Wheel assembly comprising activated carbon

Abstract

A wheel assembly includes: a wheel; a tire mounted to the wheel, the tire defining a cavity between an inner surface of the tire and the wheel; and an activated carbon exposed to air molecules within the cavity, the activated carbon including a porous surface configured to adsorb and compress air molecules present within the cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheel assembly comprising activated carbon. Background Art

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally introducing the background of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors and aspects of the description that may not constitute prior art at the time of filing are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted as prior art to the present disclosure.

[0003] A vehicle wheel assembly generally includes a wheel and a tire mounted to the wheel. An air cavity is defined between the tire and the wheel. Air is added to the air cavity to inflate the tire. The amount of air within the air cavity has an effect on the performance of the tire. For example, increasing tire pressure can improve handling and stability, and can increase ride stiffness. Summary of the invention

[0004] In various features, the present disclosure includes a wheel assembly comprising: a wheel; a tire mounted to the wheel, the tire defining a cavity between an inner surface of the tire and the wheel; and activated carbon exposed to air molecules within the cavity, the activated carbon including a porous surface configured to adsorb and compress air molecules present within the cavity.

[0005] In further features, the activated carbon is derived from at least one of: coal; wood; bamboo; coconut shell; willow; peat; coconut husk fiber; lignite; and petroleum pitch.

[0006] In further features, the activated carbon comprises charcoal that has been carbonized in an oxygen-free environment.

[0007] In further features, the activated carbon is produced from the source material by one of physical activation and chemical activation.

[0008] In further features, the activated carbon comprises at least 3000 m 2 / g of surface area.

[0009] In further features, the activated carbon is mounted to the interior surface of the tire.

[0010] In further features, the activated carbon is mounted to the wheel.

[0011] In further features, the activated carbon is mounted to the barrel of the wheel.

[0012] In further features, the activated carbon is located within a wheel cavity defined by the wheel.

[0013] In further features, the wheel cavities are defined at the spokes of the wheel.

[0014] In further features, the activated carbon is mounted with a binder.

[0015] In further features, the activated carbon is mounted with a container that includes a mesh surface configured to allow air molecules to pass therethrough.

[0016] In further features, the activated carbon is mounted with a holder comprising a micro-perforated surface defining a plurality of pores configured to allow air molecules to pass therethrough.

[0017] In further features, the plurality of holes each have a circumference of 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0018] Among the various features, the present disclosure also includes a wheel assembly comprising: a wheel including a barrel; a tire mounted to the wheel, the tire defining a cavity between an inner surface of the tire and the wheel; and activated carbon mounted to at least one of the barrel of the wheel and the tire, the activated carbon including a porous surface configured to adsorb and compress air molecules present in the cavity.

[0019] In further features, the activated carbon is mounted with a binder.

[0020] In further features, the activated carbon is mounted with a container defining an opening configured to allow air molecules to pass therethrough.

[0021] Among the various features, the present disclosure also includes a wheel assembly comprising: a wheel including a cylinder defining an opening to a wheel cavity defined by the wheel; a tire mounted to the wheel, the tire defining an air cavity between an inner surface of the tire and the cylinder; and activated carbon retained within the wheel cavity by a retaining member, the retaining member defining an opening configured to allow air molecules of the air cavity to pass therethrough, the activated carbon including a porous surface configured to adsorb and compress the air molecules of the air cavity.

[0022] In further features, the wheel cavity extends into the spokes of the wheel.

[0023] In further features, the activated carbon comprises at least 3000 m 2 / g of surface area.

[0024] The present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0025] 1. A wheel assembly, comprising:

[0026] wheel;

[0027] a tire mounted to the wheel, the tire defining a cavity between an inner surface of the tire and the wheel; and

[0028] The activated carbon is exposed to air molecules within the cavity, the activated carbon comprising a porous surface configured to adsorb and compress the air molecules present within the cavity.

[0029] 2. The wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein the activated carbon is derived from at least one of: coal; wood; bamboo; coconut shells; willow; peat; coconut shell fiber; lignite; and petroleum asphalt.

