Gas Spring Wheel Damper Assembly for Run-Flat Force Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel technologies, both pneumatic and non-pneumatic, face challenges such as deformation, puncture, and rapid tread wear, especially in large construction or mining vehicles, leading to high replacement costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly featuring an inner and outer rim with gas springs coupled between them, including a damper assembly to frictionally dampen piston rod movement, providing a suspension system that absorbs forces and reduces deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If pneumatic tires are used to absorb forces during vehicle operation, then the tire can provide cushioning and comfort, but the tire may deform, puncture, or blowout under excessive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is divided into multiple independent gas springs instead of using a single pneumatic tire. Each gas spring acts as an independent force-absorbing unit, distributing the load and reducing the risk of complete wheel failure. The segmentation allows each spring to handle forces independently, preventing the deformation and puncture issues associated with traditional pneumatic tires.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses gas springs (pneumatic elements) to provide the suspension function. Each gas spring contains compressed gas that absorbs forces through compression and expansion, replacing the pneumatic tire's force-absorption mechanism while providing greater reliability and resistance to deformation and puncture.
2Reliability
If non-pneumatic wheels with mechanical springs are used, then puncture and blowout risks are reduced, but the wheels may still experience deformation and rapid tread wear
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly combines multiple materials and mechanisms: gas springs for force absorption, damper assemblies with viscous fluid for vibration damping, and friction elements for controlled movement. This composite approach provides both puncture resistance and deformation resistance by distributing mechanical stresses across different material properties and mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas springs allow for adjustment of gas pressure to optimize the balance between force absorption and resistance to deformation. The damper assemblies can be configured with different viscous fluid viscosities to control damping characteristics. These parameter adjustments enable tuning of the wheel's mechanical properties to resist both puncture and deformation.
3Force
If excessive forces are applied to pneumatic tires, then the tire may absorb the forces, but rapid tread wear occurs leading to shortened lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The gas springs are pre-charged with compressed gas to provide cushioning before forces are applied. This beforehand cushioning allows the springs to absorb incoming forces smoothly, preventing the sudden stress spikes that cause rapid tread wear in pneumatic tires. The damper assemblies further cushion vibrations and shocks, protecting the wheel structure from fatigue and extending lifespan.
4Reliability
If a run-flat capability is provided through structural reinforcement, then the wheel can continue operating after tire failure, but the weight and complexity of the wheel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel is segmented into multiple independent gas springs rather than using a single heavy reinforced tire structure. Each gas spring is a lightweight component that can independently support the vehicle weight, providing run-flat capability without requiring heavy structural reinforcement. The modular nature of the gas springs allows the wheel to continue operating even if one or more springs fail.
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 wheel assembly effectively reduces deformation and wear, enhances structural integrity, and provides a run-flat capability, thereby minimizing replacement costs and downtime, especially in heavy-duty applications.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge body surrounding the piston rod within the wedge cavity to frictionally dampen piston rod movement
Implementation Method 2
a spring between the wedge body and the damper end cap to axially bias the wedge body toward the cylinder body
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel assembly may include an inner rim, and an outer rim surrounding the inner rim. The wheel assembly may also include gas springs coupled between the inner and outer rims. Each gas spring may include a cylinder body, a piston rod movable within the cylinder body, and a damper assembly coupled to an end of the cylinder body. The damper assembly may include a plug body coupled to an end of the cylinder body and having an opening to permit passage of the piston rod therethrough, and a damper end cap coupled to the plug body to define a wedge cavity surrounding the piston rod. The damper assembly may also include a wedge body surrounding the piston rod within the wedge cavity to frictionally dampen piston rod movement.