Deformable Tire With Elastic Spokes For Stair Climbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tires are ineffective for vehicles that need to navigate surfaces with height differences, such as staircases, as they are not designed for climbing and can cause inconvenience, especially for vehicles like bicycles and wheelchairs.
Innovation Solution
A deformable tire design featuring elastic spokes that dynamically adjust their length to accommodate varying terrain, allowing the tire to compress and expand for better climbing capabilities while also being adjustable for different vehicle types and easily accommodatable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tires with fixed circular shape are used, then the tire structure is simple and stable, but the tire cannot climb surfaces with height differences
Solution Approach 1:
The tire is divided into multiple independent tire bodies (at least three) that can move relative to each other. Each tire body is connected to the core structure through elastic spokes, allowing independent deformation. This segmentation enables the tire to adapt to surfaces with height differences while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tire structure transitions from a static fixed shape to a dynamic deformable structure. The elastic spokes allow the tire bodies to move dynamically in response to terrain variations, enabling climbing capability. The system adapts its configuration based on the surface conditions while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tire is designed with deformable structure for climbing, then the climbing capability is improved, but the tire size increases making it harder to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The tire bodies can be positioned nested or closely arranged around the core structure when not in use, minimizing the overall volume. The elastic spokes allow the tire bodies to be drawn closer to the core structure, reducing the external dimensions for storage and transport while maintaining the deformable climbing capability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tire volume is dynamic rather than fixed. When climbing is required, the tire bodies extend outward to provide the necessary deformable structure. When storage is needed, the elastic spokes allow the tire bodies to retract closer to the core structure, reducing the overall volume for compact storage and transport.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tire bodies are arranged around the core structure, then the climbing capability is improved, but the complexity of arranging and positioning the tire bodies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tire is segmented into multiple independent tire bodies that can be arranged in different configurations. Each tire body is identical and independently connected to the core structure, simplifying the arrangement process. The modular nature allows for straightforward positioning while achieving the climbing capability through the collective action of multiple tire bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
Each tire body serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables climbing through relative movement, and can be positioned in various arrangements depending on the application. This universality reduces the overall complexity as the same basic unit performs multiple roles without requiring specialized components for each function.
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
Enables vehicles equipped with these tires to efficiently climb surfaces with height differences and reduces the overall size for easier carrying and storage, improving mobility for vehicles like bicycles and wheelchairs.
Implementation Method 1
A first length is provided between each of the tire bodies and the core structure connected by each of the spokes, and the spokes are elastic. The core structure is configured to fix and support the plurality of spokes, and each of the first lengths is dynamically adjusted by the elasticity of the spokes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a deformable tire including a plurality of spokes. A first end of each of the spokes is connected to a core structure, and a second end of each of the spokes is connected to a tire body. A first length is provided between each of the tire bodies and the core structure connected by each of the spokes, and the spokes are elastic. The core structure is configured to fix and support the plurality of spokes, and each of the first lengths is dynamically adjusted by the elasticity of the spokes.