Nested Inner Tube Structure for Puncture-Resistant Pneumatic Tires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing puncture solutions for pneumatic tires, such as tire sealants and foam inserts, often add weight and compromise tire performance, and do not effectively prevent air loss from larger punctures or sidewall punctures.
Innovation Solution
A puncture-resistant inner tube design featuring nested tubes with an inner tube having a greater cross-sectional circumference than the outer tube, allowing excess material to fold and move around the puncturing object under pressure, minimizing air loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional puncture solutions like tire sealants or foam inserts are used, then puncture protection is provided, but weight increases and tire performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing an inner tube inside the outer tire structure. The inner tube has a greater cross-sectional circumference than the outer tube, creating excess material that forms fold-like structures. These nested layers work together to provide puncture protection while maintaining lightweight construction, as the inner tube's excess material provides the protective function without requiring heavy foam inserts or continuous sealant application.
2Reliability
If heavy foam inserts are added to prevent punctures, then puncture resistance improves, but tire handling and performance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The nested inner tube structure provides puncture resistance through its excess material and fold-like structures without the weight penalty of foam inserts. The inner tube maintains proper tire handling characteristics because it is integrated into the tire's existing structure rather than adding separate heavy components.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tube's excess material creates dynamic fold-like structures that can move and deform in response to puncture events and normal tire operation. This dynamic behavior allows the structure to absorb puncture impacts while maintaining flexible tire handling, unlike rigid foam inserts that would compromise steering and ride quality.
3Reliability
If the inner tube cross-sectional circumference is increased to create excess material, then puncture protection improves through fold-like structures, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the overall system by using a single inner tube component with integrated excess material, rather than requiring multiple separate protective layers or complex assembly mechanisms. The fold-like structures are inherent to the tube's geometry and form automatically under pressure, eliminating the need for additional mechanical components or complex manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the geometric parameter of the inner tube by giving it a greater cross-sectional circumference than the outer tube. This parameter change creates the excess material needed for fold-like structures without fundamentally altering the tube's basic construction or requiring complex multi-component assemblies.
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 design effectively prevents air loss from punctures without adding significant weight or compromising tire performance by using nested tubes that deform around the puncturing object.
Implementation Method 1
The cross-sectional circumference of the inner tube(s) is greater than that of the outer tube. This excess material creates fold-like structures when the inner tube is pressurized which are facilitated by the internal pressure to move around any object that may puncture the outer layer
Implementation Method 2
This excess material creates fold-like structures when the inner tube is pressurized which are facilitated by the internal pressure to move around any object that may puncture the outer layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a puncture resistant inner tube for pneumatic tires. The inventive device comprises an outer tube and at least one inner tube, wherein the cross-sectional circumference of the inner tube is greater than that of the outer tube. This unique design allows the inner tube to move out of the way in the event of a puncture, providing enhanced safety and reliability. By utilizing excess material from the inner tube to create fold-like structures when pressurized, the invention provides a self-compensating mechanism for punctures. The inventive device can be used in various applications, including pneumatic tires, safety devices such as avalanche protection systems, life jackets, and other containers that require puncture resistance.