Interwoven Spring Composite for Non-Pneumatic Tire Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-pneumatic tires fail to adequately address heat dissipation and load-bearing capabilities, especially at increased vehicle speeds, and are not suitable for extreme temperature variations and radiation exposure, as seen in lunar exploration vehicles, where they also lose traction and vibration isolation capabilities when scaled for higher loads.
Innovation Solution
A composite material comprising interwoven helical springs coated with a polymer, such as urethane, forming a toroidal structure that distributes load and provides enhanced bending stiffness, traction, and durability, allowing for improved heat dissipation and adaptability to varying terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional non-pneumatic tire structures are used, then the tire can operate without pressurized air, but the tire accumulates excessive heat and cannot adequately dissipate it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining metal springs with rubber or polymer matrices to create a non-pneumatic tire structure that effectively dissipates heat. The metal spring components provide thermal conductivity pathways that allow heat to be conducted away from high-stress areas, while the rubber or polymer matrix provides elasticity and shock absorption. This composite structure resolves the heat accumulation problem while maintaining the non-pneumatic operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by incorporating conductive fillers or metallic elements into the tire structure to increase thermal conductivity. By modifying the thermal conductivity parameter of the tire material through addition of metal springs or conductive compounds, the tire can efficiently transfer and dissipate heat, preventing excessive heat accumulation while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If the tire structure is made thicker to improve load bearing, then load capacity increases, but heat accumulation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials with different thermal and mechanical properties to simultaneously achieve high load bearing capacity and effective heat dissipation. The metal spring components provide both structural strength for load bearing and thermal conductivity for heat dissipation, while the rubber or polymer matrix contributes elasticity and additional load distribution. This composite approach allows the tire to be thick enough for load bearing without the heat accumulation problems of solid rubber structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating heat-dissipating metal spring elements in specific high-stress, high-heat-generation areas of the tire structure, such as the contact patch and load-bearing regions. This localized placement of thermally conductive materials ensures that heat is efficiently dissipated from critical areas without requiring the entire tire structure to be thick or heavily reinforced, thus balancing load bearing capability with heat management.
3Strength
If conventional non-pneumatic tire designs are scaled for higher loads, then load capacity increases, but vibration isolation and traction capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials combining metal springs with rubber or polymer matrices to maintain vibration isolation and traction at higher load capacities. The metal spring components provide structural strength for high load bearing, while the rubber or polymer matrix maintains the elasticity and compliance necessary for vibration isolation and traction. This composite structure allows the tire to be scaled for higher loads without losing operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating flexible, elastic components such as rubber or polymer matrices that can dynamically adapt to varying terrain and load conditions. These materials provide compliance and deformation capability that enable the tire to maintain traction and vibration isolation even when scaled for higher loads, allowing the tire structure to dynamically respond to operational conditions rather than being rigid.
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 composite material achieves higher load capacity, longer cycle life, and improved design versatility, with reduced energy loss and enhanced traction, while maintaining low weight and operational reliability across diverse environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures and radiation.
Implementation Method 1
A composite material comprises a plurality of springs forming a structure embedded within a polymer. Each spring is interwoven with at least one other spring thereby forming an entirely polymer-coated structure.
Implementation Method 2
A composite material comprises a plurality of springs forming a structure embedded within a polymer
Data Source
AI summary
A composite material comprises a plurality of springs forming a structure embedded within a polymer. Each spring is interwoven with at least one other spring thereby forming an entirely polymer-coated structure.