[0030] 3. A wheel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the activated carbon comprises charcoal that has been carbonized in an oxygen-free environment.

[0031] 4. The wheel assembly of Option 1, wherein the activated carbon is produced from a source material by one of physical activation and chemical activation.

[0032] 5. The wheel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the activated carbon comprises at least 3000 m 2 / g of surface area.

[0033] 6. The wheel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the activated carbon is mounted to the inner surface of the tire.

[0034] 7. The wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein the activated carbon is mounted to the wheel.

[0035] 8. The wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein the activated carbon is mounted to a cylinder of the wheel.

[0036] 9. A wheel assembly according to Option 1, wherein the activated carbon is located in a wheel cavity defined by the wheel.

[0037] 10. The wheel assembly of claim 9, wherein the wheel cavity is defined at the spokes of the wheel.

[0038] 11. A wheel assembly according to Option 1, wherein the activated carbon is mounted with a binder.

[0039] 12. A wheel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the activated carbon is mounted in a container, the container comprising a mesh surface configured to allow air molecules to pass therethrough.

[0040] 13. A wheel assembly according to Option 1, wherein the activated carbon is mounted with a retainer, the retainer comprising a micro-perforated surface defining a plurality of pores, the plurality of pores being configured to allow air molecules to pass therethrough.

[0041] 14. A wheel assembly according to claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of holes has a circumference of 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0042] 15. A wheel assembly comprising:

[0043] A wheel including a cylinder;

[0044] a tire mounted to the wheel, the tire defining a cavity between an inner surface of the tire and the wheel; and

[0045] Activated carbon mounted to at least one of a barrel and a tire of a wheel, the activated carbon including a porous surface configured to adsorb and compress air molecules present within the cavity.

[0046] 16. A wheel assembly according to claim 15, wherein the activated carbon is mounted with an adhesive.

[0047] 17. A wheel assembly according to claim 15, wherein the activated carbon is mounted in a container defining an opening, wherein the opening is configured to allow air molecules to pass therethrough.

[0048] 18. A wheel assembly comprising:

[0049] a wheel including a barrel defining an opening to a wheel cavity defined by the wheel;

[0050] a tire mounted to the wheel, the tire defining an air cavity between an inner surface of the tire and the barrel; and

[0051] The activated carbon is retained within the wheel cavity by a retaining member defining an opening configured to allow air molecules of the air cavity to pass therethrough, the activated carbon comprising a porous surface configured to adsorb and compress the air molecules of the air cavity.

[0052] 19. The wheel assembly of claim 18, wherein the wheel cavity extends into the spokes of the wheel.

[0053] 20. The wheel assembly according to claim 18, wherein the activated carbon comprises at least 3000 m 2 / g of surface area.

[0054] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims and drawings.The detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wheel assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a wheel assembly;

[0058] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A wheel of a wheel assembly having no tire mounted thereon, the wheel comprising activated carbon mounted according to the present disclosure;

[0059] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 a wheel of a wheel assembly of a wheel assembly having no tire mounted thereon, the wheel comprising activated carbon mounted in another configuration according to the present disclosure;

[0060] Figure 5 showing the activated carbon of the wheel assembly secured in place with a retaining member;

[0061] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a wheel assembly according to the present disclosure, the wheel assembly defining a wheel cavity for containing activated carbon;

[0062] Figure 7 Shows Figure 1 A wheel of a wheel assembly, without a tire mounted thereon, the wheel comprising a container filled with activated carbon;

[0063] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A side view of a container;

[0064] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of another container filled with activated carbon, the container being configured to be mounted to a wheel assembly; and

[0065] Fig.10 It includes two Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a wheel assembly of a container.

[0066] Among the drawings, reference numerals may be repeated to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Figure 1 A wheel assembly 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. The wheel assembly 10 may be configured to be installed in any suitable vehicle, such as any suitable passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, public transportation vehicle, utility vehicle, military vehicle, construction vehicle, trailer, etc. The wheel assembly 10 may also be configured to be used in any suitable non-vehicle application. For example, the wheel assembly 10 may be configured to be used with any suitable construction equipment, manufacturing equipment, transportation equipment, military equipment, etc.

