Adjustable Spacer System for Airless Tire Flex Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic tires used in irrigation systems and similar equipment require frequent maintenance, which can be inconvenient due to their location in remote areas, and alternatives like tireless wheels cause excessive ground penetration and disturbance.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly featuring a rigid wheel with a flexible airless tire that flexes inwardly when subjected to ground pressure, utilizing spacers to control the amount of flex and distribute weight more evenly, thereby reducing ground penetration and maintaining traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pneumatic tires are used, then traction and ground pressure distribution are improved, but maintenance requirements increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tire is segmented into multiple flexible segments or blocks that can independently flex and conform to the ground surface. Each segment is separated by gaps or spaces, allowing individual movement while maintaining overall tire functionality. This segmentation enables the tire to achieve pneumatic-like traction and pressure distribution without requiring a sealed air-filled structure, thereby eliminating maintenance needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the tire structure by using flexible materials with specific durometer ratings, controlling segment thickness, gap sizes, and material composition. These parameter changes allow the solid flexible tire to mimic the pressure distribution characteristics of pneumatic tires through material properties and geometric configuration rather than internal air pressure.
2Reliability
If tireless rigid wheels are used, then maintenance requirements decrease, but ground penetration increases and ground disturbance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs flexible tire segments made from elastomeric materials that can deform and conform to the ground surface. These flexible shells replace rigid wheel surfaces, allowing the tire to adapt to terrain variations and distribute contact pressure over a larger area, thereby reducing ground penetration and disturbance while maintaining a maintenance-free solid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tire structure incorporates dynamic flexibility through movable segments that can independently deform under load. This dynamic behavior allows the solid tire to adapt its contact pattern with the ground in real-time, mimicking the compliant behavior of pneumatic tires and reducing harmful ground effects while maintaining structural integrity and maintenance-free operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If spacers are added to control tire flexing, then ground penetration is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer elements are merged with the tire segment structure itself, where spacers are integrated as part of the segment design rather than being separate components. This integration reduces assembly complexity and eliminates the need for additional fastening mechanisms, while still providing the necessary support to control flexing and reduce ground penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The tire assembly uses composite construction combining flexible elastomeric tire segments with rigid or semi-rigid spacer elements. This composite approach allows each material to perform its optimal function - the flexible segments provide ground conformity and traction, while the spacers provide structural support and flex control - creating a balanced system that reduces ground penetration without excessive complexity.
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 solution provides a maintenance-free tire solution that minimizes ground disturbance and maintains traction, addressing the challenges of pneumatic tire maintenance and tireless wheel penetration.
Implementation Method 1
an airless cylindrical flexible tire mounted on the wheel and engaging the mounting elements such that portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements are separated from the rim wall by a space. The portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements are configured to flex inwardly toward the rim wall when subject to ground engaging pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel assembly is disclosed, the wheel assembly including a rigid wheel and an airless tire mounted on the wheel. A portion of the tire is separated radially from the wheel by a space and is configured to flex inwardly toward the wheel when subject to ground engaging pressure. A spacer is interposed between the wheel and the portion of the tire separated radially from the wheel by a space and is configured to limit the inward flexing of the tire. The spacer may be permanently affixed to the wheel assembly or may be removably attached to the wheel assembly. The spacer may be adjustable between a first size and a second size.