Flat-Running Device Articulation for Deflated Tire Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat-running devices for tubeless mounted assemblies on motor vehicles, particularly those with articulated ring sectors, suffer from rigidity issues due to hinge-based articulations and complex deformable articulations, which limit flexibility and performance when traveling at high speeds over varied terrains, especially when deflated.
Innovation Solution
A flat-running device with an annular supporting structure divided into articulated ring sectors connected by spindles and locking wedges, allowing for increased flexibility through movable joints and reversible axial and torsional adjustments, enabling the device to absorb impacts and maintain functionality at low pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If hinge-based articulations are used to connect ring sectors, then the device can be assembled and provide supporting function, but the device becomes rigid and loses flexibility when traveling over varied terrains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid hinge-based articulations with elastic deformable articulations that allow the ring sectors to dynamically adjust their relative positions. The elastic connection means enable the supporting structure to deform and adapt to terrain variations while maintaining structural integrity, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the connection means from rigid to elastic deformable, allowing the articulation to change its mechanical properties. The elastic connection means can deform under load and return to original position, providing both structural stability and adaptability to terrain changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex deformable articulations with multiple link rods and spindles are used, then flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex multi-component articulation system (multiple link rods, spindles, articulation holes) and replaces it with a simplified elastic connection means. This extraction removes unnecessary complexity while retaining the essential flexibility function through the elastic deformation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs elastic connection means that function as flexible elements between ring sectors. These elastic components provide the necessary deformability and flexibility without requiring complex mechanical linkages, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Strength
If rigid articulations are used to ensure structural integrity, then the device maintains strength, but it cannot absorb impacts when running flat at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates elastic connection means that act as pre-positioned cushioning elements between rigid ring sectors. These elastic components are designed to deform and absorb impact energies before they can damage the structural integrity of the supporting device, thus providing both strength and impact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining rigid ring sectors with elastic connection means. This composite design allows the rigid portions to provide structural strength while the elastic portions provide impact absorption and flexibility, resolving the contradiction between strength and impact resistance.
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 device provides enhanced flexibility and improved performance by allowing reversible axial and torsional adjustments, enabling the vehicle to travel efficiently over diverse terrains even when partially or fully deflated, thus addressing the rigidity limitations of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
designed to be articulated together in this direction by connection means which are located between the two lateral faces of each of the two sectors that they articulate together and which comprise two spindles extending in the axial direction of the device which are respectively attached in two facing connection ends of these sectors and which are connected together by an articulation consisting of at least one rigid lug with two through-holes or else of at least one flexible link with two loops
Data Source
AI summary
Flat-running device for fitting to a tubeless mounted assembly for a motor vehicle and a mounted assembly incorporating same is provided. The device is configured for a wheel rim (in several parts includes an annular supporting structure of the casing designed to be mounted around the rim and divided into sectors in an arc of a circle that are articulated together by connection members, and members for locking the beads against these edges which are designed to connect the annular supporting structure to these beads. The connection members including two spindles extending in the axial direction and respectively attached in two adjacent sectors and connected together by an articulation extending in the circumferential direction of the device, the articulation having a rigid lug with two through-holes or else a flexible link with two loops, the or the link being articulated on these spindles by these two holes or loops, respectively.