Non-Pneumatic Wheel Assembly With Cylindrical Sleeves for Load Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-pneumatic tires face limitations in load carrying capacity and durability due to the characteristics of polymeric spokes, which restrict their performance compared to pneumatic tires.
Innovation Solution
A tire/wheel assembly featuring a circular hub member, first and second rim pieces with cylindrical sleeves and serrated shafts, and a method of securing these elements with bolt and fastener members to enhance load transfer and durability, allowing for improved load carrying capacity and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymeric spokes are used in non-pneumatic tires, then the tires can function without air pressure, but the load carrying capacity and durability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional polymeric spokes with a composite structure consisting of rigid cylindrical sleeves (metal or polymer) connected to rim pieces through serrated shafts and bolted joints. This composite construction combines the advantages of rigid materials for load bearing with modular assembly, achieving both high load carrying capacity and durability while maintaining the non-pneumatic tire function
2Productivity
If traditional polymeric spokes are used, then the tire structure is simple, but the performance is limited compared to pneumatic tires
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is divided into discrete modular components: cylindrical sleeves, rim pieces with shafts, bolt members, and fastener members. Each component performs a specific function and can be manufactured independently using optimal materials and processes, then assembled into a high-performance wheel assembly that matches pneumatic tire performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the spoke structure by transitioning from flexible polymeric material to rigid cylindrical sleeves with precise geometric dimensions. The sleeves have specific length-to-diameter ratios and are connected through serrated interfaces, transforming the mechanical properties to achieve high stiffness and load capacity while maintaining structural integrity
Data Source
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AI summary
A tire/wheel assembly (200) is disclosed comprising a circular hub member (230) for securing to a rotatable axle of a vehicle, a first rim piece (210) for engaging the hub member (230), a second rim piece (220) for engaging the first rim piece (210), and a plurality of cylindrical sleeves (241) for engaging both the first rim piece (210) and the second rim piece (110), the first rim piece (210) having cylindrical first shafts (212) each engaging a first end (242) of one of the sleeves (241), the second rim piece (220) having cylindrical second shafts (222) each engaging a second opposite end (244) of one of the sleeves (241), an outer cylindrical surface (245) of each sleeve (241) engaging a separate and distinct tire member (140). Also, a method for supporting a vehicle load is disclosed.