[0068] The wheel assembly 10 generally includes a wheel 20 and a tire 50 configured to be mounted to the wheel 20. The wheel 20 includes a hub 22 located at the center of the wheel 20. A plurality of spokes 24 extend outwardly from the hub 22 to a barrel 30, for example, the barrel 30 is Figure 2-4 The cylinder 30 is circular and is located between the outer edge 32 and the inner lip 34 of the wheel 20. The tire 50 is located between the outer edge 32 and the inner lip 34.

[0069] Special References Figure 2For example, the tire 50 includes an outer surface 52 and an inner surface 54 opposite the outer surface 52. The outer surface 52 includes a tread and is configured to interact with a road surface on which the wheel assembly 10 is placed. The tire 50 defines an air cavity 60 between the inner surface 54 of the tire 50 and the wheel 20. More specifically, the air cavity 60 is defined between the inner surface 54 of the tire 50 and the cylinder 30 of the wheel 20. The tire 50 is inflated with air molecules within the air cavity 60. The air molecules may be added to the air cavity 60 at any suitable pressure through any suitable air valve.

[0070] Continue to refer Figure 1 and 2 , and additionally refer to Figure 3-6 , the wheel assembly 10 includes activated carbon 70. The activated carbon 70 may be derived from any suitable carbon source material, such as, but not limited to, the following materials: coal; wood; bamboo; coconut shell; willow, peat; coconut shell fiber; lignite; and petroleum pitch. The activated carbon may also include charcoal that has been carbonized in an oxygen-free environment. The activated carbon 70 may be produced (i.e., activated) from a carbon source using any suitable treatment. Suitable treatments include, but are not limited to, physical activation and chemical activation. For physical activation, the source material is made into activated carbon by subjecting the source material to any suitable hot gas. Air is then introduced to burn out the gas, thereby forming activated carbon in a graded, screened, and dust-free form. This is performed, for example, by a carbonization or activation / oxidation process. With respect to the carbonization process, for example, a material having a carbon content is pyrolyzed at a temperature in the range of 600° C. to 900° C. in an inert atmosphere using a gas such as argon or nitrogen. With respect to the activation / oxidation process, the raw material or the carbonized source material is exposed to an oxidizing atmosphere (oxygen or steam) at a temperature above 250° C. (e.g., in the range of 600-1200° C.). Activation was performed by heating the sample in a muffle furnace at 450°C for one hour in the presence of air.

[0071] For chemical activation, the carbon source is impregnated with a suitable chemical, such as an acid, a strong base, or a salt (phosphoric acid 25%, potassium hydroxide 5%, sodium hydroxide 5%, potassium carbonate 5%, calcium chloride 25%, and zinc chloride 25%). The carbon is then subjected to high temperatures, such as 250° C. to 600° C. The high temperature may activate the carbon by forcing the carbon material to open and increase the number of micropores, thereby increasing the surface area of ​​the activated carbon 70. For example, the activated carbon 70 may have at least 3,000 m 2 / g of surface area.

[0072] The activated carbon 70 may be in any suitable form, such as powdered activated carbon, granular activated carbon, extruded activated carbon, beaded activated carbon, impregnated carbon, polymer coated carbon, woven carbon, etc. The activated carbon 70 may also be configured as a larger slab that is exposed to the air molecules within the air cavity 60. In addition, the activated carbon 70 may be made in a granular form as a powder or fine particles less than 1.0 mm in size, with an average diameter between 0.15 mm and 0.25 mm.

[0073] Activated carbon 70 is usually a very large internal surface area (700-3000m 2 / g or more). The inner surface area is configured to adsorb air molecules present in the air cavity 60. The activated carbon 70 is formed by a thermal treatment in which volatile components are removed from the carbon-bearing material (raw material) in the presence of oxygen. By specific treatments, such as the physical and chemical activation described above, a specific pore structure is generated, which determines the adsorption capacity and adsorption characteristics of the activated carbon 70.

