Pre-strained Non-pneumatic Tire Connecting Elements

Solution Overview

Problem

Non-pneumatic tires face strain issues under compression, leading to buckling of connecting elements, which can be mitigated by using stiffer or thicker materials, but these solutions increase weight or compromise performance.

Innovation Solution

The method involves pre-straining the connecting elements of a non-pneumatic tire by stretching the outer ring in a radial direction, allowing the connecting elements to stretch and maintain connection, thereby reducing strain without increasing material stiffness or weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If stiffer material is used for connecting elements, then strain under compression is reduced, but tire weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrain resistanceVSAvoidtire weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting elements are pre-strained during manufacturing by stretching the outer ring radially, which pre-tensions the elements before the tire is put into service. This preliminary action reduces the strain experienced during operation without requiring thicker or stiffer materials, thereby avoiding increased weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If thicker connecting elements are used, then strain under compression is reduced, but tire weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrain resistanceVSAvoidtire weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting elements are pre-strained during manufacturing by stretching the outer ring radially, which pre-tensions the elements before the tire is put into service. This preliminary action reduces the strain experienced during operation without requiring thicker or stiffer materials, thereby avoiding increased weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If pre-straining is applied to connecting elements, then strain under compression is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrain resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting elements are pre-strained during manufacturing by stretching the outer ring radially, which pre-tensions the elements before the tire is put into service. This preliminary action reduces the strain experienced during operation without requiring thicker or stiffer materials, thereby avoiding increased weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The outer ring itself serves as the stretching mechanism during manufacturing. By radially stretching the outer ring, the connecting elements are automatically pre-strained without requiring separate stretching equipment or complex manufacturing processes. The structure pre-conditions itself during normal assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach effectively reduces strain on connecting elements under compression, maintaining tire performance while minimizing weight and material stiffness, allowing for efficient load distribution and reduced buckling.

Implementation Method 1

stretching the outer ring in a radial direction causes the plurality of connecting elements to stretch in a radial direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11707947B2Pre-strained non-pneumatic tire and method of making same

Publication Date: 2023.07.25 BRIDGESTONE AMERICAS TIRE OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A pre-strained non-pneumatic tire has an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of polymeric connecting elements extending from the inner ring to the outer ring. The pre-strained non-pneumatic tire made by a process that includes forming an initial non-pneumatic tire and straining at least a portion of one of the plurality of polymeric connecting elements.