Deformable Non-Pneumatic Wheel for Loose Soil Traction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-pneumatic wheels fail to provide satisfactory performance under extreme conditions like those on the Moon and Mars, particularly in terms of deformation, load bearing, and shock absorption, leading to vehicles getting stuck in loose soil.

Innovation Solution

A deformable wheel with a laminated annular strip and metal cables, where the laminated strip consists of concentric ferrules with low Young's modulus interposed layers and metal cables with high tensile rigidity and low compressive rigidity, allowing the strip to conform to soil surface and absorb shocks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional non-pneumatic wheels are made more elastic to improve shock absorption, then shock absorption capability is improved, but load bearing capacity and endurance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock absorptionVSAvoidload bearing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel is segmented into distinct functional components: a rigid laminated annular strip for load bearing, flexible metal cables for shock absorption, and a laminated structure with interposing layers for controlled deformation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function without compromising the others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wheel employs composite construction combining rigid materials (metal ferrules, steel cables) with flexible materials (elastomeric interposing layers). This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of load bearing strength and shock absorption capability through the synergistic interaction of different material properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the wheel structure is made rigid to improve load bearing, then load bearing capacity is improved, but the ability to deform on loose soil deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload bearing capacityVSAvoiddeformation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the metal cables can flex and the laminated layers can shear relative to each other. This dynamic behavior allows the wheel to adapt its shape to terrain conditions while maintaining structural integrity for load bearing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The laminated annular strip with flexible interposing layers acts as a flexible structure that can deform conformally to the terrain. The thin elastomeric layers between rigid ferrules allow controlled bending and shape change while maintaining overall structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the wheel deforms strongly to improve mobility on loose soil, then adaptability to terrain is improved, but contact pressure uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain adaptabilityVSAvoidcontact pressure uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the wheel structure have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions: the laminated annular strip provides controlled deformation, the metal cables provide tension resistance, and the interposing layers provide shear flexibility. This local differentiation of material properties ensures uniform pressure distribution while maintaining terrain adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Strength

If metal cables are made stiffer to improve radial strength, then radial stiffness is improved, but shock absorption capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradial stiffnessVSAvoidshock absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges metal cables with elastic members into a hybrid radial support element. The metal cable provides high tensile strength and radial stiffness, while the elastic member adds shock absorption capability. This combination allows the radial support structure to simultaneously achieve stiffness and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 wheel generates low and uniform contact pressure, enabling vehicles to move smoothly over loose soil without sticking, while maintaining significant traction and absorbing shocks.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member making it possible to modulate the radial stiffness of the cables

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The relative displacement of the ferrules of the laminated strip occurs by shearing in the interposing layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear deformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 3

each elastic member being associated with an abutment able to limit its deformation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12617236B2Deformable wheel with non-pneumatic load bearing for lunar and martian conditions

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 VENTURI LAB SA

AI summary

A deformable wheel with non-pneumatic load bearing intended to equip a vehicle for rolling under extreme conditions such as those encountered on the moon and on Mars, includes a hub, a laminated annular strip including a plurality of concentric ferrules which are assembled with the interposition of interposing layers each composed of a material whose Young's modulus is 600,000 to 1,000 times lower than that of the ferrules, and a plurality of metal cables. Each cable connects the hub to the laminated strip while being fixed, on the one hand by an external end to the laminated strip, and on the other hand by an internal end to the hub by means of an elastic member making it possible to modulate the radial stiffness of the cables. Each elastic member is associated with an abutment able to limit its deformation.