Interlocking Non-Pneumatic Wheel Spokes for Hub Tear Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-pneumatic wheels experience premature spoke tearing at the hub attachment due to stress concentration, leading to reduced service life.

Innovation Solution

The spokes feature a radially inner end made of elastomeric material with a recessed portion that overlaps the adjacent spoke, reducing stress concentration and enhancing the spoke-to-hub attachment by using elastomeric joints and reinforcement membranes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional pneumatic tires are used, then vehicle operation is smooth and comfortable, but they create harmful emissions and require frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharmful emissionsVSAvoidvehicle operation smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the pneumatic tire system with a non-pneumatic wheel system that uses solid or semi-solid construction materials instead of compressed gas, eliminating emissions while maintaining structural integrity for smooth vehicle operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wheel assembly uses composite materials including rubber compounds, polymeric materials, and solid structural elements to create a non-pneumatic tire that provides both environmental benefits and operational reliability through material properties rather than gas pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-pneumatic tires are used, then harmful emissions are reduced, but ride quality deteriorates due to harsher road contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharmful emissionsVSAvoidride quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The non-pneumatic tire incorporates flexible rubber compounds and polymeric materials that can deform and absorb road irregularities, providing cushioning and maintaining ride quality while eliminating the need for pneumatic pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical parameters of the tire materials using specific rubber compounds with controlled durometer values and polymeric materials with varying degrees of flexibility to optimize both emission reduction and ride quality characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of repair

If modular wheel assemblies are used, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel assembly repairabilityVSAvoidwheel assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel assembly is divided into distinct modular components including the rim assembly, non-pneumatic tire, and hub assembly that can be independently manufactured, inspected, and replaced, facilitating easier repair while managing complexity through standardized interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular wheel assembly design incorporates universal mounting mechanisms and standardized connection interfaces that allow the same components to serve multiple functions and be interchangeable across different vehicle applications, simplifying repair procedures despite the multi-component structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4422883B1Non-pneumatic wheel with interlocking spoke feature

Publication Date: 2026.04.15 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

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AI summary

A non-pneumatic wheel having an outer tread band, a hub and a plurality of spoke joining the hub and the outer tread band, wherein a portion of each spoke at its radially inner end adjacent to the hub overlaps a portion of the adjacent spoke at the adjacent spokes radially inner end.