Polyurethane Composite Non-Pneumatic Tire Weight and Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-pneumatic tires face issues with high weight and heat accumulation during high-speed operation, which reduces their service life and increases maintenance costs, while pneumatic tires suffer from leakage and maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A non-pneumatic tire design featuring a polyurethane composite layer comprising a polyurethane matrix material and thermoplastic expandable polymer material, with a rubber layer externally applied, to enhance heat resistance and reduce weight, achieved through a specific reaction process and centrifugal molding technique.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If polyurethane filled tire uses conventional porous polyurethane elastomer, then good elasticity and traction are achieved, but weight is higher than pneumatic tire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system combining polyurethane elastomer with hollow microsphere fillers. The hollow microspheres are distributed within the polyurethane matrix to create a composite structure that reduces density while maintaining elastic properties. This composite approach allows the tire to achieve lower weight compared to conventional solid polyurethane filled tires.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous polyurethane elastomer with controlled porosity to reduce material density. The porous structure creates void spaces within the tire material, decreasing overall weight while preserving the elastic deformation capabilities needed for tire function. The pore structure also contributes to heat dissipation.
2Productivity
If non-pneumatic tire operates at higher speed, then productivity is improved, but heat accumulation damages the tire and shortens service life
Solution Approach 1:
The porous structure of the polyurethane elastomer creates interconnected void channels that facilitate heat dissipation. These pores allow air circulation and thermal conduction pathways that prevent heat buildup during high-speed operation, enabling the tire to maintain structural integrity at higher operating speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow microsphere fillers act as thermal sinks and create internal convection currents that mimic cooling effects. The spherical cavities within the composite structure serve as micro-chambers for heat distribution and dissipation, reducing peak temperatures during high-speed operation.
3Weight of moving object
If pneumatic tire is used, then light weight and good elasticity are achieved, but leakage and flat tires occur due to various reasons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an artificial pneumatic structure by incorporating hollow microspheres within the solid polyurethane matrix. These embedded hollow spheres trap air or gas pockets, providing internal pressure support similar to pneumatic tires without requiring external inflation systems. This eliminates leakage and flat tire problems while maintaining the weight and elasticity benefits of pneumatic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure combines solid polyurethane elastomer with hollow microsphere inclusions to create a hybrid tire material. The solid matrix provides structural strength and elasticity, while the hollow spheres provide internal pressure support, together achieving both reliability and performance characteristics.
4Reliability
If filled tire uses solid or semi-solid materials, then maintenance-free operation is achieved, but heat accumulation during high-speed rotation damages the tire
Solution Approach 1:
The porous polyurethane elastomer structure provides inherent thermal management capabilities through its void network. The interconnected pores facilitate heat conduction and convection, allowing the maintenance-free solid tire structure to dissipate heat effectively during high-speed operation, preventing the thermal damage that plagues conventional filled tires.
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 solution results in a tire with improved high-temperature resistance, reduced weight, and extended service life, while maintaining the advantages of pneumatic tires such as comfort and durability, thus addressing the limitations of both tire types.
Implementation Method 1
the thermoplastic expandable polymer material has a water absorption rate of more than 10% after 24 hours
Implementation Method 2
comprising a polyurethane matrix material and a thermoplastic expandable polymer material dispersed in the polyurethane matrix material
Implementation Method 3
The filling materials for filled tires should not only enable the tires to absorb vibration
Implementation Method 4
achieved through a specific reaction process and centrifugal molding technique
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention provides a non-pneumatic tire and a method for preparing the same and use thereof. The non-pneumatic tire according to the present invention comprises a polyurethane matrix material and a thermoplastic expandable polymer material dispersed in the polyurethane matrix material. As compared with the non-pneumatic tire in the prior art, the non-pneumatic tire according to the present invention has lower overall weight, high wear resistance, high tire dynamic characteristics and excellent hydrolysis resistance.