One-Piece Airless Tire Structure for Consistent Spring Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airless tires suffer from inconsistent spring rate, high manufacturing cost, dirt and debris collection, and noise issues, leading to poor performance and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece tire design with an annular outer, inner, and resilient spring portion made of elastomer material, featuring a homogeneous composition and a cantilevered construction, allowing for consistent spring rate and reduced noise, using injection molding or 3D printing for cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If airless tires use segmented or multi-piece construction, then manufacturing cost may be reduced, but spring rate consistency and rolling smoothness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tire body and spring portion into a single integrated elastomeric structure, eliminating the need for separate components and assembly operations. This one-piece construction simultaneously reduces manufacturing complexity and ensures consistent spring rate throughout the tire circumference, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and manufacturing precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If airless tires use open spaces along the sides, then manufacturing may be simplified, but dirt and debris collection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a continuous elastomeric shell that forms the tire body and spring portion, creating a smooth, closed surface that prevents dirt and debris from entering and accumulating in open spaces. The flexible nature of the elastomeric material allows the shell to maintain structural integrity while eliminating harmful open spaces, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and resistance to harmful factors.
3Ease of manufacture
If airless tires use non-homogeneous material composition, then manufacturing may be easier, but rolling smoothness and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a homogeneous elastomeric material composition throughout the entire tire structure, including both the tire body and spring portion. This uniform material property ensures consistent elastic response and smooth rolling characteristics, while the one-piece construction method maintains manufacturing ease. The homogeneity principle directly resolves the contradiction between manufacturing ease and rolling smoothness.
4Ease of manufacture
If airless tires use segmented construction, then manufacturing cost may be reduced, but noise while rotating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tire body and spring portion into a single integrated elastomeric structure, eliminating segmented construction. This merger creates a continuous, vibration-dampening structure that reduces rotational noise while maintaining cost-effective manufacturing through simplified production processes. The integration principle simultaneously addresses both manufacturing cost and noise reduction.
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 design provides a smooth rolling experience, enhanced traction, reduced noise, and improved comfort by ensuring a consistent spring rate and material continuity, while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
The annular resilient spring portion has a default position in which the annular resilient spring portion is spaced from an inwardly facing surface of the annular outer portion, and at least a section of the annular resilient spring portion flexes under load into a compressed position where the section of the annular resilient spring portion contacts the inwardly facing surface on the annular outer portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A one-piece tire has an elastomer material composition that is homogeneous and consistent throughout the entire tire. An annular outer portion of the one-piece tire includes an outwardly facing surface that defines an outer circumference of the tire and a width of the tire between a first edge on a first lateral side and second edge on a second lateral side of the tire. An annular inner portion defines an inner circumference of the tire. The annular inner portion has a first edge on the first lateral side of the tire and a second edge on the second lateral side of the tire. An annular resilient spring portion extends from a first junction near the first edge of the annular inner portion to a second junction near the second edge of the annular outer portion.