Elastomeric Insert with Inflatable Cavity for Tire Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pneumatic tires in power lift trucks and handling vehicles experience instability and excessive heating due to existing elastomer inserts, which either collapse under load or fail to provide uniform support, making them unsuitable for these applications.

Innovation Solution

A torus-shaped elastomer insert with inflatable cavities and gas conveying/discharge channels integrated into the insert, allowing for adjustable stiffness and reduced deflection, which can be used with a standard rim and tubeless tire configuration to maintain vehicle stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pneumatic tire is used in mounted assemblies for handling vehicles, then the assembly can operate with standard rim and tubeless tire configuration, but the assembly generates instabilities particularly if vehicles are piled up vertically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with standard rim and tubeless tireVSAvoidvehicle stability when piled up vertically

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies pneumatic principles by incorporating an inflatable elastomer insert with cavities that can be filled with gas through conveying channels. This pneumatic system provides adjustable stiffness and stability support to the mounted assembly, allowing it to maintain stability when piled up vertically while using standard rim and tubeless tire configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Strength

If an elastomer insert with multitude of mutually parallel and evenly spaced circumferential channels is used, then the insert can be inflated to provide support, but the insert generates excessive heating of the tire during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capability of insertVSAvoidtire heating during use

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a porous elastomer material structure that allows for gas permeability and heat dissipation. The material's porous nature enables thermal energy to escape during compression and relaxation cycles, reducing excessive heating while maintaining the insert's support capability through its structural integrity and gas-filled cavities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Strength

If an insert made of cellular material is used to fill the inside of the tire, then the insert provides structural support, but the insert generates problems with uniformity of filling and undesirable heating of the tire

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural support of insertVSAvoiduniformity of filling

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the insert into two lateral halves that are substantially in the shape of a half torus, each with circumferential channels. This segmentation allows for easier and more uniform manufacturing and assembly, while the elastomer material provides consistent structural support throughout the insert structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If an elastomer insert is used to support the pneumatic tire, then the insert can provide stiffness support, but the insert causes the vehicle to be immobilized if the tire is flattened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestiffness support of insertVSAvoidvehicle operability when tire is flattened

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic system where the elastomer insert can adapt its stiffness characteristics. The insert's elastomer material and cavity structure allow it to maintain flexibility and operational capability even when the tire is flattened, enabling the vehicle to remain mobile rather than immobilized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 insert stabilizes the vehicle, minimizes tire deflection, and allows for adaptable stiffness, ensuring the vehicle remains operational even when flattened, while using a standard rim and tubeless tire setup.

Implementation Method 1

an elastomer insert for supporting a pneumatic tire in particular for a power lift truck or handling vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

conveying means for conveying inflation gas from the valve to the cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

discharge means for discharging the gas from the cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS8820370B2Elastomeric insert for supporting a tire and mounted assembly incorporating it

Publication Date: 2014.09.02 HUTCHINSON SA

AI summary

The invention provides an insert for supporting a pneumatic tire which is intended to support substantially the entire internal face of the pneumatic tire and has a radially internal face intended to sit atop a wheel rim that accepts the pneumatic tire, has at least one cavity designed to be inflated by a valve of the wheel which valve is independent of the insert, via inflation gas conveying means opening onto said radially internal face and into said at least one cavity and discharge means for discharging the gas from this cavity, said at least one cavity and these conveying and discharge means being formed in and/or on the insert, the inflatable cavity being formed by an internal volume within the heart of the insert or alternatively by a concave external surface of the insert.