Gas-Spring Wheel Assembly With Locking Washers for Tread Reliability
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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 and outer rim with gas springs providing a gas suspension, coupled with indicator-lock washers and fastener assemblies for secure attachment, and optionally a rigid cover ring with a flexible seal, allowing for relative movement and enhanced structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If pneumatic tires are used to absorb forces during vehicle operation, then the tire can cushion shocks and provide comfort, but the tire and rim may deform, puncture, or blowout under excessive forces
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 - the gas springs absorb forces while the rigid rims maintain structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between force absorption and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses gas springs (pneumatic elements) to provide force absorption and cushioning between the inner and outer rim assemblies. This replaces the traditional pneumatic tire inflation system with controlled gas spring mechanisms that can be precisely engineered to handle excessive forces without deformation or puncture risks.
2Strength
If traditional fasteners are used to attach tread assemblies and gas springs, then the components can be secured, but the fastening reliability may be insufficient under excessive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the fastener body provides threading and clamping, while the indicator-lock washer provides both locking action (preventing loosening under vibration and force) and visual indication of tightness. This combination ensures reliable fastening under excessive forces while providing built-in verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator-lock washer is designed to automatically indicate when the fastener is properly tightened through its visual indicator feature. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate verification steps and ensures that fasteners maintain reliable connection under excessive forces by providing continuous feedback on their tightness status.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If wheel components are designed for high durability, then the lifespan is extended, but the replacement cost and downtime remain high when failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is segmented into modular components (inner rim assembly, outer rim assembly, tread assemblies, gas springs) that can be independently inspected, maintained, and replaced. This modularity allows for targeted replacement of only the worn component rather than the entire wheel assembly, reducing downtime and replacement costs while maintaining overall durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator features on fasteners and the modular design enable preliminary detection of wear and potential failures before they occur. This allows for planned maintenance and replacement during scheduled downtime rather than emergency repairs after failure, reducing overall operational downtime and costs while extending the effective lifespan of the wheel assembly.
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 a durable and efficient wheel assembly with reduced downtime and maintenance costs, maintaining structural integrity and extending the lifespan of the wheel components.
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
Implementation Method 2
Each of the pair of 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 therebetween
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, and gas springs operatively coupled between the inner and outer rims to provide a gas suspension for relative movement between the inner and outer rims. The wheel assembly may also include tread assemblies carried by the outer rim. Fastener assemblies may be configured to perform fastening at least one tread assembly 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 therebetween.