Wheeled Assembly Adapter with Overlapping Reinforcement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adapters for rolling assemblies, while providing flexibility and drift thrust response, do not exhibit sufficient endurance at high speeds over extended periods without damaging the internal structure.

Innovation Solution

An adapter with an axially inner and outer reinforcing element, forming a single piece with a main reinforcement, featuring an overlapping design and a cylindrical seat to securely hold the bead, ensuring robust coupling and support, utilizing a combination of materials like glass-fibre-reinforced plastic and metal with elastomer-coated textile cords.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an elastic adapter is used to separate the tyre and rim functions, then flexibility and drift thrust response are improved, but endurance at high speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and drift thrust responseVSAvoidendurance at high speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter employs different materials with specific properties in different regions: the body is made of elastomer for flexibility, while the reinforcing elements use glass-fibre-reinforced plastic for structural strength. This local differentiation allows the adapter to simultaneously achieve flexibility for drift response and structural integrity for high-speed endurance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter utilizes composite materials combining elastomer with glass-fibre-reinforced plastic. The elastomer provides elastic deformation capability for flexibility, while the glass-fibre reinforcement adds tensile strength and dimensional stability to prevent internal damage at high speeds, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and endurance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If the adapter uses a single-piece body design, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter body is segmented into distinct functional zones: the main elastomer body, the reinforcing elements, and the adapter seat. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a single-piece construction, balancing manufacturing simplicity with structural complexity requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter combines multiple functions into a single component: the body provides flexibility, the reinforcing elements provide structural strength, and the adapter seat provides bead retention. This merging into a single-piece design simplifies manufacturing while the internal structural complexity handles the functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The adapter provides enhanced endurance at high speeds, such as 250 km/h, without internal damage, ensuring the tire remains securely attached and maintains performance over extended periods.

Implementation Method 1

This adapter is elastically deformable in the radial and axial directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a combination of materials like glass-fibre-reinforced plastic and metal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComposite materials: Composite Materials

Data Source

PatentUS11312189B2Adapter for a wheeled assembly and a wheeled assembly comprising same

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

AI summary

An adapter, for a rolling assembly having an axis of rotation and comprising a tyre (P) having two beads (B), and a rim (J), provides the connection between one of the beads (B) and the rim (J), the said rim having two rim seats (7), the said adapter having an axially inner end (10) intended to be mounted on the rim seat (7) and comprising an inner reinforcing element (16), the said reinforcing element (16) having a centre C2, an axially outer end (9) comprising an outer reinforcing element (15), the said reinforcing element (15) having a centre C1, a body (11) that connects the said outer end (9) to the said inner end (10) so as to form a single piece and comprises at least one main reinforcement that provides the connection between the said outer reinforcer and the said inner reinforcer, and comprises a first end (17A) and a second end (17B), a substantially cylindrical adapter seat (18) intended to receive one of the said beads (B), the said seat (18) being situated at the axially outer end (9) of the said body (11), an adapter bearing face (21) substantially contained in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the said bearing face being situated on the axially inner face of the axially outer end (9), and an overall length L and a length LT measured between the centres C1 and C2. The first end (17A) and the second end (17B) of the reinforcement are arranged one upon the other so as to form an overlap.