Polyurethane Gauge Wheel Tire With Radial Flex and Axial Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gauge wheel tires made of low modulus materials like rubber are inadequate as they cannot maintain rigidity in the axial direction, leading to gaps and debris entry, and they lack sufficient radial flexibility to eject mud effectively.
Innovation Solution
A gauge wheel tire design utilizing a higher modulus polyurethane material that combines radial flexibility with axial rigidity, achieved through a construction method involving multiple polyurethane components, including a ground-engaging portion and an axial support portion with a gap for radial movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional low modulus rubber materials are used for gauge wheel tires, then radial flexibility is improved for mud ejection, but axial rigidity deteriorates causing gaps and debris entry
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge wheel tire is divided into multiple independent polyurethane components including a ground-engaging portion and an axial support portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function: the ground-engaging portion provides radial flexibility for mud ejection, while the axial support portion maintains axial rigidity to prevent gaps and debris entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes polyurethane material with higher modulus properties to create a composite structure that combines both radial flexibility and axial rigidity. The specific polyurethane formulation and multi-component construction enable the tire to exhibit different mechanical properties in different directions, achieving both mud ejection capability and gap prevention.
2Stability of the object's composition
If higher modulus polyurethane material is used, then axial rigidity is improved to prevent gaps and debris entry, but radial flexibility may deteriorate affecting mud ejection
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the gauge wheel tire are designed with different structural qualities to meet local requirements. The ground-engaging portion is configured to maximize radial flexibility for effective mud ejection, while the axial support portion is designed to provide axial rigidity. This local differentiation of structural properties resolves the contradiction between overall axial rigidity and localized radial flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap between the axial support portion and ground-engaging portion allows for dynamic radial movement of the ground-engaging portion while maintaining axial positioning. This dynamic capability enables the tire to flex radially for mud ejection while the axial support prevents axial displacement that would create gaps.
3Ease of manufacture
If a solid construction method is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but radial movement capability deteriorates reducing mud ejection effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The tire construction is segmented into multiple polyurethane components that are assembled together rather than formed as a single solid piece. This segmentation inherently provides radial movement capability between components while still being manufacturable through standard assembly processes. The modular approach balances manufacturing ease with functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than providing full radial movement throughout the entire tire structure, the patent implements partial radial movement capability specifically at the ground-engaging portion through the gap design. This partial action is sufficient for mud ejection functionality while maintaining overall structural integrity and simplifying manufacturing compared to fully flexible designs.
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 design allows for effective mud ejection and reduced soil compaction while maintaining axial rigidity to prevent debris entry, thereby enhancing the performance and durability of gauge wheel tires.
Implementation Method 1
the axial support portion is spaced apart from the ground-engaging portion to form a gap that allows radial movement of the ground-engaging portion
Implementation Method 2
A gauge wheel tire design utilizing a higher modulus polyurethane material that combines radial flexibility with axial rigidity
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed example embodiment of a gauge wheel tire includes a first polyurethane sidewall portion, a second polyurethane sidewall portion, a polyurethane ground-engaging portion, and a polyurethane axial support portion. The first polyurethane sidewall portion is spaced apart from the second polyurethane sidewall portion, and the polyurethane ground-engaging portion extends from the first polyurethane sidewall portion to the second polyurethane sidewall portion and is adapted to contact a ground surface as the gauge wheel tire rotates about an axis of rotation. The polyurethane axial support portion extends from the first polyurethane sidewall portion to the second polyurethane sidewall portion, and is spaced apart from the polyurethane ground-engaging portion to form a gap that allows radial movement of the polyurethane ground-engaging portion relative to the polyurethane axial support portion.