Non-Pneumatic Tire Spoke Indicators for Overload Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-pneumatic tires lack effective methods to detect overloading and determine when they are nearing the end of their useful life, leading to potential damage from excessive deflection and deterioration of polymer webbing.
Innovation Solution
A system for non-pneumatic tire loading detection, featuring a non-pneumatic tire design with spoke disks, a shear band, and indicating means such as visual, audio, or sensor-based indicators that alert when the tire is overloaded or nearing the end of its life, utilizing a flange that interfaces with these indicators to provide feedback on loading state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-pneumatic tires are used to eliminate air pressure maintenance issues, then air pressure maintenance is improved, but the ability to detect overloading and end-of-life conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual indicators that change appearance or position based on the loading state of the tire. The indicating means are positioned such that their visibility changes when the tire is overloaded, providing a simple visual detection method without requiring complex electronic sensors.
2Strength
If polymer webbing is used to absorb and distribute forces, then force distribution is improved, but the ability to detect excessive deflection and webbing deterioration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary indicating mechanism that translates the physical state of the polymer webbing into a detectable signal. The indicating means are positioned to reflect the loading state, serving as a mediator between the webbing's mechanical deformation and observable indicators of overload or end-of-life conditions.
3Device complexity
If no detection system is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to prevent damage from overloading deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple visual indicators that change appearance or position based on the loading state, providing an inexpensive and simple detection method that does not require complex electronics or sensors, while still enabling effective monitoring of tire loading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicating means are integrated into the tire structure itself, utilizing the tire's own deformation under load to trigger the indication. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external sensors or power sources, maintaining simplicity while enabling damage prevention.
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 system effectively detects overloading and end-of-life conditions, allowing for timely unloading or replacement of tires, thereby preventing damage and ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
A flange is disposed on an outboard surface of the plurality of spokes of the spoke disk. Indicating means are formed on the outboard surface of the plurality of spokes of the spoke disk radially outwardly of the flange. The flange interfaces with the indicating means when the tire is in an overloaded state or is in need of replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detection of non-pneumatic tire loading includes a non-pneumatic tire. The non-pneumatic tire includes a ground-contacting annular tread, a central rim, and at least one spoke disk disposed between the rim and the tread. The spoke disk includes an inner ring mounted on the central rim, an outer ring, and spokes extending radially between the inner ring and the outer ring. A shear band is disposed between the outer ring of the spoke disk and the tread. A flange is disposed on an outboard surface of the spokes of the spoke disk. Indicating means are formed on the outboard surface of the plurality of spokes of the spoke disk radially outwardly of the flange. The flange interfaces with the indicating means when the tire is in an overloaded state or is in need of replacement.