Zigzag Groove Pneumatic Tire Snow Shear Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic tire tread patterns do not adequately enhance snow performance, particularly in terms of snow column shear force, braking, and acceleration.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic tire design featuring a zigzag circumferential groove with alternating inclined portions, merging first and second lug grooves that form large snow columns, and additional third lug grooves that terminate inside land portions, along with recessed sipes for balanced deformation, improving snow column shear force and braking/acceleration performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tread patterns with separate lug grooves and circumferential grooves are used, then water drainage performance is improved, but snow column shear force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges lug grooves and circumferential grooves into a single integrated zigzag groove structure. The zigzag circumferential groove includes alternating first and second inclined portions that function both as circumferential grooves for water drainage and as lug grooves for generating snow column shear force. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate groove systems while achieving dual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The zigzag circumferential groove serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a circumferential groove for water drainage, as lug grooves for snow penetration and shear force generation, and creates a continuous pattern that maintains structural integrity. The inclined portions are designed to perform both water channeling and snow column formation functions.
2Reliability
If more grooves are added to improve snow performance, then braking and acceleration on snow improve, but tire rigidity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The zigzag circumferential groove is segmented into alternating first inclined portions and second inclined portions. The first inclined portions are designed to merge with lug grooves to form snow columns, while the second inclined portions provide water drainage pathways. This segmentation allows different portions of the same groove structure to serve different functions without requiring additional grooves.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove pattern uses zigzag curvature instead of straight lines, creating alternating inclined portions that naturally direct water flow while maintaining structural continuity. The curved zigzag pattern allows the groove to adapt to the tire's circular geometry and provides smooth transitions between different functional zones.
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic tire includes: a zigzag circumferential direction groove that is formed in a tread portion by alternating and continuously formed first inclined portions and second inclined portions, the first inclined portions being inclined with respect to a tire circumferential direction and the second inclined portions being inclined in the opposite direction to the first inclined portions with respect to the tire circumferential direction; first lug grooves that are inclined in the same direction as the first inclined portions with respect to the tire circumferential direction and that merge with the first inclined portions; and second lug grooves that are inclined in the opposite direction to the first inclined portions with respect to the tire circumferential direction and that intersect the first inclined portions.