Non-pneumatic Wheel Reinforcing Structure for Rolling Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-pneumatic wheels face challenges such as complexity in production, fragility, and high rolling resistance, which hinder their performance and durability.
Innovation Solution
A non-pneumatic wheel design featuring an annular reinforcing structure with multiple layers of composite strips made from fibres coated in a polymer matrix, arranged at angles between -90° and +90°, integrated within an elastomeric compound, which simplifies the crown region and reduces weight and rolling resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional non-pneumatic wheels use simple peripheral ring structures, then production is simpler, but durability and performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by using fibre-reinforced elastomeric compounds for the reinforcing strips. The fibres (glass, carbon, aramid, or organic) are embedded in an elastomeric matrix, creating a composite structure that combines the tensile strength of fibres with the flexibility and shock absorption of elastomers. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by providing both durability through fibre reinforcement and manufacturability through the flexibility of elastomeric processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing multiple layers of reinforcing strips within the elastomeric compound structure. The strips are arranged in nested configurations where inner layers are surrounded by outer layers, creating a multi-level reinforcement system. This nested structure provides enhanced durability through layered protection while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through systematic layering processes.
2Reliability
If conventional non-pneumatic wheels use complex multi-layer structures, then durability is improved, but production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the reinforcing structure into discrete, modular strips rather than using continuous complex architectures. Each strip is a separate, manageable component with standardized dimensions and fibre orientations. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing processes where strips can be individually produced and then systematically assembled into the final wheel structure, reducing overall production complexity while maintaining durability through the segmented reinforcement pattern.
3Strength
If conventional non-pneumatic wheels use traditional crown structures, then structural strength is maintained, but rolling resistance is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the fibre orientation angles in different layers of reinforcing strips. The fibres are arranged at specific angles (including 0°, 45°, and 90° relative to the circumferential direction) to optimize the mechanical properties. This angular parameter optimization allows the structure to maintain strength while reducing deformation during rolling, thereby lowering rolling resistance and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different fibre orientations and material properties to specific regions and layers of the crown structure. Inner layers may have different fibre angles compared to outer layers, with each layer optimized for its specific structural role. This localized optimization allows the crown to maintain necessary strength in critical areas while minimizing energy loss in regions where flexibility is beneficial for reducing rolling resistance.
4Reliability
If conventional non-pneumatic wheels use heavy reinforcement structures, then durability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials with high strength-to-weight ratio fibres (such as carbon fibres or aramid fibres) embedded in lightweight elastomeric matrices. These composite reinforcing strips provide exceptional durability and structural integrity while maintaining low weight. The elastomeric compound itself is selected for its high strength-to-weight characteristics, enabling the wheel to achieve superior durability without significant weight penalty compared to traditional metal or dense material reinforcements.
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
This design enhances the durability and dynamic qualities of the wheel, reduces rolling resistance, and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining performance comparable to conventional tires.
Implementation Method 1
a non-pneumatic wheel comprising an annular reinforcing structure produced from at least one elastomer compound, arranged radially on the inside of a tread
Data Source
AI summary
Non-pneumatic wheel (1) with an annular reinforcing structure (10) produced from at least one elastomer compound, arranged radially on the inside of a tread (7), the structure (10) having a plurality of reinforcing strips (12, 14) arranged in layers, the strips (12, 14) of each of the layers being arranged in juxtaposition in a substantially circumferential direction, the strips being coated with an elastomer composition (13), the structure (10) made of at least three layers of strips (12, 14), wherein the strips are formed of a laminate of at least two composite layers, each composite layer has fibres coated in a polymer matrix, the fibres making an angle α with the circumferential direction, the difference in values of the said angles from one layer to the next being approximately 90°.