Non-Pneumatic Tire Link Structure for Inner Joint Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-pneumatic tires face challenges in maintaining the distance between adjacent link parts while ensuring the strength and durability of connection sites between the inner annular portion and link parts, leading to potential breakage under repeated stress during rolling.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates link parts made of elastic materials with varying plate thickness and width configurations, where the first and second link parts intersect in an X-shape, with a smaller plate thickness towards the inner annular portion to maintain distance and improve durability, and a uniform cross-sectional area to enhance strength and deformation ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the number of link parts is increased to reduce the distance between adjacent link parts, then the distance between adjacent link parts is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and structural uniformity become difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the plate thickness of link parts non-uniform along the tire radial direction. Specifically, the plate thickness is smaller at the inner annular portion side and larger at the outer annular portion side. This local variation in thickness allows the tire to maintain uniform distance between adjacent link parts while compensating for the circumferential length difference between the inner and outer annular portions, thereby resolving the contradiction between reducing link part distance and maintaining manufacturing precision.
2Length of stationary object
If the plate thickness of link parts is made smaller to maintain distance between adjacent link parts, then the distance between link parts is maintained, but the strength and durability of link parts are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing local quality through variable plate thickness. The link parts have smaller plate thickness at the inner annular portion side to maintain the distance between adjacent link parts, and larger plate thickness at the outer annular portion side to ensure sufficient strength and durability. This localized thickness variation allows each region of the link part to be optimized for its specific functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the plate thickness parameter along the tire radial direction. The plate thickness is changed from a uniform value to a gradient distribution, being smaller near the inner annular portion and larger near the outer annular portion. This parameter variation enables the link parts to simultaneously achieve the required spacing and the necessary mechanical strength under repeated stress during rolling.
3Strength
If the plate thickness of link parts is increased to improve strength, then the strength of link parts is improved, but the distance between adjacent link parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying local quality through spatially varying plate thickness. Instead of using a uniform thickness throughout, the link parts are designed with smaller thickness at the inner annular portion side (where space is constrained) and larger thickness at the outer annular portion side (where strength is critical). This localized differentiation allows the tire to maintain uniform distance between adjacent link parts while providing sufficient strength where needed.
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 configuration maintains the distance between link parts, enhances the strength of connection sites, and improves durability, preventing breakage while allowing for adequate deformation and weight reduction.
Implementation Method 1
link parts made of elastic materials with varying plate thickness and width configurations, where the first and second link parts intersect in an X-shape
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a non-pneumatic tire capable of improving the strength of connection sites between an inner annular portion and link parts while maintaining a distance between adjacent link parts on an inner annular portion side, and improving the durability of the link parts. A non-pneumatic tire 1 includes: an outer annular portion 2; an inner annular portion 3; and a plurality of link parts 4. The plurality of link parts 4 include first and second link parts 41, 42. The first link parts 41 each extend from one side Y1 in a tire width direction Y of the outer annular portion 2 toward one other side Y2 in the tire width direction Y of the inner annular portion 3. The second link parts 42 each extend from the other side Y2 in the tire width direction Y of the outer annular portion 2 toward the one side Y1 in the tire width direction Y of the inner annular portion 3. The plurality of link parts 4 each have a thickness in the tire circumferential direction D which is smaller in the vicinity of the inner annular portion 3 than in the vicinity of the outer annular portion 2 and a width in the tire width direction Y which is larger in the vicinity of the inner annular portion 3 than in the vicinity of the outer annular portion 2.