Gas-Spring Wheel 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 rim coupled to a hub, an outer rim surrounding the inner rim, and a plurality of gas springs operatively coupled between the inner and outer rims to permit relative movement, along with a rigid inboard cover ring and flexible seals to enhance durability and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If pneumatic tires are used to absorb forces during vehicle operation, then the tire can cushion shocks and provide flexibility, but the tire and rim may deform, puncture, or blowout under excessive forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce absorptionVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel assembly is divided into separate components: an inner rim, an outer rim, and multiple independent spring elements positioned between them. Each spring acts as an independent force-absorbing unit, allowing the system to distribute and manage forces across multiple segments rather than relying on a single pneumatic tire structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces pneumatic pressure with mechanical spring elements that provide force absorption through elastic deformation. The springs compress and extend to absorb and dissipate forces, eliminating the need for pneumatic inflation while maintaining shock-absorbing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If non-pneumatic wheels with mechanical springs are used to eliminate puncture risk, then reliability is improved, but the wheel assembly becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepuncture resistanceVSAvoidwheel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wheel assembly combines different material properties and structural elements: rigid rim components (inner and outer rims) provide structural support, while elastic spring elements provide force absorption. This composite approach integrates materials with complementary properties to achieve both reliability and controlled complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the wheel assembly allows relative movement between inner and outer rims to reduce stress and wear, then durability is improved, but the structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetire lifespanVSAvoidwheel stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel assembly incorporates dynamic elements that allow controlled movement and adaptation during operation. The spring elements can compress and extend, and the inner rim can move relative to the outer rim, enabling the structure to adapt to varying loads and stresses while maintaining overall stability through elastic restoration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring elements are pre-positioned between the inner and outer rims to provide cushioning before excessive forces are applied. This beforehand cushioning absorbs shock loads and prevents direct transmission of extreme forces to the rim structures, thereby extending component lifespan while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 provides improved durability and reduced maintenance costs by allowing relative movement between the inner and outer rims, thus reducing stress and wear, and enabling a run-flat capability to minimize downtime.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of gas springs operatively coupled between the inner rim and the outer rim and permitting relative movement therebetween

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250091382A1Wheel assembly including fastener coupled rigid cover ring and related methods

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 GACW INC

AI summary

A wheel assembly 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 and permitting relative movement therebetween. The wheel assembly may also include a rigid inboard cover ring coupled to an inboard side of the outer rim and extending radially inward toward the inner rim, and fasteners coupling the rigid inboard cover ring to the inboard side of the outer rim. Each fastener may include a threaded fastener head and a threaded shaft extending therefrom. A flexible inboard seal may be coupled between the rigid inboard cover ring and the inner rim.