Flat Rolling Ring and Sector Assembly for One-Piece Wheel Rims
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat bearing devices face challenges in installation around vehicle wheel rims due to difficulties in mounting the elastic band and are specific to a particular rim type, limiting their versatility.
Innovation Solution
A flat bearing device design featuring an inner ring with a slot and annular boss, sectors with guided grooves, and locking means that facilitate easy assembly and adaptability across different rim sizes, ensuring components cooperate seamlessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inner ring is made as a complete ring without slot, then it has higher structural strength, but it cannot be installed around a one-piece rim with larger diameter edges
Solution Approach 1:
The inner ring is divided into two halves by a slot extending axially through its thickness, allowing the halves to be separated and installed around the rim independently. This segmentation enables the inner ring to pass over the larger diameter rim edges during installation, while the two halves are subsequently joined together to restore structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the sectors have identical lateral edges, then the structure is simpler and more symmetric, but the elastic band cannot be properly mounted and locked
Solution Approach 1:
The sectors are designed with asymmetric lateral edges where the first lateral edge has a greater circumferential angular extent than the second lateral edge. This asymmetry creates openings between adjacent sectors that allow the elastic band to be mounted and positioned correctly, while the differential edge dimensions provide mechanical features for locking the band in place.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flat bearing device is designed for a specific rim type, then the components can be optimized for that rim, but the device cannot be used on rims of different types or sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The inner ring is designed with a slot and adjustable positioning features that allow it to accommodate rims of different diameters and types. The slot enables the inner ring to be installed on various rim configurations, and the adjustable positioning mechanism allows the same component to be optimized for different rim specifications without requiring completely different designs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flat rolling device (1) comprising: - a ring (2) intended to be mounted against a wheel rim (8) of a vehicle, said ring having a slot (27) extending over its width and a radially external boss (22), - sectors (3a, 3b) each comprising a groove (31) configured to cooperate with said boss, a first lateral edge (34) having an angular extent defining that of the sector, and a second lateral edge (35) having an angular extent less than that of said first edge, so that, said sectors mounted on said ring, the second lateral edges define openings (36); - an elastic band (4) intended to be mounted around said sectors; - locking means (5) intended to be inserted into one of the openings to hold said sectors together, and comprising a lateral rim (51) extending from the second lateral edge.