[0074] The activated carbon 70 may be installed at any suitable location around the wheel assembly 10 as long as the activated carbon 70 is exposed to the air molecules within the air cavity 60. Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 5 , the activated carbon 70 is mounted to the inner surface 54 of the tire 50 using any suitable adhesive 80 . The activated carbon 70 can be installed intermittently around the inner surface 54 or in a manner such that the activated carbon 70 extends completely around the inner surface 54 of the tire 50 .

[0075] exist Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , the activated carbon 70 is mounted to the cartridge 30 using any suitable adhesive 80. The activated carbon 70 is configured as a generally square patch attached to the cartridge 30. Any suitable number of such patches of activated carbon 70 may be mounted around the cartridge 30. Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 5 , the activated carbon 70 is arranged in a narrower strip that may extend completely around the wheel 20 , or may be arranged in a plurality of narrow strips spaced apart around the cylinder 30 .

[0076] refer to Figure 5, the activated carbon 70 can be mounted with any suitable retainer 90, which is configured to be mounted to the inner surface 54 of the tire 50 or mounted at any suitable position around the wheel 20, such as mounted on the cylinder 30. The retainer 90 can replace the adhesive 80, or be included together with the adhesive. The retainer 90 can be made of any suitable material, such as any suitable metal or plastic material. The retainer 90 is mounted to the tire 50 or wheel 20 in any suitable manner, such as using any suitable adhesive and / or mechanical connection. The retainer 90 defines a plurality of openings 92, and the air molecules in the air cavity 60 can pass through these openings 92 so as to contact the activated carbon 70 and be adsorbed by the porous outer surface of the activated carbon 70. The opening 92 can have any suitable circumference, such as but not limited to 0.1-2.0 mm. The activated carbon 70 can also be held in place using any suitable mesh material (or other materials that define holes, microperforations or other openings) configured to allow air molecules to pass therethrough.

[0077] exist Figure 6 In the example of the wheel 20, the wheel 20 defines a wheel cavity 40 in which the activated carbon 70 can be disposed. The wheel cavity 40 can be located at any suitable location around the wheel 20, such as within one or more spokes 24. The wheel cavity 40 is in fluid communication with the air cavity 60. Therefore, the activated carbon 70 within the wheel cavity 40 is exposed to air molecules within the air cavity 60. Any suitable number of wheel cavities 40 can be defined around the wheel 20. The activated carbon 70 can be retained within the wheel cavity 40 in any suitable manner, such as using a retainer 90. The retainer 90 extends through the opening of the wheel cavity 40. Air molecules from the air cavity 60 flow through the opening 92 of the retainer 90 and cooperate with the activated carbon 70, wherein the air molecules are adsorbed by the activated carbon 70.

[0078] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the example of FIG. 1 , the activated carbon 70 may be contained in a container 110. The container 110 may include two or more parts to facilitate attachment to the wheel 20. For example, Figure 8 As shown, the container 110 may include a first portion 112A and a second portion 112B. The first portion 112A and the second portion 112B each include a mesh 114 configured to hold the activated carbon 70 within the container 110 and also configured to allow air molecules to pass through the mesh 114 to be adsorbed by the activated carbon 70. A separator 120 is included in both the first portion 112A and the second portion 112B to keep the activated carbon 70 evenly distributed around the container 110. The first portion 112A and the second portion 112B may be coupled together in any suitable manner to facilitate placement around the wheel 20. For example, the first portion 112A may include a first coupling member 130A configured to couple with a second coupling member 130B of the second portion 112B. The container 110 may be fixed to the wheel 20 in any suitable manner, such as with or without an adhesive.

