Non-Pneumatic Tire Load-Bearing Ring With Wave-Shaped Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pneumatic tires face issues with durability and ride comfort due to reliance on air pressure, which can lead to punctures, blowouts, and limited use after loss of inflation, while non-pneumatic tires lack flexibility and cushioning.
Innovation Solution
A non-pneumatic tire design featuring an outer and inner annular portion with a load-bearing ring containing a wave-shaped spring, where the tensile modulus of the spring is significantly higher than the matrix materials, providing structural support and cushioning without air pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pneumatic tires are used, then ride comfort and fuel economy are improved, but durability and reliability deteriorate due to punctures, blowouts, and inflation loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the pneumatic cavity (air-filled space) from the tire structure, replacing it with a non-pneumatic load-bearing ring. This removes the source of punctures, blowouts, and inflation loss while maintaining the tire's ability to support loads and provide ride comfort through the engineered spring structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The load-bearing ring is constructed as a composite structure with an inner layer, outer layer, and wave-shaped spring element positioned between them. This composite design combines different material properties to achieve both durability and ride comfort, with the spring providing flexibility and the layers providing structural integrity.
2Reliability
If non-pneumatic tires are used, then durability and reliability are improved, but ride comfort deteriorates due to lack of flexibility and cushioning
Solution Approach 1:
The wave-shaped spring element introduces curved, sinusoidal geometry into the load-bearing ring structure. This curvature allows the ring to flex and deform in a controlled manner under load, providing cushioning and ride comfort while maintaining the non-pneumatic durable structure. The sinusoidal shape enables energy absorption and release similar to pneumatic tires.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameters of the non-pneumatic tire by introducing a wave-shaped geometry with specific amplitude and wavelength characteristics. This parameter modification allows the rigid non-pneumatic structure to exhibit flexible, cushioning behavior, resolving the contradiction between durability and ride comfort.
3Duration of action of moving object
If banded run flat tires are used, then short term use after puncture is improved, but durability deteriorates due to interlaminar shear stress and band fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the annular band element entirely from the tire structure, replacing it with a non-pneumatic load-bearing ring that does not rely on tension members. This eliminates the interlaminar shear stress and fracture issues inherent in banded run flat tires, as there is no band to experience constant axial geometry changes and fiber elongation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a tension-based band structure that fails under repeated stress, the invention inverts the approach by using a compression-resistant load-bearing ring with wave-shaped springs. This inverted structural philosophy provides both run-flat capability and improved durability by avoiding the fracture-prone band configuration.
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 durability and ride comfort by distributing load effectively through the wave-shaped spring, enhancing stability and traction, and eliminating the need for air pressure, thus addressing the limitations of both pneumatic and non-pneumatic tire designs.
Implementation Method 1
a wave shaped spring positioned between the inner layer of matrix material and the outer layer of matrix material
Data Source
AI summary
A non-pneumatic tire is provided. The non-pneumatic tire includes an outer annular portion, an inner annular portion, and a load bearing ring positioned between the outer annular portion and the inner annular portion, the load bearing ring including an inner layer of matrix material, an outer layer of matrix material, and a wave shaped spring positioned between the inner layer of matrix material and the outer layer of matrix material.