Composite Tire Spoke Structure for Flexible Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire support structures face challenges in efficiently distributing loads and maintaining structural integrity under varying conditions, particularly when subjected to excessive loads or obstacles, due to limitations in flexibility and reinforcement.
Innovation Solution
A composite spring structure comprising an elastomer and a stiffer material, such as glass fiber reinforced resin, with hinge sides made of the stiffer material and a joint body of elastomer, is used to form spokes in a non-pneumatic tire, allowing for deflection and reinforcement to prevent structural damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tire support structures are used, then structural integrity is maintained under normal conditions, but flexibility and load distribution efficiency deteriorate under excessive loads or obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The spoke combines an elastomeric material (providing flexibility and resilience) with a reinforcement material having relatively higher bending stiffness (providing structural strength). This composite construction allows the spoke to simultaneously achieve adaptability under varying loads while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and reliability.
2Strength
If reinforcement is added to prevent structural damage, then strength is improved, but weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement material is strategically positioned within the spoke structure at locations where bending stiffness is most needed, rather than uniformly throughout. This localized reinforcement approach increases strength where required while minimizing additional weight and structural complexity, resolving the contradiction between strength and device 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 composite spring structure effectively distributes loads, prevents structural damage by acting as a 'bump stop' under excessive loads, and maintains performance by reducing rolling resistance and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a joint body comprised of the elastomer... the first spoke element and the second spoke element is deflectable in at least a first plane of bending
Implementation Method 2
The composite spring structure effectively distributes loads, prevents structural damage by acting as a 'bump stop' under excessive loads, and maintains performance by reducing rolling resistance and energy consumption
Data Source
AI summary
An improved resilient composite structure for connecting two surfaces together where the structure includes an elastomeric joint body connected to one of the two surfaces and at least one reinforcement membrane at one end of the resilient composite structure, where the reinforcement membrane wraps around the end of the resilient composite structure such that one end of the reinforcement membrane is positioned along a side of the resilient composite structure and the other end of the reinforcement membrane is positioned on the opposite side of the resilient composite structure.