External Runflat Apparatus for Monorail Guide Wheel Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pneumatic guide wheel tire stabilization systems in monorail transport systems face instability due to varying tire pressure and external forces, and internal runflats pose safety hazards and limited control over deflection, compromising stability and safety.
Innovation Solution
An external runflat apparatus comprising a one-piece hub member with arc-shaped tread members made from durable materials, connected via corrosion-resistant fasteners, which controls the deflection of guide wheel tires and provides a hard stop to maintain stability and absorb shocks, even in cases of pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If internal runflats are used to increase stability, then stability is improved, but safety deteriorates due to potential liner damage and air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the internal runflat from inside the tire and positions it externally on the outer surface of the tire tread. This extraction eliminates the risk of internal liner damage and air leakage while maintaining the stability-providing function of the runflat structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The external runflat acts as an intermediary element between the tire and the track. It provides the necessary stability function without direct contact with the fragile internal liner, thus mediating between the need for stability and the need to protect internal components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If internal runflats are used to control deflection, then stability is improved, but precision deteriorates due to limited control over deflection amounts
Solution Approach 1:
The external runflat is designed with specific geometric parameters (radius, width, height) that can be locally adjusted to precisely control the amount of deflection. By modifying these local dimensions, the system achieves precise deflection control while maintaining overall stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If larger internal runflats are used to provide better stability, then stability is improved, but harmful factors worsen due to increased risk of incidental contact with liners
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the runflat from the internal position and placing it externally on the tire surface, the invention eliminates the harmful incidental contact with internal liners entirely, regardless of the runflat size. This allows for larger runflats to be used for enhanced stability without increasing liner damage risk.
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 external runflat apparatus enhances stability and safety by limiting deflection and providing continued mobility, with adjustable mechanical properties for impact resistance and abrasion protection, ensuring safe operation up to 30 miles with a 3,500-pound load.
Implementation Method 1
The external runflat apparatus includes a one-piece hub member and one or more tread members connected to the hub member. The external runflat apparatus controls the deflection of the guide wheel tire and provides a hard stop to maintain stability.
Implementation Method 2
The covering 30 helps to absorb the shock resulting from the impact of the tread member 14 colliding with the monorail track, and also provides a level of abrasion resistance to protect the monorail track.
Data Source
AI summary
An external runflat apparatus for a guide wheel system of a monorail transport system. The external runflat apparatus includes a hub member and a tread member. The tread member is connected to the hub member and includes a base member and a covering over the base member.