Composite Layer Tire Structure With Sandwiched Shear Reinforcements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire technologies, both pneumatic and non-pneumatic, face challenges in achieving optimal stiffness and load distribution due to limitations in reinforcement materials and structures, particularly in handling both tension and compression loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method of constructing non-pneumatic tires using multiple layers of polymeric material with reinforcements sandwiched between sheets, where the reinforcements are strategically placed to act as shear elements, providing additional stiffness and load distribution capabilities by being positioned between adjacent layers, and the tire is built using additive manufacturing techniques to achieve a predetermined width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional reinforcement materials and structures are used in pneumatic and non-pneumatic tires, then the tire construction is simpler, but the tire cannot achieve optimal stiffness and load distribution in both tension and compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining polymeric sheets with reinforcement elements (such as cords, wires, or fibers) to create a multi-layered structure. This composite construction provides enhanced stiffness and load distribution capabilities in both tension and compression directions, resolving the limitation of conventional single-material tire constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing reinforcement elements between multiple layers of polymeric sheets, creating a nested structure where reinforcements are embedded within the tire body. This allows the reinforcement to be integrated into the tire construction while providing enhanced mechanical properties without requiring a completely different tire architecture.
2Strength
If reinforcements are strategically placed between adjacent layers to act as shear elements, then load distribution in tension and compression is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tire construction into discrete layers of polymeric material with reinforcement elements placed at specific intervals between adjacent layers. This segmented approach allows for strategic placement of reinforcements to optimize load distribution while maintaining a manageable manufacturing process through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by strategically positioning reinforcement elements at specific locations between adjacent polymeric layers where shear stresses are highest. This localized reinforcement approach optimizes load distribution in tension and compression while avoiding unnecessary reinforcement in areas where it is not needed, balancing performance with manufacturing complexity.
3Strength
If multiple layers of polymeric material with reinforcements are used, then tire stiffness and performance are enhanced, but the tire weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the thickness, material composition, and reinforcement density of each polymeric layer to optimize the balance between stiffness and weight. By adjusting these parameters differentially across various regions of the tire, the design achieves enhanced overall stiffness while minimizing unnecessary weight addition.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a tire includes forming a first sheet of material having a circular shape. The first sheet of material includes an upper ring and a lower ring. The first sheet of material further includes a plurality of spoke portions extending from the upper ring to the lower ring. A reinforcement is placed on the first of polymeric material, which includes placing the reinforcement on at least a portion of the upper ring. A second sheet of material having a circular shape is formed. The second sheet of material is placed on the first sheet of material such that the reinforcement is sandwiched between the first and second sheets of material. The method further includes placing additional sheets of material and additional reinforcements on the second sheet of material until a tire is built.