requirements (lateral force vs. braking/traction force) while maintaining an organized structure that manages the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If uniform spike distribution is used across the tread, then manufacturing is simplified, but handling properties on icy ground deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespike arrangement processVSAvoidforce transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than uniform distribution, the patent implements local quality by assigning different spike types to specific circumferential regions based on their functional requirements. This approach prioritizes handling properties on icy ground while maintaining a systematic arrangement that does not excessively complicate manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3625063B1Pneumatic vehicle tyre
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP3625063B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2c
  • EP3625063B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pneumatic vehicle tyre having a profiled tread, spikes (1, 2) which are arranged in spike rows (SP) running in encircling fashion over the circumference of the tread, wherein each spike (1, 2) has a spike body (3) anchored in the rubber material of the tread and a spike pin (4, 5) protruding beyond the tread periphery, wherein spikes (1) of a first type and spikes (2) of a second type are anchored in the tread, which differ from one another in terms of the design of the spike pins (4, 5) thereof, wherein the spikes (1) of the first type in particular effect better lateral force transmission than the spikes (2) of the second type, which in particular effect better braking and traction force transmission than the spikes (1) of the first type. Both spikes (1) of the first type and spikes (2) of the second type are positioned in each case in at least one spike row (SP) in a lateral circumferential region (SB) and in at least one spike row (SP) in a central circumferential region (Z).