Hubless Ferris Wheel Design Reduces Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ferris wheels and observation wheels are excessively heavy, requiring heavy equipment and expensive, time-consuming assembly processes due to the need for a central hub, which limits their transportability and installation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hubless wheel design featuring a peripheral rim supported by two masts with direct bearing assemblies and connective elements that distribute the axial load, eliminating the need for a central hub and allowing for lighter construction and easier assembly without cranes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional central hub is used in the wheel, then the wheel structure is stronger and more stable, but the overall weight increases significantly requiring heavy equipment for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional central hub is divided into two separate wheel flanges positioned at different heights. These flanges are connected by multiple spokes that distribute structural loads across the wheel structure, eliminating the need for a heavy central hub while maintaining strength and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The central hub component is completely removed from the wheel structure. Instead, the wheel flanges are directly mounted on the masts with bearing assemblies, extracting the heavy central element while redistributing structural functions to the flange-spoke-rim system.
2Reliability
If a central hub is used, then the wheel can support loads effectively, but assembly becomes complex and time-consuming requiring cranes and special equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel is segmented into modular components (flanges, spokes, rim) that can be assembled independently. The bearing assemblies are pre-installed on the masts, allowing the wheel components to be assembled around them without requiring heavy lifting equipment or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
By removing the central hub, the assembly process is simplified as there is no heavy component to position and secure in the center. The wheel flanges can be directly attached to the bearing assemblies on the masts, reducing assembly complexity and eliminating the need for cranes.
3Strength
If heavy equipment is used for assembly, then the wheel can be assembled with a central hub, but the cost and time required for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel structure is divided into lighter, modular segments that can be handled and assembled by hand or with minimal equipment. The multiple spokes and flanges can be positioned and secured independently, dramatically reducing assembly time compared to installing a heavy central hub.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal of the central hub eliminates the need for heavy lifting equipment and complex assembly procedures. The wheel can be assembled using lighter tools and procedures, significantly reducing both the time and cost of installation while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed flange-spoke-rim design.
4Weight of moving object
If the wheel is made lighter without a central hub, then transport and installation become easier, but the bearing assemblies must support larger axial loads
Solution Approach 1:
The axial load is distributed across multiple bearing assemblies positioned at different heights on the masts. Each bearing assembly supports a portion of the total load, reducing the force requirement for any single bearing while maintaining overall structural strength and stability.
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 hubless design significantly reduces the overall weight of the wheel, facilitating easier transportation and installation, as well as reducing the need for heavy lifting equipment, while maintaining structural stability and support.
Implementation Method 1
a first bearing assembly configured to rotatably support the first wheel flange; and a second bearing assembly configured to rotatably support the second wheel flange
Implementation Method 2
each of the bearing assemblies is configured to support an axial load acting in a direction along the central rotation axis
Data Source
AI summary
An amusement ride such as a ferris wheel comprising a wheel rotatable around a central rotation axis and a wheel support structure for rotatably supporting the wheel in a substantially upright position. The wheel has first and second wheel flange arranged near the central rotation axis of the wheel; a peripheral rim configured to support a plurality of passenger capsules; and a plurality of spokes extending radially from the wheel flanges to the peripheral rim. The wheel support structure comprises two masts with individual bearing assemblies each configured to rotatably support one of the wheel flanges. The bearing assemblies are directly connected to the masts and are not connected to each other through a conventional hub.