Pneumatic Tyre Spikes with Asymmetric Flanges for Ice Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic vehicle tires with spikes fail to optimally adapt to different slip movements in the tread, leading to tilting movements that negatively affect grip on ice, as they do not account for the varying slip directions in the lateral and central areas of the tread.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates two types of spikes with differently configured upper flanges, where the first type has a plane of symmetry at a 45° angle to the axial direction for softer bedding in the tilting direction and the second type has a plane of symmetry at a 45° angle to the circumferential direction for stiffer embedding, ensuring secure penetration into ice during traction and braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spikes are anchored in the tread with a uniform design, then manufacturing is simple, but the spikes cannot adapt to different slip movements in lateral and central areas, causing tilting movements that reduce grip on ice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating spike designs based on their position in the tread. Spikes in the central area have upper flanges oriented at 45° to the circumferential direction for stiffer embedding, while spikes in lateral areas have upper flanges oriented at 45° to the axial direction for softer bedding. This local differentiation allows each spike to optimally adapt to the specific slip movements occurring in its region, improving overall grip on ice without requiring complete redesign of all spikes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the spike population into at least two types based on their upper flange orientation and embedding characteristics. This segmentation allows the tread to handle different slip movements in different areas through specialized spike designs, resolving the contradiction between uniformity and adaptability.
2Reliability
If spikes are softly embedded to accommodate small slip movements, then grip on ice is maintained, but the spikes cannot effectively counteract larger slip movements during traction and braking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating zones of different spike embedding stiffness. Central area spikes provide stiff embedding for high-force situations, while lateral area spikes provide soft embedding for normal rolling conditions. This spatial differentiation of mechanical properties allows the tire to simultaneously handle both small and large slip movements across different tread regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through the geometric design of upper flanges that respond differently to various magnitudes of slip movement. The 45° orientations create anisotropic embedding characteristics that automatically adjust the effective stiffness based on the direction and magnitude of applied forces, transitioning from soft bedding during normal rolling to firm resistance during traction and braking.
3Strength
If spikes are firmly embedded to ensure reliable penetration into ice, then traction and braking performance is improved, but the spikes experience tilting movements that reduce grip on ice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry in the upper flange geometry, where the flanges are oriented at 45° to either the axial or circumferential direction rather than symmetrically. This asymmetric orientation creates directional embedding characteristics that resist tilting movements while maintaining penetration capability. The asymmetric design allows spikes to firmly engage with the ice surface in the intended direction while accommodating natural tilting that occurs during operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If all spikes have the same upper flange orientation, then manufacturing is simplified, but spikes cannot account for varying slip directions in different tread areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different upper flange orientations to spikes based on their location in the tread. Central area spikes have 45° orientation relative to the circumferential direction, while lateral area spikes have 45° orientation relative to the axial direction. This localized differentiation enables adaptation to region-specific slip movements while maintaining a relatively simple overall design with only two spike types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tread into regions with different spike orientations, creating a zoned approach to handling slip movements. This segmentation into central and lateral zones with specialized spike configurations provides adaptability without requiring a completely complex multi-directional spike system throughout the entire tread.
Data Source
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Figure 9
AI summary
The invention relates to vehicle pneumatic tyres comprising a profiled tread with studs (1, 2), which are arranged in stud tracks (SP) running around the circumference of the tread, wherein each stud (1, 2) has a stud body (3, 4) anchored in the rubber material of the tread and a stud pin (5) protruding beyond the periphery of the tread, wherein studs (1) of a first type and studs (2) of a second type are anchored in the tread, which differ from one another in terms of the configuration of their stud body (3, 4), wherein the stud bodies (3, 4) each have a base flange (6, 7) and an upper flange (8, 9) and a central vertical axis including their centre of gravity, and wherein the studs (1) of the first type are positioned preferably mainly in lateral regions of the tread and the studs (2) of the second type are positioned preferably mainly in the central tread region. The upper flange (8) of the studs (1) of the first type has a single plane of symmetry (S1) passing through the vertical axis (a) and running at a < 45° angle to the axial direction, and the upper flange of the studs (1') of the second type have a single plane of symmetry (S2) passing through the vertical axis (a) and running at a < 45° angle to the circumferential direction, wherein the upper flanges (8, 9) each have different size extensions determined along the planes of symmetry (S1, S2) and starting from the vertical axis (a).