Pneumatic Tyre Tread Profile with Offset Groove Elevations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tread profiles for vehicle tires fail to optimize water flow in both directions of rotation, leading to suboptimal aquaplaning properties and increased turbulence, which limits the tire's ability to absorb water effectively.
Innovation Solution
A tread profile design featuring grooves with elongated elevations arranged in rows, where each row's length is greater than its width, and the elevations are offset and overlapping, creating mini-channels that guide water flow calmly in both directions, mimicking the shark skin pattern for improved flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ribs are formed in the groove surfaces to channel flow, then flow channeling is improved, but additional rubber volume increases which limits water absorption capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by forming elevations only in specific rows (first and third rows) rather than covering the entire groove surface. This localized approach provides flow channeling where needed while preserving water absorption capacity in other areas. The elevations are positioned to create mini-channels that guide water flow without occupying excessive groove volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove surface is segmented into different functional rows: first rows with elevations for flow guidance, second rows without elevations for water absorption, and third rows with elevations for additional flow stabilization. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of both flow channeling and water absorption capacities.
2Ease of operation
If sawtooth-like profile is formed on groove walls, then flow calming effect is achieved in one direction, but additional mini-turbulence is generated in the opposite rotation direction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses asymmetric elevation shapes with inclined front sides and inclined rear sides at different angles to the groove direction. This asymmetric design creates flow calming effects in the primary direction of travel while minimizing adverse effects in the opposite direction, enabling bidirectional usability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using sharp-edged sawtooth profiles that create turbulence, the invention inverts the approach by using rounded elevations with inclined surfaces that guide flow smoothly. The elevations are designed to calm flow rather than disrupt it, achieving the opposite effect of conventional sawtooth designs.
3Ease of operation
If scale-like surface elements with mini-grooves are formed over entire groove extension, then flow calming is achieved, but additional rubber volume reduces water absorption capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the groove surface into alternating rows: rows with elevations for flow calming and rows without elevations for water absorption. This segmentation ensures that flow calming features are present only where needed, preserving overall water absorption capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Flow calming elevations are applied locally in specific rows rather than uniformly across the entire groove surface. This localized application provides flow management where required while maintaining water absorption capacity in the remaining groove volume.
4Quantity of substance
If groove surfaces are kept smooth to minimize turbulence, then water absorption capacity is maximized, but mini-turbulences occur in the boundary layer area
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies flow-calming elevations locally in alternating rows rather than making the entire groove surface smooth or structured. This local modification calms boundary layer turbulence in critical areas while preserving smooth surfaces elsewhere for water absorption.
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
This design enhances water flow guidance and reduces turbulence, maintaining laminar flow longer while minimizing additional rubber volume, thus optimizing aquaplaning properties and flow directionality without compromising water absorption capacity.
Implementation Method 1
The laminar flow at the surface can be significantly lengthened
Implementation Method 2
stalls with mini-turbulences occur in the boundary layer area towards the surface
Implementation Method 3
mini-turbulences, which would cause higher drag, are reduced. The breakdown of the laminar flow in the area of the boundary layer is reduced
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~9
Figure 10~13
AI summary
The profile has extension lines (16) of elongate projections (17) formed in a surface of groove walls and/or a groove bottom. The projections project into peripheral grooves (9), and are provided at a distance from each other and behind each other in an extension direction of the grooves. The projections of one of the lines are arranged offset to the other projections of the adjacent line in the direction and by overlapping with the other projections of the adjacent line. An extension length of the projections measured in the direction is larger than an extension breadth.