Interlocking Wheel Tread Anchoring via Circumferential Grooves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing small wheels for domestic mobile apparatus, such as floor-washers and vacuum cleaners, face issues with non-uniform tread distribution due to radially projecting elements on the hub, leading to uneven thickness and damaging vibrations during rolling.

Innovation Solution

A wheel design featuring staggered, radially projecting anchoring elements that form a circumferential groove on the hub's external surface, allowing for homogeneous distribution of molten thermoplastic material and a uniform tread, with the groove enabling unobstructed injection and ensuring even tread anchoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If radially projecting anchoring elements are used on the hub, then the tread anchoring to the hub is facilitated, but the distribution of molten thermoplastic material becomes non-uniform

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetread anchoring strengthVSAvoidtread material distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The hub surface is segmented into multiple circumferential grooves that divide the injection path into separate channels. This segmentation allows molten material to flow uniformly through each groove without being blocked by radially projecting elements, while still maintaining anchoring functionality through the groove structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from radial anchoring elements to circumferential grooves, changing the dimensional orientation of the anchoring structure. This dimensional shift allows material to flow axially through the grooves rather than radially around obstacles, achieving both uniform distribution and secure anchoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If radially projecting elements are used on the hub, then the tread anchoring to the hub is facilitated, but harmful vibrations occur during wheel rolling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetread anchoring strengthVSAvoidrolling vibrations

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple circumferential grooves segment the tread structure into uniform sections, distributing mechanical stresses evenly around the wheel circumference. This segmentation prevents localized stress concentrations that would cause vibrations during rolling operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circumferential grooves create a homogeneous tread structure with uniform material distribution and consistent thickness around the entire wheel circumference. This homogeneity ensures balanced weight distribution and uniform contact with the ground, eliminating harmful vibrations during rolling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

3Ease of manufacture

If molten thermoplastic material is injected on the hub external surface, then the tread is formed, but the material distribution becomes non-uniform due to obstructed injection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetread formation processVSAvoidmaterial distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The injection process is segmented into multiple independent flow paths defined by circumferential grooves. Each groove acts as a separate channel that guides material flow uniformly, preventing obstruction and ensuring consistent material distribution across the entire hub surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circumferential grooves serve as intermediary channels that mediate between the injection source and the final tread structure. These grooves guide and distribute material uniformly, acting as intermediate structures that enable precise control over material placement and thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 results in a well-anchored, uniformly distributed tread that reduces vibrations and facilitates smooth wheel operation by ensuring consistent material distribution and thickness across the wheel's surface.

Implementation Method 1

The covering is made of a thermoplastic material, injection-moulded on the external surface of the hub. The thermoplastic material, in a liquid state, is distributed on the external surface and about the scalloping

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInjection molding:

Data Source

PatentUS8911025B2Wheel having an interlocking tire and rim, and a method for producing the same

Publication Date: 2014.12.16 FIR

AI summary

A wheel, in particular for mobile apparatus such as carriages or the like, having an interlocking tire and rim and including: a central hub defining an annular external surface; a tread, associated to the external surface of the hub; and anchoring elements extending from the annular external surface in order to constrain the tread to the hub; the anchoring elements including at least one groove for housing at least a first portion of the tread.