Non-Pneumatic Tire Web Structure for Load Deflection Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire technologies, such as non-pneumatic tires and run-flat tires, face challenges in maintaining functionality and stability, especially after punctures or loss of air pressure, as they require complex support structures and may not efficiently distribute loads without proper inflation.
Innovation Solution
A non-pneumatic tire design featuring a plurality of hoops with opposing faces and a web structure composed of closed geometric shapes and spokes, where each spoke has directional geometry to deflect and distribute loads effectively, minimizing surface strain and stress concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-pneumatic tire uses a complex support structure with spokes and webbing to maintain stability without inflation, then the tire can operate after punctures or air loss, but the structural complexity increases and stress concentrations may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The tire is divided into multiple discrete hoops (typically 3-5 hoops) spaced axially apart, with each hoop being a complete circle. This segmentation allows the tire to maintain structural integrity without requiring continuous webbing between all points, reducing overall complexity while preserving reliability after punctures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional two-dimensional radial tire structure to a three-dimensional hoop-based structure with axial spacing. Multiple hoops are positioned at different axial locations, creating a spatial framework that provides structural support without requiring complex webbing patterns, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Strength
If the tire uses traditional webbing structures to connect hoops, then support is provided, but stress concentrations occur at connection points reducing fatigue resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The hoops are formed with continuous curved geometry rather than straight segments joined at angles. This curvature distributes stresses more evenly around the hoop circumference and eliminates sharp stress concentration points at connections, thereby improving fatigue resistance while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the support structure by using axially spaced hoops with specific spacing distances (typically 0.5-2 inches apart) and optimized hoop diameters. This parameter optimization reduces stress concentrations compared to traditional webbing designs, enhancing fatigue resistance while maintaining necessary support strength.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tire maintains a rigid structure to ensure stability without inflation, then load distribution is improved, but the structure cannot accommodate deflection under load
Solution Approach 1:
The tire structure is designed to be dynamically adaptable rather than statically rigid. The hoops and spokes can deflect and deform elastically under load, allowing the structure to accommodate varying load conditions while maintaining overall stability. This dynamic capability enables better load distribution without compromising structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-pneumatic tire includes a lower ring having a first diameter, an upper ring having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, and a plurality of closed geometric shapes connected to the lower ring. The non-pneumatic tire further includes a plurality of spokes extending from each closed geometric shape to the upper ring. Each of the plurality of spokes includes a first linear segment connected to one of the plurality of closed geometric shapes and extending in a first direction, and a second linear segment connected to the upper ring and extending in a second direction different from the first direction.