Modular Non-Pneumatic Tire Spoke Assembly for Segment Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-pneumatic tires lack a method for repairing or replacing damaged spokes, leading to the entire tire being scrapped when a sufficient number become damaged.
Innovation Solution
A method for assembling spokes into a non-pneumatic tire using modular segments with radial bonding ends that can be attached and detached via adhesives, allowing for the replacement of damaged segments with undamaged ones, enabling the tire to remain in service or be cosmetically repaired.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spokes are individually attached to the hub and shear band using adhesives, then the structural integrity of the non-pneumatic tire is maintained, but the ability to repair or replace damaged spokes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The tire is divided into modular segments, each containing a group of spokes (typically 4-8 spokes per segment). These segments can be independently removed and replaced. The segmentation is achieved by providing releaseable adhesive bonds at the interfaces between segments and the hub/shear band, allowing individual segments to be serviced without affecting the entire tire structure.
2Reliability
If the entire non-pneumatic tire is scrapped when spokes become damaged, then the structural integrity is ensured, but the loss of the entire tire including functional components is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding the entire tire when spokes are damaged, the invention allows for selective replacement of only the damaged segment containing the problematic spokes. The functional components (hub, shear band, and undamaged segments) are recovered and retained in service, reducing waste and extending the overall service life of the tire.
3Ease of repair
If modular segments with releaseable adhesive bonds are used, then the ease of repair is improved, but the bonding strength between segments and hub/shear band may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive bonding system transitions from a permanent state to a dynamic state. During normal operation, the adhesive bonds maintain strong structural connection between segments and the hub/shear band. When repair is needed, the bonds can be reversibly activated (through heat, solvent, or mechanical means) to allow segment removal, then reactivated to restore bonding strength after replacement.
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
Enables the repair or replacement of damaged spokes in non-pneumatic tires, extending their service life and preventing premature disposal, while also allowing for the assembly of new tires using modular segments.
Implementation Method 1
The outer radial bonding end is bonded to an inner surface of the shear band via an adhesive and the inner radial bonding end is bonded to an outer surface of the hub via an adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assembling spokes into a non-pneumatic tire (10) is provided in which a shear band (16) is located outward from a hub (12) in a radial direction. A segment (20) is present that has a plurality of spokes (22), and both inner and outer radial bonding ends (24, 26). The plurality of spokes (22) engage both of these bonding ends (24, 26). The outer radial bonding end (24) is attached to the shear band (16) using adhesive (28), and the inner radial bonding end (26) is attached to the hub (12) using adhesive (28). This segment (20) extends less than 360 degrees about the central axis (14) in a circumferential direction.