METHOD OF CORRECTING LATERAL FORCE VARIATIONS IN A PNEUMATIC TIRE

摘要

A method is provided for correcting excessive lateral force variations in a pneumatic tire. The method includes the steps of indexing the tire tread into a series of circumferential increments; and obtaining a series of lateral force measurements corresponding to this series of circumferential increments. The maximum value max(1) of the lateral force measurements in a first direction and the maximum value max(2) of the lateral force measurements in a second opposite direction are then determined. This determination is followed by a comparison of each of the lateral force measurements with the max(2) value to determine if it exceeds an acceptable deviation and an independent comparison of each of the lateral force measurements with the max(1) value to determine if it exceeds the acceptable deviation. The acceptable deviation may be a preset constant value. Alternatively, the acceptable deviation may be determined by calculating a PtP value which represents the difference between the max(1) value and the max(2) value; and calculating the acceptable deviation based on the magnitude of this PtP value. Material is removed from a first shoulder region of each increment in which the corresponding force measurement exceeds the acceptable deviation when compared to the max(2) value; and material is removed from a second shoulder region of each increment in which the corresponding lateral force measurement exceeds the acceptable deviation when compared to the max(1). 447//18894612.20A