Gas-Spring Wheel Assembly for Rolling Resistance and Braking Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel technologies, particularly for large construction and mining vehicles, face issues with high replacement costs and downtime due to tire deformation, punctures, and rapid tread wear, necessitating improvements in wheel assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly featuring an inner and outer rim with gas springs providing a gas suspension, controlled by a controller responsive to wheel position and operator input, including a power source and pressure actuators to manage gas pressure for enhanced performance and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If pneumatic tires are used to absorb forces during vehicle operation, then the tire can cushion shocks and provide traction, but the tire and rim may deform, puncture, or blowout under excessive forces, leading to rapid tread wear and shortened lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is segmented into an inner rim, outer rim, and multiple independent gas springs positioned between them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with gas springs absorbing shocks without transmitting full forces to the rim structure, thereby preventing deformation and punctures while maintaining durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs gas springs (pneumatic elements) positioned between the inner and outer rims to absorb and dampen forces during operation. These gas springs provide controlled compression and rebound, replacing the traditional pneumatic tire's shock-absorbing function while eliminating the tire's vulnerability to punctures, blowouts, and rapid wear, thus improving both strength and reliability.
2Reliability
If non-pneumatic wheels with mechanical springs are used instead of pneumatic tires, then puncture and blowout risks are eliminated, but the complexity of the suspension system increases and rolling resistance may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The gas springs are integrated directly into the wheel assembly structure, merging the suspension function with the wheel itself rather than adding a separate external suspension system. The gas springs are positioned between the inner and outer rims, combining structural support and shock absorption into a unified design that maintains reliability while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By using gas springs (pneumatic elements) instead of traditional mechanical coil or leaf springs, the system achieves smooth shock absorption with fewer moving parts. The gas springs provide progressive resistance and controlled damping without the complex linkages, pins, and adjustment mechanisms required by mechanical spring systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high reliability.
3Productivity
If controllable gas pressure is applied to gas springs in the wheel assembly, then rolling resistance can be reduced and braking capability can be enhanced, but the system requires additional control mechanisms and energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The gas spring pressure is made dynamically adjustable based on real-time operating conditions. Sensors detect wheel load, speed, and terrain characteristics, and the controller modulates gas pressure accordingly—increasing pressure during braking to enhance stopping power, reducing pressure during normal rolling to minimize resistance, and adapting to varying loads. This dynamic control optimizes productivity while the integrated sensor-controller-actuator system manages complexity through automated feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control system incorporates feedback from sensors that monitor wheel position, load, and operational state. This feedback enables the controller to automatically adjust gas spring pressure to optimal levels for current conditions, reducing rolling resistance during cruising and increasing braking force when needed. The feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual adjustment and optimizes productivity while managing system complexity through intelligent automation.
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 solution provides improved rolling resistance and braking capabilities, reduces downtime, and enhances structural integrity by using gas springs with controlled pressure, offering a cost-effective and durable alternative to traditional pneumatic tires.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of gas springs may have a controllable gas pressure
Implementation Method 2
A wheel assembly featuring an inner and outer rim with gas springs providing a gas suspension
Implementation Method 3
control the gas pressure in each of the plurality of gas springs in a pattern in response to the wheel rotational position sensor and vehicle operator control input interface to assist in one of overcoming a rolling resistance of the wheel
Implementation Method 4
The tire and associated inflation pressure may be selected to absorb the above-noted forces while reducing any deformation
Implementation Method 5
gas springs with controlled pressure, offering a cost-effective and durable alternative to traditional pneumatic tires
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel assembly to be coupled to a hub of a vehicle may include an inner rim to be coupled to the hub of the vehicle and an outer rim surrounding the inner rim. The wheel assembly may also include gas springs operatively coupled between the inner rim and the outer rim to provide a gas suspension for relative movement between the inner rim and the outer rim. Each of the gas springs may have a controllable gas pressure. The wheel assembly also includes a wheel rotational position sensor, a vehicle operator control input interface, and a controller configured to control the gas pressure in each of the gas springs in a pattern in response to the wheel rotational position sensor and vehicle operator control input interface to assist in one of overcoming a rolling resistance of the wheel and a braking of the wheel.