Polymeric Hub Non-Pneumatic Tire Resists Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-pneumatic tires face issues with high manufacturing costs, susceptibility to permanent deformation, and vibration transmission due to metal hubs, which also generate undesirable noise.
Innovation Solution
A structurally supported non-pneumatic wheel with a polymeric hub that resists deformation and minimizes vibration and noise transmission, constructed without metal to reduce costs and improve performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal hub is used in non-pneumatic tires, then structural strength and load support are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and susceptibility to permanent deformation from impact events occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to polymeric material for the hub, transforming the mechanical properties to achieve both sufficient strength and resistance to permanent deformation. The polymeric material's viscoelastic properties allow it to absorb impact energy without permanent deformation, resolving the contradiction between strength and reliability under impact conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by integrating the polymeric hub with the tire structure, creating a unified system where the hub and tire work together as a composite structure. This integration allows the polymeric hub to achieve required structural strength through its interaction with the tire's load-supporting band, while maintaining resistance to permanent deformation.
2Strength
If a metal hub is used in non-pneumatic tires, then structural support is improved, but vibration transmission and noise generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to polymeric material, fundamentally altering the vibration transmission characteristics. Polymeric materials have higher damping capacity and lower modulus of elasticity compared to metal, which reduces vibration transmission to the vehicle and minimizes noise generation while maintaining adequate structural support through the composite tire-hub system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the typically harmful vibration transmission property of rigid materials into a benefit by using polymeric material that naturally dampens vibrations. The viscoelastic properties of the polymeric hub transform vibrational energy into heat through internal friction, converting what would be harmful vibrations into a beneficial damping effect that reduces noise and improves comfort.
3Strength
If a metal hub is used in non-pneumatic tires, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to polymeric material, which fundamentally alters the manufacturing process and cost structure. Polymeric materials can be molded using conventional tire manufacturing equipment and processes, eliminating the need for separate metal hub fabrication and assembly operations. This material substitution reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining structural integrity through the integrated tire-hub design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the hub and tire into a single integrated polymeric structure, eliminating the need for separate metal hub manufacturing and assembly operations. The hub is formed as an integral part of the tire structure using conventional tire molding processes, combining what were previously separate manufacturing operations into a single step, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and complexity.
4Force
If conventional solid tires with metal rims are used, then load support is achieved, but weight increases and shock absorbing capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to polymeric material for the hub, significantly reducing the weight of the wheel assembly. The lower density of polymeric materials compared to metal directly reduces the weight of the hub while maintaining adequate structural support through the integrated tire-hub design and the load-supporting band structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible polymeric hub structure integrated with the tire, replacing the rigid metal rim. The polymeric material's flexibility and the integrated tire structure provide shock absorbing capability while supporting loads, allowing the system to deform elastically under impact and return to its original shape, thereby improving shock absorption compared to rigid metal constructions.
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 polymeric hub reduces manufacturing costs, minimizes deformation, and effectively reduces noise and vibration, offering improved tire performance comparable to pneumatic tires.
Implementation Method 1
The hub is constructed from a polymeric material... effectively reduces noise and vibration
Implementation Method 2
a compliant, load supporting band is positioned radially outward and concentric with the hub
Data Source
AI summary
A structurally supported, non-pneumatic wheel is provided. The wheel includes a hub constructed from a polymeric material, which can more readily resist deformation during an impact event and provide improvements in noise generation and manufacturing cost. A plurality of tension-transmitting web elements connect the hub with a compliant, load supporting band.