Patent ID: 8103488
Filing Date: 2012-01-24
Classification: B60C,G06F

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented tire design method comprising: (a) providing an objective function representative of tire performance; (b) performing a first numerical optimization using a basis vector process to obtain a first optimal solution which optimizes the objective function, the optimization being performed using a model provided by dividing at least part of a tread pattern into a plurality of elements; and (c) performing a second numerical optimization using an ECAT to obtain a second optimal solution which optimizes the objective function, the optimization being performed using the model provided by dividing at least part of a tread pattern into a plurality of elements, wherein either step (b) or (c) is executed first, the numerical optimization at the other step being performed using the optimal solution obtained at the first step as an initial shape; (d) finalizing a tread pattern shape based on the optimal solution obtained from the last of steps (b) or (c) to be executed; and (e) producing a tire design having the finalized tread pattern shape.