Electro-Active Tire Spokes for Dynamic Stiffness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle tire assemblies, both air pressurized and airless, lack the ability to dynamically modify their deformation characteristics without altering air pressure, which affects ride comfort and traction.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating electro-active members within the tire assembly's flexible spoke portions, which become more rigid and less flexible when an electric current is applied, allowing for adjustable stiffness and deformation characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If airless tire assembly is used, then maintenance-free operation is improved, but deformation characteristics cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by incorporating electro-active members (such as electro-active polymers or shape memory alloys) within the flexible spoke portions of the airless tire assembly. These members can dynamically change their mechanical properties in response to electrical stimuli, allowing the tire to adjust its deformation characteristics and stiffness levels during operation. This enables the tire to adapt to different road conditions and driving requirements while maintaining the maintenance-free benefits of an airless design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If air pressurized tire assembly is used, then deformation characteristics can be changed by changing air pressure, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the mechanics substitution principle by replacing the traditional air pressure system with electro-active members that respond to electrical signals. Instead of using a complex pneumatic system with valves, compressors, and pressure regulation mechanisms, the invention uses electro-active materials that can be controlled electrically to achieve the same deformation characteristic adjustments. This substitution significantly reduces system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electro-active members are added to flexible spoke portions, then deformation characteristics can be dynamically adjusted, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by utilizing electro-active members whose fundamental material properties change in response to electrical fields. By changing the electrical parameter (applying or removing voltage), the mechanical properties of the electro-active members (such as stiffness, flexibility, or shape) are directly modified. This approach achieves dynamic adjustment of deformation characteristics through a simple electrical control mechanism rather than complex mechanical systems.
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
Enables dynamic adjustment of tire stiffness and deformation in response to driving conditions, enhancing ride comfort and traction by altering the electro-active members' rigidity with an electric current, thus improving vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of electro-active members are configured such that in the absence of an electric current flowing therethrough, the plurality of electro-active members flex in response to flexing of the plurality of flexible spoke portions. In the presence of an electric current flowing through the plurality of electro-active members, the plurality of electro-active members become more rigid and less flexible adding corresponding stiffness to the plurality of flexible spoke portions.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle tire assembly having a plurality of flexible spoke portions that extend from an outer annular ring to and inner annular ring. Adjacent pairs of the flexible spoke portions define a plurality of gaps therebetween. A plurality of electro-active members, are disposed radially inward from the outer annular ring and radially outward of the inner ring. The plurality of electro-active members are configured such that in the absence of an electric current flowing therethrough, the plurality of electro-active members flex in response to flexing of the plurality of flexible spoke portions. In the presence of an electric current flowing through the plurality of electro-active members, the plurality of electro-active members become more rigid and less flexible adding corresponding stiffness to the plurality of flexible spoke portions.