Zigzag Tire Groove Layout for Wet Drainage at Late Tread Wear
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tires face challenges in maintaining effective drainage performance during the last stage of tread wear life, which affects their performance in wet conditions and wear resistance.
Innovation Solution
The tire design incorporates a zigzag first circumferential groove with varying widths and depths, connected by lateral grooves to a wider second circumferential groove, enhancing water flow and maintaining rigidity and wear resistance even in the last stage of tread wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the first circumferential groove is designed with a narrow groove width, then the rigidity of the tread portion is improved, but the drainage performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first circumferential groove is designed with different groove widths at different radial positions: a narrow first portion (1-2mm) at the radially outer side for maintaining rigidity, and a wide second portion (2-12mm) at the radially inner side for ensuring drainage performance. This local variation in groove width allows each region to fulfill its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove width variation is implemented in the radial dimension, creating a three-dimensional groove structure with different cross-sectional areas at different depths. The narrow first portion and wide second portion form a stepped configuration that simultaneously achieves rigidity and drainage objectives through dimensional differentiation.
2Reliability
If the groove width of the first circumferential groove is increased to improve drainage performance, then the wear resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The narrow first portion of the groove at the radially outer side maintains sufficient rubber thickness for wear resistance, while the wide second portion at the radially inner side provides effective drainage. This localized width variation ensures that the groove performs both functions without compromising overall durability.
3Reliability
If lateral grooves are added to connect the first and second circumferential grooves, then the drainage performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is segmented into multiple independent groove elements: the first circumferential groove with width variation, the second circumferential groove, and lateral grooves connecting them. This segmentation creates multiple drainage pathways that work together to enhance overall drainage performance while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The tire 1 comprises a tread portion 2 provided with a first circumferential groove 10 and a second circumferential groove 20 each extending in the tire circumferential direction, and lateral grooves 40 connecting between the first circumferential groove 10 and the second circumferential groove 20. The first circumferential groove 10 extends zigzag and comprises a radially outer first portion 11 having the smallest width and a radially inner second portion 12 having a width larger than that of the first portion 11.