[0079] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Another container 150 for containing activated carbon 70 according to the present disclosure is shown. The container 150 includes a base 152 configured to be mounted at any suitable location around the wheel assembly 10, wherein the activated carbon 70 will be exposed to air molecules within the air cavity 60. The air container 150 also includes a body 154 having one or more portions of a mesh 156 configured to retain the activated carbon 70 within the body 154 and to allow air molecules to pass through the mesh 156 to be adsorbed by the activated carbon 70. Fig.10 In the example of FIG. 5 , one container 150 is adhered to the tire 50 with any suitable adhesive 170 and the other container 150 is mounted to the cylinder 30 with adhesive 170. Although Fig.10 Two containers 150 are shown, but any suitable number of containers 150 may be included, such as a single container 150 or more than two containers 150 .

[0080] The activated carbon 70 is used to adsorb air molecules of the air cavity 60, thereby compressing the air molecules of the air cavity 60, thereby increasing the air capacity of the air cavity 60. By adsorbing air molecules into the porous surface of the activated carbon 70, the tire 50 and the entire wheel assembly 10 act as if the air cavity 60 has a larger internal volume than its actual volume, which reduces the vertical stiffness of the tire 50 and can improve ride comfort and isolation. For example, the tire 50 feels softer, thereby improving ride comfort. By increasing the effective internal air volume of the air cavity 60, the activated carbon 70 also reduces tire cavity noise, which provides a quieter driving experience. When the air pressure of the air cavity 60 increases, the activated carbon 70 effectively softens the ride and improves the ride quality, such as to support a relatively heavy load and / or enhance handling.

[0081] As the air pressure within the air cavity 60 increases, additional air molecules are adsorbed by the activated carbon 70. The carbon atoms contained in the activated carbon 70 project attractive forces outward from its porous surface. These very short-range forces, known as van der Waals forces, attract molecules of the surrounding air within the air cavity 60. These attractive forces combined with the air molecules within the air cavity 60 result in the adsorption of molecules at the surface of the activated carbon 70.

[0082] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, because after studying the drawings, the specification and the appended claims, other modifications will become apparent. It should be understood that one or more steps in the method can be performed in different orders (or simultaneously) without changing the principles of the present disclosure. In addition, although each embodiment is described as having certain features above, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented in any other embodiment and / or combined with the features of any other embodiment, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the replacement of one or more embodiments with each other is still within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0083] Various terms, including "connected," "engaged," "coupled," "adjacent," "immediately adjacent," "on top of," "above," "below," and "disposed," are used to describe the spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.). Unless explicitly described as "direct," when a relationship between a first element and a second element is described in the above disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship in which there are no other intervening elements between the first element and the second element, but can also be an indirect relationship in which there are one or more intervening elements (spatially or functionally) between the first element and the second element. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C) using a non-exclusive logical "OR," and should not be construed to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

[0084] In the drawings, the direction of the arrows (as indicated by the arrows) generally indicates the flow of information (such as data or instructions) of interest to the diagram. For example, when component A and component B exchange various information, but the information sent from component A to component B is relevant to the diagram, the arrow may point from component A to component B. This unidirectional arrow does not mean that no other information is sent from component B to component A. In addition, for information sent from component A to component B, component B may send a request for the information or a confirmation of receipt of the information to component A.

Claims

1. A wheel assembly, comprising: wheel; a tire mounted to the wheel, the tire defining a cavity between an inner surface of the tire and the wheel; and The activated carbon is exposed to air molecules within the cavity, the activated carbon comprising a porous surface configured to adsorb and compress the air molecules present within the cavity.

2. The wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein the activated carbon is derived from at least one of: coal; wood; bamboo; coconut shell; willow; peat; coconut husk fiber; lignite; and petroleum asphalt.

3. The wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein the activated carbon comprises charcoal that has been carbonized in an oxygen-free environment.

4. The wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein the activated carbon is produced from a source material by one of physical activation and chemical activation.

5. The wheel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the activated carbon comprises at least 3000 m 2 / g of surface area.

6. The wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein the activated carbon is mounted to an inner surface of the tire.

7. The wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein the activated carbon is mounted to the wheel.

8. The wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein the activated carbon is mounted to a barrel of the wheel.

9. The wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein the activated carbon is located within a wheel cavity defined by the wheel.

10. The wheel assembly of claim 9, wherein the wheel cavity is defined at the spokes of the wheel.

Images