Composite Tire Support Structure for Load Distribution and Bump Stop
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire support structures face challenges in efficiently distributing loads and maintaining resilience under varying conditions, particularly when exceeding nominal loads, which can lead to structural damage and accelerated wear.
Innovation Solution
A resilient composite structure comprising a support element with elastomeric joints and reinforcement membranes, specifically designed to connect the inner surface of an outer tread band to the outer surface of a hub, utilizing fiberglass-reinforced rubber and interwoven cords to provide flexibility and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid support structure is used to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but resilience and ability to absorb excessive loads deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure employs a composite construction combining rigid elongated reinforcements (fiberglass or metal) embedded within a resilient elastomeric matrix material. This composite approach allows the structure to simultaneously exhibit strength from the rigid reinforcements and resilience from the elastomeric matrix, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and resilience under excessive loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different material properties to different regions of the support structure. The elastomeric matrix provides cushioning and resilience throughout, while rigid reinforcements are strategically positioned to provide strength where needed. The reinforcement membrane with cords is positioned adjacent to the second side of the support element to provide localized reinforcement without compromising overall resilience.
2Reliability
If load distribution is improved to prevent structural damage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure of rigid reinforcements within an elastomeric matrix inherently provides load distribution capabilities. The elastomeric matrix acts as a load-distributing medium that spreads forces across the rigid reinforcements, preventing stress concentration and structural damage without requiring additional complex load-distribution mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement membrane acts as a thin film structure that distributes loads across the support element. The membrane with interwoven cords provides a lightweight, relatively simple structure that enhances load distribution and prevents structural damage without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
3Strength
If reinforcement is added to prevent structural damage, then strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement membrane is designed as a thin film structure with cords, providing necessary reinforcement while minimizing weight addition. This thin film approach delivers strength enhancement without the significant weight penalty that would result from thicker or more substantial reinforcement elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of composite materials with rigid reinforcements embedded in an elastomeric matrix provides high strength-to-weight ratio. The rigid reinforcements (fiberglass or metal) offer superior strength properties compared to solid elastomeric structures of equivalent weight, while the elastomeric matrix provides structural continuity and damage tolerance.
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 effectively distributes loads, reduces deflection, and prevents structural damage by acting as a 'bump stop' under excessive loads, while maintaining resilience and energy efficiency through the use of elastomeric joints and reinforcement membranes.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric joint body connecting said first end of said support element to said first surface
Implementation Method 2
a reinforcement membrane connected to said first end of said support element, said reinforcement membrane having a first end and a second end, said first end of said reinforcement membrane positioned adjacent to said second side of said support element and said second end of said reinforcement membrane positioned on the same side of the support element as said first side of said support element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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.