Gas-Spring Wheel Assembly With Lock-Washer Fasteners for Run-Flat Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel technologies, particularly for large construction and mining vehicles, face challenges 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 rim, outer rim, rigid cover ring, and gas springs with indicator-lock washers and fastener assemblies that provide a gas suspension system for relative movement, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and includes a flexible seal for enhanced durability and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic tires are used to absorb forces during vehicle operation, then the tire can provide cushioning and comfort, but the tire and rim may deform, puncture, or blowout under excessive forces, leading to reduced reliability and increased downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is divided into separate functional components: an inner rim assembly, an outer rim assembly, and multiple gas springs positioned between them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the gas springs absorbing shocks and forces, thereby protecting the rim structures from deformation and puncture while maintaining overall reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs gas springs (pneumatic elements) positioned between the inner and outer rim assemblies to absorb and dampen forces during vehicle operation. These gas springs provide a controlled pneumatic cushioning effect that protects the wheel structure from excessive forces, preventing deformation and puncture while maintaining reliability
2Ease of repair
If traditional fastening methods are used to secure wheel components, then the components can be held together, but replacement and maintenance require significant time and effort, increasing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is designed with separable inner and outer rim assemblies that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows for rapid component replacement without requiring complete wheel disassembly, significantly reducing maintenance downtime and improving ease of repair
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel components are pre-configured with alignment features, pre-positioned gas springs, and pre-assembled seal systems. This preliminary preparation allows for quick installation and replacement of components without requiring complex on-site assembly procedures, thereby reducing maintenance time
3Strength
If rigid wheel structures are used to maintain structural integrity, then the wheel can withstand high forces, but the wheel cannot absorb shocks and is prone to damage from impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
Gas springs are pre-positioned between the inner and outer rim assemblies to provide cushioning before impact forces can cause damage. These gas springs absorb and dampen shock loads during vehicle operation, protecting the rigid rim structures from impact damage while maintaining their structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly incorporates dynamic elements (gas springs) that allow controlled relative movement between the inner and outer rim assemblies. This dynamic capability enables the structure to absorb and respond to impact forces adaptively, protecting the rigid components from damage while maintaining overall strength
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 offers improved durability, reduced downtime, and cost-effectiveness by enabling easy replacement of components, maintaining structural integrity, and providing a run-flat capability, thus enhancing the lifespan and efficiency of large vehicle wheels.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of 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
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, an outer rim surrounding the inner rim. A rigid cover ring may be coupled to the outer rim and extend radially inward toward the inner rim. Gas springs may be operatively coupled between the inner and outer rims to provide a gas suspension for relative movement between the inner and outer rims. Fastener assemblies fasten the rigid cover ring to the outer rim, fastening each gas spring to the outer rim, or fastening each gas spring to the outer rim. Each fastener assembly may include a fastener and a pair of indicator-lock washers carried by the fastener. Each indicator-lock washer may have respective sloped surfaces slidably engaging one another to permit relative rotation so that loosening from a fully tightened position exposes a gap.