Non-Pneumatic Tire Shear Element for Load Distribution and Ride Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-pneumatic tires lack optimal structural support and load distribution, particularly in uninflated or underinflated conditions, which affects their performance in terms of load-carrying capacity, vibration reduction, and ride comfort.
Innovation Solution
A non-pneumatic tire design featuring an inner and outer ring with a support structure and a circumferential tread containing a shear element composed of a lower shim layer of solid steel, an upper shim layer of solid steel, and an elastic layer in between, providing enhanced structural support and load distribution through the use of high-strength steel shim stock and a softer, more elastic material to absorb shock and reduce heat buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single-layer shear element is used in the circumferential tread, then the structure is simpler and manufacturing is easier, but the load-carrying capacity and structural support are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shear element is constructed as a composite structure with an inelastic outer layer and an elastic inner layer. The inelastic layer provides structural strength and load-bearing capacity, while the elastic layer provides flexibility and shock absorption. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by combining materials with different mechanical properties to achieve both high strength and controlled complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shear element is divided into distinct functional layers: an outer inelastic layer and an inner elastic layer. Each layer is optimized for its specific function - the inelastic layer for structural support and the elastic layer for deformation and shock absorption. This segmentation allows each layer to be tailored for its purpose while working together to provide overall enhanced performance.
2Strength
If the shear element is made thicker to improve structural support, then load-carrying capacity increases, but rolling resistance and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the shear element have different material properties optimized for their specific functions. The outer inelastic layer provides structural support with high strength-to-weight ratio, while the inner elastic layer provides localized shock absorption and flexibility. This local quality differentiation allows the structure to provide maximum support with minimum thickness, reducing rolling resistance and heat generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of inelastic and elastic layers allows the tire to achieve high structural support without increasing overall thickness. The inelastic layer carries the primary structural load, while the elastic layer manages deformation efficiently, reducing energy loss through rolling resistance and minimizing heat generation compared to a single thick layer.
3Strength
If high-strength steel shim stock is used in the shear element, then load distribution improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure where high-strength steel shim stock forms the inelastic outer layer, providing superior load distribution. The elastic inner layer can be made from more readily manufactured materials. This composite approach allows the critical load-bearing portions to use high-strength materials while other portions use more manufacturable materials, balancing performance and ease of manufacture.
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 tire achieves improved load-carrying capacity, reduced vibration, enhanced ride comfort, and extended fatigue life by distributing loads effectively and minimizing heat generation and rolling resistance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic layer disposed between the lower shim layer and the upper shim layer. The elastic layer has a higher elasticity than the lower shim layer and the upper shim layer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A non-pneumatic tire includes an inner ring having an axis of rotation and an outer ring coaxial with the inner ring. The non-pneumatic tire further includes support structure extending from the inner ring to the outer ring and a circumferential tread extending about the outer ring. The circumferential tread includes a shear element. The shear element includes a lower shim layer of solid material, an upper shim layer of solid material, and an elastic layer disposed between the lower shim layer and the upper shim layer. The elastic layer has a higher elasticity than the lower shim layer and the upper shim layer.