Design of Two-Wheeled Motorcycle Tire Crown Contour Bioinspired by Cat Paw Pads

Abstract

The grip force of tires is crucial for vehicle security and drivability under different driving conditions. A small contact area and stress concentration in the contact patch of two-wheeled motorcycle (TWM) tires result in a reduction in grip performance and wear resistance. Even worse, improving the grip and wear resistance together is difficult to achieve. The purpose of the current study is to analyze the dynamic grounding characteristics and geometry of a cat paw pad and then apply its structure to the TWM tire to improve the contact area and wear resistance under different operating conditions. A nonlinear finite element tire model that could accurately reconstruct the tire structure and realistically reflect the mechanical response to different loads was employed. Then, the accuracy of the tire model was validated by a static test with a control tire. For cats, the dynamic grounding characteristics and topology of paw pads were determined using a pressure-sensitive walkway and a three-dimensional (3D) laser scanner. The results indicated that the cat forepaw third pad (CFTP) exhibited excellent grip capacity. According to similarity transformation, a bionic tire crown was designed according to the lateral fitting curve of the CFTP. Comparative results showed the enlargement of the contact area and decreases in peak pressure and frictional energy rate for the bionic tire under different conditions. With these improvements, the grip performance was improved, and the service life was extended synchronously. These research results can be applied for the design of TWM tires, especially cross-country motorcycle tires.

Stimuli–Responsive Mechanoadaptive Elastomeric Composite Materials: Challenges, Opportunities, and New Approaches

“…can be introduced to . Applications of mechanoadaptive rubbers in advanced engineering applications: a) between two concrete blocks for sealing purpose, [199] b) self-sealing system, [200] c) rubber/cement composite for construction applications, d) swell packers for zonal isolation, [202] e) aeroplane wings, [221] f ) adaptive tire, [223] g) actuator, [229] h) soft robotic grippers, [258] i) catheters, [261] and j) self-healable elastomers for biomedical application. [266] improve both safety and comfort and provide balanced ties [218,219] as these intelligent materials possess the exclusive property "smart energy absorption" which minimizes the chances of injury during riding as well as emergency situations like accident or crash.…”

“…Mechanoadaptive elastomeric materials can be used for smart tire application. The change in the size of the contact area as shown in Figure 13f can adapt to the wet, slippery, dry, uneven, as well as smooth surfaces [223][224][225][226] and will contribute to better rolling resistance as well as dry or wet traction depending on the environment, climate, and road conditions and will be useful in all seasons. This will reduce the replacement cost of tires and the same can be utilized in summer, rainy season, or winter, whatever the case may be.…”

“…Figure13. Applications of mechanoadaptive rubbers in advanced engineering applications: a) between two concrete blocks for sealing purpose,[199] b) self-sealing system,[200] c) rubber/cement composite for construction applications, d) swell packers for zonal isolation,[202] e) aeroplane wings,[221] f ) adaptive tire,[223] g) actuator,[229] h) soft robotic grippers,[258] i) catheters,[261] and j) self-healable elastomers for biomedical application [266]. …”

Analysis of Mechanical Properties of Functional Parts of Goat Hoofs under Multi-Slope

“…Based on the swing deformation characteristics of cat claw pad-ground contact, Wang et al [12] adopted an asymmetric layout on both sides of the groove wall in the central area of the tire, which reduced the radial excitation force between the tread and the road surface. Liu et al [13] designed the crown of a radial tire imitating a cat paw pad based on the cross-sectional fitting curve of a cat paw pad, which improved the lateral grip of the tire. Li et al [14] designed the tire crown based on the cross-section fitting curve of the third toe pad of the cat, which improved the lateral adhesion of the tire when turning.…”

Numerical Study of Dynamic Hydroplaning Effects on Motorcycle Tires

“…The contact pressure could then investigate under the increase of compression load [13]. Liu et al [14] modeled the crown contour of a 2.75-18 motorcycle tire by FEM. The contact patch shapes had investigated to improve the grip performance of a motorcycle tire.…”