Non-pneumatic Tire Spoke Structure Cavities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-pneumatic tires face limitations in load carrying capacity and durability due to the characteristics of polymeric spokes, which restrict their performance compared to pneumatic tires.
Innovation Solution
A wheel and tire assembly featuring a spoke structure with a plurality of cavities and radially extending openings, made from a polymer material with a reinforcing layer, allowing for deflection under load and enhancing flexibility and stiffness, thereby improving load carrying capacity and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymeric spokes are used in non-pneumatic tires, then the tires can operate without air pressure, but the load carrying capacity and durability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spoke structure uses composite materials combining polymer matrix with reinforcing elements (fabric layers, cords, or mesh) to achieve both flexibility for non-pneumatic operation and sufficient strength for load carrying. The composite construction allows the spokes to maintain durability while operating without air pressure support.
2Ease of operation
If the spoke structure is made more flexible to allow deflection under load, then ride comfort improves, but load carrying capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spoke structure's mechanical properties are optimized by adjusting parameters such as polymer material selection, cavity dimensions, reinforcing layer configuration, and overall geometry. These parameter changes enable the structure to achieve the right balance between flexibility for ride comfort and sufficient stiffness for load carrying capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the spoke structure have different properties - the polymer material provides flexibility and damping, while strategically placed reinforcing layers (fabric, cords, mesh) provide localized strength. The cavity structure creates zones of varying stiffness to manage load distribution and deflection characteristics.
3Reliability
If the spoke structure is made stiffer to increase load carrying capacity, then durability improves, but the ability to deflect under load decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The composite construction with polymer matrix and reinforcing elements creates a structure that is stiffer overall for load carrying while still maintaining local flexibility through the polymer material and cavity design, allowing controlled deflection under load.
4Reliability
If air pressure is lost in pneumatic tires, then the tire becomes unreliable, but maintaining air pressure requires complex prevention systems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the pneumatic pressure system with a solid/elastic spoke structure that carries load mechanically through material deformation and structural design. This eliminates the need for air pressure maintenance systems while providing consistent load carrying capacity.
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 significantly increases the load carrying capacity and durability of non-pneumatic tires, achieving performance comparable to pneumatic tires by optimizing the spoke structure's design and materials.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the flexible ring to deflect under load
Implementation Method 2
a reinforcing layer interlaced circumferentially and radially about the plurality of cavities and alternating openings for further tuning the flexibility/stiffness of the structure
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel and tire assembly for a mobile vehicle in accordance with the present invention includes an inner central rim, a flexible ring mounted on the inner central rim, and a spoke structure extending between the inner central rim and the flexible ring. The spoke structure defines a plurality of cavities and alternating radially extending openings disposed concentrically about the inner central rim and allowing the flexible ring to deflect under load.