Flexible Flag Sealing Device for Tubeless Tire Puncture Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for preventing flat tires due to punctures, such as foam and gel coatings, are either temporary, cause imbalance, or can only be applied by manufacturers, and are affected by operating temperature.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sealing device with an adhesive strip and attached flags that can be applied to any tubeless tire, allowing air to escape initially and then sealing the puncture with the flags, made from materials like polyethylene and rubber, which does not affect wheel balancing and can be applied post-purchase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If foam is sprayed into the tire to close punctures, then the puncture is sealed temporarily, but the foam solidifies after a few weeks causing temporary protection only and creates centrifugal rotation imbalance when not evenly distributed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses individual disposable flags made from flexible material that can be applied independently. Each flag serves as a short-living sealing element that can be replaced if needed, rather than using a permanent foam or coating system. The flags are simple, inexpensive components that provide reliable temporary sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is divided into multiple separate flag components rather than a single continuous foam or coating layer. Each flag can be independently positioned and functions autonomously, allowing selective placement at puncture sites without requiring uniform distribution across the entire tire interior.
2Reliability
If foam is sprayed into the tire to close punctures, then the puncture is sealed, but it causes centrifugal rotation imbalance that gets worse as tire speed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses individual disposable flags made from flexible material that can be applied independently. Each flag serves as a short-living sealing element that can be replaced if needed, rather than using a permanent foam or coating system. The flags are simple, inexpensive components that provide reliable temporary sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is divided into multiple separate flag components rather than a single continuous foam or coating layer. Each flag can be independently positioned and functions autonomously, allowing selective placement at puncture sites without requiring uniform distribution across the entire tire interior.
3Reliability
If gel or rubber coating is applied to the inner side of the tire to seal punctures, then the coating seals the opening when punctured, but it must be applied by the manufacturer and cannot be applied after purchase
Solution Approach 1:
The flags are pre-positioned on a holding strip with adhesive backing during manufacturing, but the actual sealing action is deferred until a puncture occurs. The strip is designed to be easily removable and repositionable by the end user, allowing application after tire purchase rather than requiring factory installation only.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding strip incorporates adhesive material that enables the end user to easily attach and adjust the flags themselves without requiring specialized equipment or manufacturer intervention. The system is designed for consumer-level application and repositioning.
4Reliability
If foam or gel coating is used to prevent punctures, then the puncture is sealed, but both solutions are affected by operating temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using flexible polymer flags with specific temperature-resistant properties rather than foam or gel coatings. The holding strip adhesive is selected to maintain bonding effectiveness across a wide temperature range, making the system insensitive to operating temperature variations.
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
Provides a permanent, temperature-resistant solution that can be applied to any tubeless tire without causing imbalance, effectively preventing air loss and maintaining tire functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible holding strip having an adhesive layer on a first surface, wherein the strip is configured for attachment to an inner surface of a tubeless tire via the adhesive layer
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of flags are configured to seal a hole in the tubeless tire when the strip is attached to the inner surface of the tubeless tire
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing device comprising a flexible holding strip having an adhesive layer on a first surface, wherein the strip is configured for attachment to an inner surface of a tubeless tire via the adhesive layer, and a plurality of flexible flags attached to a second surface of the flexible holding strip opposite the first surface, wherein the plurality of flags is attached to the second surface at a fixed widthwise edge of each of the plurality of flags and wherein the plurality of flags are configured to seal a hole in the tubeless tire when the strip is attached to the inner surface of the tubeless tire is provided. Methods of protecting tires by attaching a sealing device are also described.