Wavy Edge Reinforcement for Radial Tire Shoulder Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The edge areas of reinforcement layers in commercial vehicle tires are prone to detachment and crack propagation due to high loads during operation, which reduces tire durability, and reducing reinforcement density compromises other tire properties like mileage and load capacity.
Innovation Solution
The edge edges of the two belt plies have matching wavy shapes with offset wavelengths, delaying crack propagation by ensuring the ends of the reinforcements are not in the same axial position, thereby providing uniform support and delaying crack propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the reinforcement density is increased to improve tire strength and durability, then the tire's load capacity and mileage are improved, but the edge areas become more prone to detachment and crack propagation due to higher loads
Solution Approach 1:
The straight edge edges of the reinforcement layers are replaced with wavy (curved) edge edges. This curvature causes the reinforcement ends to be offset in the axial direction, preventing them from being aligned at the same axial position. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining high reinforcement density for strength while the wavy geometry prevents crack propagation paths, thereby improving edge area durability.
2Productivity
If the reinforcement density is maintained to preserve tire performance, then mileage and load capacity are preserved, but crack propagation occurs more quickly in the edge areas
Solution Approach 1:
The wavy edge geometry offsets the ends of adjacent reinforcements in the axial direction, disrupting continuous crack propagation paths. This allows the tire to maintain high reinforcement density for optimal mileage and load capacity while the curved edge configuration prevents cracks from spreading rapidly, thereby improving crack propagation resistance without sacrificing productivity.
3Reliability
If the edge edges are designed with wavy shapes to delay crack propagation, then the durability of shoulder areas is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wavy edge edges are formed by cutting the reinforcement layers at an angle that is not perpendicular to the circumferential direction. This angular cutting approach creates the desired wavy geometry through a relatively simple manufacturing process, resolving the contradiction by achieving improved shoulder area durability while minimizing increases in manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Reinforcement layer (1, 1') in a radial vehicle tire, consisting of parallel reinforcing elements (2, 2') embedded in rubber material and with two edge edges (3, 3') at which the reinforcing elements (2, 2') terminate. The edge edges (3, 3') run in the plane of the end sections of the reinforcing elements (2, 2') along a uniform wave pattern.