Variable-Width Sipe for Uniform Tread Pressure and Low Rolling Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art sipes with constant widths in tire treads lead to uneven pressure distribution and increased rolling resistance due to partial engagement of sipe sides during tire operation, resulting in inefficient energy storage and traction.
Innovation Solution
Design of variable-width sipes that articulate between open and closed configurations, where the width decreases as depth increases into the tread thickness, ensuring opposing sides engage uniformly in the closed configuration, reducing energy storage and enhancing pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If constant-width sipes are used in tire treads, then manufacturing is simple and consistent, but rolling resistance increases due to non-uniform pressure distribution and partial engagement of sipe sides
Solution Approach 1:
The sipe width is varied locally along its depth, with the width at the ground-engaging side being greater than the width at the interior portion. This local variation in geometry creates uniform pressure distribution across the sipe sides during tire operation, reducing non-uniform stress concentrations and minimizing energy loss due to rolling resistance.
2Device complexity
If constant-width sipes are used, then the structure is simple and consistent, but traction is reduced due to non-uniform pressure engagement between sipe sides
Solution Approach 1:
The sipe width transitions from a larger width at the ground-engaging side to a smaller width at the interior portion, creating a tapered geometry. This local variation ensures that the sipe sides engage uniformly under load, improving traction by distributing contact pressure evenly across the entire sipe depth rather than concentrating it at specific locations.
3Quantity of substance
If constant-width sipes are used, then material usage is consistent, but energy storage efficiency decreases due to increased deformation and non-uniform stress distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The sipe geometry is designed with variable width along its depth, creating a tapered structure that optimizes stress distribution. This local variation in dimensions reduces deformation during tire operation by distributing mechanical stress uniformly across the sipe sides, thereby improving energy storage efficiency and reducing hysteresis losses in the tread material.
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 variable-width sipes reduce rolling resistance and improve traction by ensuring uniform pressure engagement and reduced deformation, leading to more efficient tire operation.
Implementation Method 1
a sipe configured to articulate between an open configuration and a closed configuration as the tire rotates during tire operation
Implementation Method 2
This stored energy creates a tendency of the tire to resist rolling (also known as rolling resistance), thereby decreasing the efficiency of tire operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The tire tread presents a thickness T20 and a sipe (30) having a length and a depth d3o extending into the tread thickness in a direction away from an outer, ground-engaging side of the tread. The sipe articulates between an open configuration and a closed configuration as the tire rotates during tire operation. The sipe has a variable-width W30 extending transverse to the sipe length and transverse to the depth in the open configuration, the variable-width being defined by a pair of opposing sipe sides (34). The variable-width decreases as the depth increases into the tread thickness in a direction away from the outer, ground-engaging side. The opposing sipe sides substantially engage each other at substantially the same time in the closed configuration.