Heavy Load Tyre Tread Radial Channels Stone Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy load vehicle tires face challenges in traction, directionality, and stone retention on uneven roads, where stone-ejectors improve stone expulsion but reduce performance on wet grounds and increase rolling resistance.
Innovation Solution
A tread pattern with a central annular portion and shoulder annular portions, featuring circumferential crown grooves with radial channels and protrusions that enhance water drainage and reduce stone retention, while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stone-ejectors are added to prevent stone trapping, then stone retention is improved, but water drainage performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The groove cross-section is segmented into multiple functional zones: the groove body for water collection, stone-ejectors for stone removal, and radial channels for enhanced water drainage. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with others.
Solution Approach 2:
Radial channels act as intermediary structures connecting the groove body to the outer surface. These channels mediate between the water collection function of the groove and the drainage function, allowing water to flow from the groove through the channels to the surface while stone-ejectors prevent stone trapping.
2Reliability
If stone-ejectors are added to prevent stone trapping, then stone retention is improved, but directionality and controllability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Stone-ejectors are strategically positioned at specific locations within the groove cross-section where they provide maximum stone prevention benefit. The radial channels are also positioned to optimize both drainage and maintain directional stability, creating local quality improvements without compromising overall directionality.
3Reliability
If groove width is increased to prevent stone trapping, then stone retention is improved, but water drainage performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing groove width in the horizontal plane, the solution adds a vertical dimension through radial channels that extend from the groove bottom toward the tread surface. This dimensional transition allows water drainage without requiring increased groove width, thereby maintaining both stone retention and drainage performance.
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 tire achieves excellent traction and directionality on both dry and wet surfaces, with reduced rolling resistance and even wear, making it suitable for heavy load vehicles traveling long distances.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of said circumferential shoulder and/or crown grooves comprises a rib or stone-ejector, provided with a plurality of radial channels
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tyre (1) having a tread (2) with a central annular portion (L1) and two shoulder annular portions (L2); the central annular portion (L1) comprises at least one circumferential crown groove (5, 6, 7) and is separated from each shoulder annular portion (L2) by a respective circumferential shoulder groove (3, 4); - at least one of said circumferential shoulder and/or crown grooves (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) has a plurality of protrusions (50) having a height (hi) equal to or smaller than a depth (H) of said at least one circumferential shoulder and/or crown groove (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and a lateral surface substantially extending in a radial direction; - said plurality of protrusions (50) further having a plurality of channels (19) substantially extending in a radial direction and comprising at least one opening in said lateral surface for setting said circumferential shoulder and/or crown groove (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) in fluid communication with the outside of the tread.