Tyre Tread Recess Geometry for Faster Self-Warm-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing racing tires require external heating devices to achieve optimal performance, which are costly and energy-intensive, or result in delayed temperature reach, affecting race performance.
Innovation Solution
A tire design with continuously smooth parts featuring hollows and bumps arranged to create localized overpressures, allowing self-heating through ground contact, enhancing temperature rise during initial rolling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tyre is kept stationary for an extended period before use, then the tyre structure stabilizes and manufacturing quality is maintained, but the tyre performance deteriorates due to cold and stiff rubber compound
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating a heating element within the tyre structure that activates before the tyre is put into service. This heating element pre-warms the rubber compound during a brief period, transforming the tyre from a cold, stiff state to a warm, flexible state before actual use begins, thereby eliminating the performance deterioration associated with extended stationary periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the tyre rubber compound by integrating a heating mechanism. This parameter change allows the rubber to transition from a cold, rigid state to a warm, elastic state, improving grip and overall tyre performance without requiring extended warm-up periods
2Reliability
If a tyre is warmed up quickly using external methods, then tyre performance improves, but energy consumption increases and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by incorporating an internal heating element that the tyre uses to warm itself. Rather than relying on external energy sources like hot water baths or heating lamps, the tyre generates its own heat through an integrated heating mechanism, thereby improving performance while minimizing external energy consumption and environmental impact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or external thermal warming methods with an electrical heating element integrated into the tyre structure. This substitution allows for controlled, efficient heating that directly targets the rubber compound, reducing energy waste and environmental impact compared to external warming methods
3Reliability
If tyre rubber compound is made softer for better grip, then traction improves, but heat resistance and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter through controlled heating, which temporarily modifies the rubber compound's physical properties. By warming the rubber before use, the compound becomes softer and more compliant, improving grip and traction, while the controlled nature of the heating prevents excessive softening that would compromise structural integrity and heat resistance
4Productivity
If tyre is used immediately after manufacturing, then time loss is minimized, but tyre performance deteriorates due to cold rubber compound
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing the tyre through internal heating immediately before use. This allows the tyre to be used almost immediately after manufacturing without the performance deterioration associated with cold rubber, as the heating element activates just prior to service to optimize rubber compound properties
Solution Approach 2:
The tyre uses its own integrated heating element to prepare itself for immediate use. This self-service capability allows the tyre to maintain optimal performance characteristics without requiring extended stationary periods or external warming facilities, thereby minimizing time loss while ensuring reliable 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 optimal performance quickly and economically without external heating, reaching operating temperature faster than traditional tires.
Implementation Method 1
The tyre (1) comprises a heating element (2) arranged at a predetermined position within the tyre (1), said heating element (2) being adapted to heat said tyre (1)
Implementation Method 2
said heating element (2) being adapted to heat said tyre (1), said control unit (3) being adapted to control said heating element (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a tyre for asphalted surfaces comprising a tread surface (16) having a continuously smooth part (20). The or each continuously smooth part (20) comprises a plurality of recessed portions (26) and a plurality of raised portions (28). The recessed portions (26) and the raised portions (28) are arranged in such a way that when the continuously smooth part (20) runs over the ground, the mean top-of-raised-portion pressure exerted on average by the ground on the tops (32) of the raised portions (28) is strictly greater than the mean bottom-of-recessed-portion pressure exerted on average by the ground on the bottoms (30) of the recessed portions (26).