Variable-Thickness Self-Sealing Layers for Lightweight Tires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tyres with self-sealing products are heavier due to uniform layer thickness, which does not account for varying risks of perforation across the tread.
Innovation Solution
A method to manufacture tyres with a self-sealing product layer that varies thickness axially, focusing more on high-risk areas and reducing or eliminating it in low-risk areas, by adjusting parameters like winding pitch, speed, and extrusion rate during the winding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a uniform layer of self-sealing product is applied across the entire tread, then effective sealing coverage is achieved, but the tyre weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thicknesses of self-sealing product to different axial zones of the tread based on their perforation risk. High-risk zones (shoulders and center) receive thicker applications while low-risk zones receive thinner applications, optimizing the balance between sealing effectiveness and weight reduction
2Ease of manufacture
If the winding parameters are kept constant, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the self-sealing layer thickness cannot be optimized across different tread zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic variation of winding parameters (speed, pitch, extrusion rate) during the self-sealing product application process. The parameters are modified according to the axial position to achieve thicker layers in high-risk zones and thinner layers in low-risk zones, enabling precise thickness control while maintaining a continuous winding process
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 method results in a lighter tyre with effective sealing capabilities, optimizing weight reduction while maintaining airtightness and protection against perforations.
Implementation Method 1
under the effect of the internal pressure of the tyre, the self-sealing product is made to flow into the orifice through which the air streams towards the outside, in order to seal it and re-establish airtightness
Data Source
AI summary
The manufacturing method makes it possible to manufacture a tire (10) comprising: a tread (14), an airtight internal layer (18), and at least one layer of a self-sealing product (80) extending circumferentially radially on the inside of part of the airtight internal layer (18). During the method, a strip or a bead (200) of a self-sealing product is wound through multiple circumferential turns (Nai, Nbj) radially on the inside of the airtight layer (18) of the tire, which does not have the layer of self-sealing product (80) yet, and at least partially in line with the tread (18). The winding step is carried out according to a law for winding the strip or the bead (200) in circumferential turns. During the winding step, at least one parameter of the winding law making it possible to axially vary the thickness of the layer of self-sealing product (80) is varied.