Flexible Tire Tube Locking Assembly for Wheel-On Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Replacing tires on light vehicles such as bicycles and scooters is often time-consuming and requires technical expertise, especially for electric vehicles, where improper handling can damage the motor and vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A tire-forming flexible tube that can be easily assembled around a wheel without removing it, using a single tool, and is customizable in length to fit different wheel sizes, featuring an outer elastomeric layer and inner filament with a reinforced polymeric holding tube, and a locking assembly to secure the ends, allowing for quick and simple tire replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tire replacement methods are used, then the tire can be replaced, but the wheel must be removed from the vehicle and multiple tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The tire is segmented into a modular tubeless tire assembly that can be independently installed on the wheel without removing the wheel from the vehicle. The tire components (tire, rim, sealant) are designed as separate but compatible modules that can be assembled together and then mounted as a complete unit.
Solution Approach 2:
A tire installation tool acts as an intermediary device that enables the tire to be mounted on the wheel without requiring wheel removal. The tool provides the necessary mechanical advantage and guidance to seat the tire bead onto the rim flange while the wheel remains attached to the vehicle.
2Productivity
If traditional tire replacement is performed, then the tire can be changed, but it is time-consuming and requires technical expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The tire, rim, and sealant are pre-assembled into a complete tubeless tire assembly before installation. This preliminary assembly prepares all components in their correct positions and configurations, so that during replacement, only the complete assembly needs to be mounted onto the wheel, significantly reducing installation time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubeless tire assembly is designed with self-aligning features and self-sealing capabilities that reduce the need for expert intervention. The sealant automatically seals punctures and the tire bead self-seats onto the rim flange with proper tooling, enabling users with minimal technical expertise to perform replacements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tire sizes are stored, then different wheel sizes can be accommodated, but storage space and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tire assembly system is designed with adjustable and adaptable components that can accommodate different wheel sizes. The rim and tire components feature adjustable mounting configurations and scalable dimensions, allowing a single inventory of tire assemblies to be adapted to multiple wheel size requirements through reconfiguration rather than requiring separate inventory for each size.
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
Enables fast, tool-free tire replacement without technical expertise, reducing the need for multiple tire sizes and minimizing vehicle damage, while allowing for easy adaptation to various wheel sizes.
Implementation Method 1
an outer layer made of a first elastomeric material, and an inner filament made of a second elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
the holding tube comprises a wall made of a reinforced polymeric material
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to tire-forming flexible tubes with first and seconds ends configured to be joined together to form a tire, as well as to locking assemblies, connecting mechanism and method for utilizing same.