Polyurethane Tire Hose with Conical Valve Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tube systems in vehicle tires are heavy, prone to punctures under driving stresses, and have high internal friction due to their rubber composition and thickness, which affects weight and performance.
Innovation Solution
A polyurethane-based tube system with a constant wall thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm, featuring a valve with a conical compression sleeve and holding section for secure attachment, and a welding method that enhances mechanical properties and reduces weight and friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rubber or latex tubes with wall thickness between 0.45 mm and 3 mm are used, then the tube system has sufficient mechanical strength, but the weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rubber/latex to polyurethane, which has superior strength-to-weight ratio. This material substitution allows achieving the same mechanical strength with significantly reduced wall thickness (0.1-0.4 mm vs. 0.45-3 mm), thereby reducing the tube system weight while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different wall thicknesses in different sections of the tube. The wall thickness is optimized locally: thinner (0.1-0.4 mm) where weight reduction is critical, and thicker (0.5-3 mm) in areas requiring higher mechanical strength, such as near the valve assembly or reinforcement zones. This local quality approach resolves the contradiction by providing strength only where necessary
2Strength
If rubber tubes with larger wall thickness are used, then the tube system has higher mechanical load capacity, but the internal friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rubber to polyurethane, which has lower internal friction coefficients. This material substitution reduces energy loss due to internal friction while maintaining or improving mechanical load capacity, as polyurethane exhibits superior elasticity and lower hysteresis losses compared to traditional rubber materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by embedding the polyurethane tube within a tire structure that includes reinforcing layers and casing materials. This composite approach allows the thin-walled polyurethane tube to achieve higher mechanical load capacity through the combined properties of the tube and surrounding structural elements, while the polyurethane's low friction特性 reduces internal energy loss
3Weight of moving object
If the wall thickness is reduced to 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm, then the weight and internal friction are reduced, but the resistance to puncture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite construction by embedding the thin-walled polyurethane tube within a tire structure that includes reinforcing layers, casing materials, and protective coatings. This composite approach compensates for the reduced puncture resistance of the thin wall through the combined protective properties of multiple material layers, allowing weight reduction while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates protective measures in advance by designing the tube system with reinforcement zones, thicker walls at critical areas, and integrated protection against external damages. This beforehand cushioning approach allows the use of thinner walls in non-critical areas while maintaining overall puncture resistance through pre-planned protective features
4Power
If polyurethane hose with constant wall thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm is used, then the grip and power transmission improve at lower air pressures, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a constant wall thickness parameter range of 0.1-0.4 mm for polyurethane tubes, which is tighter than conventional rubber tubes. This parameter change requires advanced manufacturing processes such as precision extrusion or injection molding with tight process control to maintain consistent wall thickness, enabling the thin-walled design to function reliably while achieving improved power transmission at lower pressures
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 polyurethane tube system offers improved mechanical load capacity, resistance to punctures, reduced weight, and lower internal friction, allowing for increased grip and power transmission at lower air pressures.
Implementation Method 1
a section of the hose wall surrounding the hole in the hose is clamped between the pressure surface of the compression sleeve and the counter-pressure surface of the holding section of the valve
Implementation Method 2
the pressure sleeve is fastened to the valve with a press fit
Data Source
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AI summary
Hose system, in particular for vehicle tires, with a hose (12) formed into a ring, wherein the hose (12) contains polyurethane and has a wall thickness that is at least substantially constant along its extent, wherein the substantially constant value of the wall thickness is in the range between 0.1 mm and 0.4 mm, characterized in that the hose (12) has a hole (32) into which a valve (20) is inserted, which comprises a retaining section (34) arranged inside (24) the hose (12), a functional section (36) arranged outside the hose (12), and a crimp sleeve (22), wherein the crimp sleeve (22) has an internal contact surface (42) and the retaining section (34) has a counter-contact surface (44) that interacts with the contact surface (42).wherein a section of the hose wall (13) enclosing the hole (32) of the hose (12) is clamped between the contact surface (42) of the crimp sleeve (22) and the counter-contact surface (44) of the retaining section (34) of the valve (20), and wherein the contact surface (42) of the crimp sleeve (22) and the counter-contact surface (44) of the retaining section (34) are conically shaped and the crimp sleeve (22) is attached to the valve (20) in the press fit (45).