The Tension Control Optimization Theory, TCOT, allows for heavy duty truck and bus tires with greater bead and belt durability and increased fuel efficiency than conventionally shaped truck and bus tires, without sacrificing other important performance characteristics such as maneuverability, wear resistance, etc.
Before TCOT, conventional truck and bus tires used the theory of the natural equilibrium shape as a base. TCOT technology expands the Rolling Contour Optimization Theory, RCOT, and proposes the ultimate tire casing contour according to tire application.
TCOT optimizes the control of the tension in an inflated tire and the control of the change of the contour by inflation pressure, and regulates strains in the belts and plycord edges, limiting the occurrence and spread of minute but potentially damaging cracks in the vulnerable edges of a rolling tire.
A mass-spring tire model having five degrees of freedom is used to analyze the tangential and radial axial forces that result from a tire hitting a cleat. The belt and tread region is modeled by a rigid ring. Deflections from the cleat are absorbed by a line spring and those from the smooth portion of the test wheel (the ground) are absorbed by a plane spring; both are attached to the rigid ring. Calculated results agreed well with experimental results.
The Rolling Contour Optimization Theory (RCOT) can lead to improved steering, fuel efficiency, riding comfort, and braking performance of tires relative to those of conventional shape. The conventional shape has been guided by natural equilibrium profiles, while the RCOT technology shape is guided by that of the tire in motion. This reduces useless distortions caused by running the tire under load. The RCOT design focuses on the distribution of belt and sidewall tension in the tire. Controlling tension in the belt and carcass area while the tire is in motion was the key to creating this new tire shape.
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