Elastomer Tire Sealing Ring for Rim Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire seal compositions and sealing rings face challenges in easy installation on various wheel and rim profiles, require trimming, and struggle to provide a consistent seal across different tire profiles, especially when manufactured using blow-molding methods.
Innovation Solution
Development of an elastomeric tire sealing ring made from thermoplastic elastomers with a specific durometer reading of 36-50 on the Shore D scale and tensile strength of 7.0-8.9 MPa, featuring a cross-sectional contour that conforms to wheel rims under air pressure, using copolyetherester elastomers with a blend of short-chain and long-chain ester units, allowing for easy installation and adaptation to diverse rim and tire profiles without the need for trimming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional tire sealing rings are used, then they can provide a seal between tubeless tires and rims, but they require trimming and are difficult to install on various rim profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter by using thermoplastic elastomer with specific durometer range (36-50 on Shore D scale) and specific tensile strength range (7.0-8.9 MPa at 10% elongation). These parameter changes enable the sealing ring to be sufficiently soft to conform to various rim profiles yet strong enough to maintain seal integrity, eliminating the need for trimming and simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite material approach by using thermoplastic elastomer that combines properties of both thermoplastics and elastomers. This composite material provides the dual characteristics of processability (for easy manufacturing and installation) and elastic recovery (for maintaining seal under various conditions), resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and sealing effectiveness.
2Reliability
If vinyl polymer with durometer 50-75 is used, then seal effectiveness is improved, but installation becomes more difficult and trimming is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the durometer parameter from the conventional 50-75 range to a lower 36-50 range on the Shore D scale. This parameter change makes the material softer and more compliant, enabling it to conform to various rim profiles without trimming while maintaining seal effectiveness through its elastic recovery properties inherent to thermoplastic elastomers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by having different regions of the sealing ring with varying degrees of compliance. The thermoplastic elastomer material provides local softness for conforming to rim contours while maintaining overall structural integrity, allowing the ring to adapt to different rim profiles without requiring trimming or complex installation procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If sealing ring is made to fit specific rim profile, then seal quality is improved, but adaptability to different rim and tire profiles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a sealing ring with a cross-sectional contour that can universally adapt to various rim profiles. The thermoplastic elastomer material provides the necessary compliance and memory to conform to different rim geometries, making a single sealing ring design suitable for multiple rim and tire profiles without compromising seal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics by utilizing the viscoelastic properties of thermoplastic elastomer that allow the sealing ring to dynamically adapt its shape. During installation and inflation, the material deforms to match the rim profile, then maintains its sealing function under varying pressure and temperature conditions, providing both adaptability and consistent seal quality.
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 easy and efficient installation on a wide range of wheel and tire profiles, providing a reliable seal and maintaining shape during and after installation, while requiring appropriate inflation pressure to set the tire bead effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a cross-sectional contour that is conformable to the outer surfaces of the rim when exposed to air pressure when the tire is inflated over the wheel
Implementation Method 2
the thermoplastic elastomer has a durometer reading of between 36 and 50 on the Shore D scale as per ISO 868; and a tensile strength of 7.0 MPa to 8.9 MPa at 10% elongation
Data Source
AI summary
An elastomeric tire sealing ring for installation against a rim of a wheel to provide a sealing surface with a tire bead of a tire when a tire is installed on the wheel over the sealing ring, the sealing ring comprising a thermoplastic composition wherein the thermoplastic composition has a durometer reading of between 36 and 50 on the Shore D scale as per ISO 868; and a tensile strength of 7.0 MPa to 8.9 MPa at 10% elongation as determined with ISO 527 method.