Elastomeric Fastener System for Wheel Tire Shield Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid fastening systems for attaching tire shields and wheel covers to vehicle wheels are inadequate as they do not absorb impact energy effectively, leading to distortion or failure, and are costly and difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
An elastomeric fastener system that allows controlled radial, rotational, and axial displacement of protective devices, using elastomeric fasteners that can flex and return to shape, combined with retainer rods and cover members to minimize damage from impacts and simplify installation and repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid fastening systems (bolts and rigid retainers) are used to secure protective devices to wheels, then the devices can be firmly attached to the wheel, but the devices are subjected to high mechanical stresses and impact energy that cause distortion or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs elastomeric fasteners made of flexible rubber-like material instead of rigid bolts and retainers. These elastomeric components can deform elastically under impact loads, absorbing mechanical energy while maintaining the attachment of the protective device to the wheel. The flexibility of the elastomeric material prevents stress concentration and distortion that would occur with rigid fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the fastening system by using materials with different elastic moduli. The elastomeric fasteners have low stiffness and high elasticity compared to rigid metal fasteners, allowing them to absorb impact energy through elastic deformation. This parameter change enables the fastening system to dynamically respond to impact loads rather than transmitting them directly to the protective device.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical springs are included in the fastener system to provide device movement, then some degree of flexibility is achieved, but the system becomes more expensive, harder to maintain, and difficult to repair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple elastomeric fasteners made of rubber-like material that inherently provide flexibility and movement capability without requiring complex mechanical spring mechanisms. The elastomeric material's natural elasticity allows the protective device to move and absorb impacts, achieving the desired flexibility with a simple, maintenance-free component.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric fasteners are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily replaced if needed. Rather than maintaining complex spring mechanisms, the patent employs simple elastomeric elements that provide the necessary flexibility at low cost and with minimal maintenance requirements.
3Reliability
If geometric alterations (shingled construction) are made to devices to adjust to induced stresses, then the devices can better accommodate mechanical stresses, but the manufacturing cost increases due to more complicated tooling
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of altering the geometry of the protective devices with complex shingled constructions, the patent uses elastomeric fasteners that accommodate stresses through their material flexibility. This approach maintains simple device geometries that are easier and less expensive to manufacture while still achieving stress accommodation through the flexible fastening system.
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 elastomeric fastener system reduces damage to protective devices during collisions, maintains wheel balance, and allows for easy field repair, while being cost-effective and adaptable to various applications.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric fastener that allows controlled radial and rotational displacement of the protective device relative to the wheel
Implementation Method 2
elastomeric fasteners that can flex and return to shape
Implementation Method 3
Different elastomeric formulations have been engineered to provide the protection required on an application by application basis
Data Source
AI summary
A system. The system includes a wheel, a tire mounted on the wheel, a tire shield, elastomeric members and an extension limiting member. The elastomeric members are coupled to the wheel and the tire shield. The an extension limiting member is coupled to the wheel and the tire shield. The elastomeric members are configured to allow for controlled radial and rotational displacement of the tire shield relative to the wheel in x and y directions while the wheel is rotating during a collision event involving the tire shield.