Deformable Non-Pneumatic Wheel With Rotary Stop Disc for Soft Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-pneumatic wheels fail to effectively deform and maintain mobility on extreme terrains like the Moon and Mars, leading to potential damage from speed differences between the tread layer and stop discs.
Innovation Solution
A deformable wheel with a rotatably mounted stop disc on the hub, allowing the stop disc to 'roll' when the tread layer abuts against it, reducing the risk of damage and maintaining wheel integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the stop disc is fixed to the hub, then the wheel structure is simpler, but the tread layer slides on the stop disc causing damage due to speed differences
Solution Approach 1:
The stop disc is made rotatable relative to the hub, transforming it from a static component to a dynamic one. This allows the stop disc to rotate independently and reduce relative sliding speed between the tread layer and stop disc surface, preventing damage while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable stop disc acts as an intermediary element between the hub and the tread layer. It mediates the interaction by providing a rotating contact surface that reduces friction and sliding damage, protecting both the hub and tread layer
2Device complexity
If the wheel uses conventional non-pneumatic design, then the wheel is simpler, but it cannot deform significantly on soft ground
Solution Approach 1:
The tread layer is designed as a flexible annular element that can deform significantly to conform to soft ground surfaces. This flexible structure allows the wheel to adapt to uneven terrain and soft ground conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall wheel design
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel combines different materials with complementary properties: the flexible tread layer for deformation and the rigid hub for structural support. This composite approach enables both simplicity and adaptability by letting each component perform its specialized function
3Force
If the wheel generates high contact pressure, then the wheel has better propulsion, but it gets stuck in soft ground
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tread layer changes the pressure distribution parameter by deforming to match the ground surface. This transforms concentrated high pressure into distributed lower pressure over a larger contact area, enabling propulsion while preventing sinking in soft ground
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 enables the wheel to maintain mobility on extreme terrains by preventing damage from speed differences, ensuring the wheel's integrity and performance under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the tread layer slides on the discs, which can damage the stops and significantly alter the inner surface of the tread layer
Data Source
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 may comprise a hub bearing at least one stop disc which projects radially towards the outside, a tread layer having an outer surface which is intended to be in contact with the ground being able to deform under an externally applied load in order to match the surface of the ground, and an inner surface which is able to come to bear against the stop disc in order to limit the deformations of the tread layer in the radial direction, and a plurality of radial reinforcements linking the tread layer to the hub.