Helical Spoke Non-Pneumatic Tire Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-pneumatic tires face limitations in load carrying capacity and durability due to the characteristics of polymeric spokes, which restrict their performance compared to pneumatic tires.

Innovation Solution

A tire assembly with a first and second spoke structure, each defining radially extending closed cavities and inlet openings at specific helical angles, allowing the flexible ring to deflect under load, and featuring mirrored designs for improved load distribution and noise reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If polymeric spokes are used in non-pneumatic tires, then the tire can operate without air pressure, but the load carrying capacity and durability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload carrying capacityVSAvoidspoke durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The spoke structure uses composite construction with multiple materials including polymeric material and reinforcement elements (such as cords, fibers, or filaments) to enhance the load carrying capacity and durability of the spokes while maintaining the non-pneumatic tire design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs curved or arched spoke configurations instead of straight spokes, creating a more efficient load distribution path that improves both the load carrying capacity and structural durability of the non-pneumatic tire

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If traditional spoke structures are used, then the structure is simple, but noise and vibration are not reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidspoke structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spoke structure incorporates dynamic elements that allow controlled movement and deflection under load, enabling the structure to absorb vibrations and reduce noise while maintaining structural integrity, rather than being completely rigid

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spoke structure is divided into multiple segments or sections with varying properties, allowing different parts of the spoke to handle different aspects of load and vibration, thereby reducing noise while maintaining overall structural efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances the load carrying capacity and durability of non-pneumatic tires, achieving performance comparable to pneumatic tires while reducing noise and improving uniformity through gradual buckling and tensioning of the helical spoke structures.

Implementation Method 1

achieving performance comparable to pneumatic tires while reducing noise and improving uniformity through gradual buckling and tensioning of the helical spoke structures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuckling:

Data Source

PatentUS11491819B2Non-pneumatic support structure

Publication Date: 2022.11.08 THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO

AI summary

A tire assembly transfers rotation about an axis from an outer flexible ring to an inner central rim. The tire assembly includes a spoke structure extending radially between the inner central rim and the outer flexible ring. The spoke structure defines a plurality of radially extending closed cavities and an alternating plurality of radially extending inlet openings disposed concentrically about the axis and allowing the flexible ring to deflect under load. The closed cavities extend axially and circumferentially at a helical angle relative to the axis.