Heavy Load Tyre Tread Blocks with Mutual Constraint Deformations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy load vehicle tires face challenges in achieving excellent traction, controllability, and wear evenness without compromising mileage, noise, and vibration performance, as deep transverse sipes improve traction but lead to uneven wear and vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A tread pattern with a central row of blocks separated by deep sipes, featuring first and second deformations that constrain adjacent blocks in the circumferential and radial directions, respectively, to prevent sliding and misalignment, maintaining traction while reducing wear and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deep transverse sipes are used to improve traction and water draining, then traction and directionality are improved, but wear evenness deteriorates and vibrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the functions of different tread regions. The central annular portion contains blocks with deformations for mutual constraint to prevent wear, while the shoulder portions have traditional sipe structures for water evacuation. This localized differentiation allows each region to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The tread is segmented into distinct functional zones: a central annular portion with constraint mechanisms and shoulder portions with traditional sipes. The blocks themselves are segmented with specific deformations that create localized constraint points. This segmentation allows independent optimization of traction and wear resistance in different areas.
2Reliability
If deep transverse sipes are used to improve traction, then traction is improved, but mileage deteriorates due to excessive wear
Solution Approach 1:
The central portion of the tread features blocks with specific deformations that create mutual constraint mechanisms, locally reducing wear in the high-stress central region. This localized wear protection extends the overall tyre life without sacrificing the deep sipe traction performance in other areas.
3Reliability
If deep transverse sipes are used to improve water draining, then water draining is improved, but rolling resistance increases due to block misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent differentiates between the central annular portion and shoulder portions, with the central blocks featuring deformations for mutual constraint while maintaining deep sipes for water drainage. This local differentiation allows water draining functionality to be preserved without the energy loss from misalignment.
4Reliability
If deep transverse sipes are used to improve traction, then traction is improved, but vibrations increase due to continuous rubbing of block walls
Solution Approach 1:
The central blocks with deformations create localized constraint points that stabilize adjacent blocks, reducing the continuous rubbing and vibrations. The shoulder portions maintain traditional deep sipe structures for traction, achieving a balance between performance and comfort.
Data Source
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AI summary
Tyre (1) having a tread (2) comprising a central annular portion (L1) astride an equatorial plane (X-X) and two shoulder annular portions (L2, L3), located on axially opposite sides with respect to the central annular portion (L1). The central annular portion is separated from each shoulder annular portion by a respective first circumferential groove (3, 4). The central annular portion (L1) comprises a plurality of blocks (20), arranged in at least one circumferential row comprised between two circumferential grooves (3, 4, 5, 6, 7), and at least one transverse sipe (8) adapted to define two circumferentially consecutive blocks (20). The blocks are provided with at least one first deformation, adapted to define respective portions of mutual constraint in adjacent blocks, and with a further deformation grafted on the first deformation in the circumferential direction.