Expandable Rim Width Adjustment Using Positioning Band
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Solution Overview
Problem
Expandable rims in tire retreading machines have a fixed width, making them unsuitable for processing tires of varying widths, requiring multiple rim purchases and costly adjustments that render the rims unusable for their original width.
Innovation Solution
A system and method to adjust the rim width by positioning a band around the rim contiguous with a flange segment, allowing the rim to expand perpendicularly and accommodate tires of different widths without altering the original rim's usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rim width is fixed for a given machine, then the rim structure is simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate tires of different widths
Solution Approach 1:
The rim is divided into multiple expandable sections that can be adjusted independently. Each section can be expanded or contracted to change the overall rim width, allowing the same rim structure to accommodate different tire widths without requiring multiple fixed-width rims.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic expandable structure. The rim width can be changed on-demand by expanding or contracting the rim sections, providing adaptability for different tire widths while maintaining a simple base structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rim width is adjusted by cutting and welding, then the rim width can be changed, but the rim becomes permanently modified and cannot be used for its original width
Solution Approach 1:
The rim uses a reversible expansion mechanism instead of permanent cutting and welding. The rim can be expanded to adjust width and then returned to its original configuration, maintaining reliability for both the original and adjusted width applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim's original width capability is recovered and preserved through the expansion mechanism. After adjustment to a different width, the rim can be returned to its original width configuration, effectively recovering and reusing the original rim functionality without permanent modification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rims with different widths are purchased, then tires of various widths can be processed, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single rim structure is designed to perform multiple functions by accommodating different tire widths through expansion. This universal rim replaces the need for multiple specialized rims, reducing the quantity of rims required while maintaining compatibility with various tire widths.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim's dynamic expansion capability allows one rim to substitute for multiple fixed-width rims. By expanding or contracting the rim as needed, a single adaptable rim performs the function of what would traditionally require several different rims.
Data Source
AI summary
A rim for mounting a tire includes a base portion and a rim portion. The rim portion includes a rim segment, a first flange segment positioned on one side and a second flange segment positioned on an opposite side of the rim segment. The rim segment defines a circular curvature and has an original rim width measured along a rotation axis of the rim between inward facing surfaces of the first flange segment and the second flange segment. A band is positioned around a circumference of the rim segment contiguous with an inward facing surface of the first flange segment. The rim portion has an adjusted rim width, measured between a band inward facing surface and the inward facing surface of the second flange segment, which is different from the original rim width.