Tyre Tread Wear Indicator with Radial Notches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting tread band wear on tires, especially for heavy load vehicles, are time-consuming, require specific equipment, and fail to effectively address irregular 'saw-tooth' wear, which reduces tire performance and causes noise and vibrations.

Innovation Solution

A method and system involving a graduated scale of notches on the tire's tread band, allowing for quick and intuitive wear assessment without removing the tire from the rim, using pairs of wear indicators at transverse grooves to detect both qualitative and quantitative wear, including saw-tooth wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional measurement methods (laser scanning, comparative measurement) are used to detect tread wear, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the inspection process becomes extremely time-consuming and requires specific equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetread wear measurement precisionVSAvoidinspection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-marking the tread band with wear indicators (such as wear bars or reference markings) during the manufacturing process. These pre-established markers enable quick visual comparison during inspection, eliminating the need for complex measurement equipment and reducing inspection time while maintaining measurement precision through the pre-defined reference points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating simplified visual representations of wear status through wear indicators that replicate the essential measurement information. Instead of performing complex laser scanning or comparative measurements, the wear indicators provide a copied visual signal (such as the height or presence of wear bars) that conveys the tread wear state, enabling rapid assessment without specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Loss of information

If traditional measurement methods are used, then quantitative wear data can be obtained, but the process becomes burdensome and requires removing the tire from the rim

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear data completenessVSAvoidinspection ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing wear indicators that automatically provide wear information without requiring external measurement equipment or complex procedures. The wear bars or markings on the tread band self-indicate the wear status through their physical state (height, presence, or position), allowing inspectors to obtain complete wear data simply by visual inspection while the tire remains mounted on the rim.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If localized wear detection is implemented, then precise information about tire usage and remedial actions can be obtained, but the detection system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalized wear detection precisionVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tread band into multiple localized zones, each equipped with its own wear indicators (such as wear bars at different circumferential positions or on different tread elements). This segmentation enables precise detection of localized wear patterns in specific regions without requiring a complex overall system, as each zone independently provides wear information through its simple wear indicators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3063022B1Method for detecting the wear of the tread band of a tyre and tyre provided with a tread band wear indicator
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 PIRELLI TYRE SPA
  • EP3063022B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3063022B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3063022B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Tire (1) having a tread band (2) provided with a tread band wear indicator (30), located on a groove wall (W), wherein the tread band wear indicator (30) comprises at least a plurality of radially superimposed notches (31) extending substantially parallel to one another at a predetermined distance.