Non-Pneumatic Tire Mounting Method for Removable Spoke Hub

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-pneumatic wheel constructions have integral spoke and hub designs that are not readily amenable to spoke substitution or hub material changes, limiting customization and manufacturing flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A method of mounting a non-pneumatic tire onto a hub where spokes are connected to grooves on the hub through a process of deformation and rotation, allowing for removability and reconfiguration of spokes and hubs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If spokes and hub are molded as an integral construction, then structural strength and manufacturing simplicity are improved, but adaptability and ease of repair deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel assembly is divided into separable components: the hub, the spokes, and the non-pneumatic tire. The hub includes a hub body with a hub bore, and the spokes can be independently attached to the hub and tire, allowing for replacement and customization without replacing the entire wheel assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If spokes are integrally joined with the hub, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but ease of repair and substitution deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidease of repair

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The hub is pre-formed with a hub bore and the spokes are pre-formed with engagement features. The assembly process involves placing the hub into the non-pneumatic tire and securing the spokes to the hub, which simplifies repair as only the spokes need to be replaced rather than the entire integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If spokes are made removable from the hub, then adaptability and customization are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecustomizationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hub is nested within the non-pneumatic tire, and the spokes connect these two components. The hub bore provides a receiving space for the hub body, and the spokes are secured to the hub through engagement features, creating a nested arrangement that enables removability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3558696B1Method of mounting a non-pneumatic tire onto a hub

Publication Date: 2022.03.02 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

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AI summary

A method of mounting a non-pneumatic tire (102) onto a hub (300) to provide a non-pneumatic wheel (100). Certain portions of spokes (106) of the non-pneumatic tire (102) are connected to grooves (318) along the hub (300). The tire (102) is repeatedly rotated and deformed to allow the remaining portions of the spokes (106) to be connected with the grooves (318) in order to fully mount the non- pneumatic tire (102) onto the hub (300).