Non-pneumatic Wheel Spokes with Elastomeric Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-pneumatic tires face challenges in achieving improved durability and reduced rolling resistance, which are essential for enhanced fuel economy and performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of spokes for non-pneumatic tires using a V-shaped form with elastomeric joint bodies and specific rubber compositions, including natural rubber, polybutadiene rubber, and reinforcing fillers like carbon black and silica, to enhance load transmission and reduce hysteresis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-pneumatic tire constructions with shear bands and spokes are used, then gas inflation pressure dependency is eliminated, but durability and rolling resistance performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining rubber compositions with reinforcing fillers (carbon black, silica) in specific ratios to create spokes that maintain structural integrity without gas inflation. The composite structure enables the non-pneumatic tire to achieve both inflation independence and improved durability through optimized material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by precisely controlling the composition ratios of rubber components (natural rubber, polybutadiene rubber) and fillers in the spoke material. By adjusting these parameters, the spokes achieve optimal mechanical properties that simultaneously provide durability and reduced rolling resistance while maintaining inflation independence.
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-pneumatic tire constructions with shear bands and spokes are used, then gas inflation pressure dependency is eliminated, but rolling resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces rolling resistance by optimizing the physical and chemical parameters of the rubber composition, including cross-linking density, filler surface area, and compound hardness. These parameter adjustments minimize energy loss during deformation while maintaining the structural support needed for inflation-independent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of composite materials with specifically selected filler types and ratios creates a spoke structure that reduces hysteresis losses during cyclic deformation. The composite formulation enables more efficient energy transfer and reduced heat generation, thereby lowering rolling resistance in non-pneumatic tire operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform rubber composition is used in spokes, then manufacturing is simplified, but durability and performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating zones within the spoke structure that have different rubber composition characteristics. The composite material formulation includes varying ratios of rubber components and fillers in different regions of the spoke, optimizing each zone for its specific functional requirements while maintaining overall structural integrity.
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 provides improved durability and reduced rolling resistance, leading to better fuel economy and performance by optimizing the mechanical structure and material properties of the spokes in non-pneumatic tires.
Implementation Method 1
The rubber compositions may be based on a cross-linkable rubber compositions
Implementation Method 2
a first elastomeric joint body formed of a third rubber composition and positioned within the interior angle and connecting the distal ends of the first and second support elements
Implementation Method 3
reduced hysteresis
Data Source
AI summary
A non-pneumatic wheel having a hub, an outer tread band and a plurality of spokes connecting the hub with the outer tread band, each of the plurality of spokes having first and second spoke elements joined by a body comprised of an elastomer connecting the first spoke element to the second spoke element.