Pressurized Load Cell Sleeve for Tire Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of pressurized load cells in tire/wheel combinations is limited due to inefficiencies in the installation process and the limited 'give' of tires with pressurized load cells, making them unsuitable for applications requiring substantial deflection, such as climbing obstacles taller than a third of the tire's outside diameter.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a multi-piece wheel, a tire with beaded portions, and a sleeve member that constrains pressurized load cells within the tire cavity, allowing for improved positioning and support of the load cells, which can be partially filled to enhance tire deflection and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressurized load cells are inserted one-by-one into the tire cavity and brought up to higher pressure, then the tire can maintain load deflection and control, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The load cells are pre-assembled in a ring configuration at lower pressure before insertion into the tire cavity. This preliminary assembly allows multiple load cells to be installed simultaneously as a unit rather than one-by-one, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining the ability to provide load deflection support
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the load cell ring pressure to be adjusted independently from the tire pressure. The load cells can be inflated to different pressures dynamically to optimize performance for different operating conditions, and the multi-piece wheel design allows for easy installation and removal of the load cell assembly
2Reliability
If pressurized load cells are positioned within the tire cavity, then the tire can maintain control, but the tire's ability to deflect and increase external surface area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The load cells are positioned specifically in the central portion of the tire cavity rather than uniformly distributed throughout. This localized placement allows the outer portions of the tire to deflect freely and increase external surface area for climbing obstacles, while the central load cells maintain vehicle control on level ground
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables independent pressure control of the load cells versus the tire. The load cells can be pressurized to maintain control during normal operation, while the tire pressure can be reduced to allow greater deflection for obstacle climbing, providing adaptability for different terrain conditions
3Ease of manufacture
If load cells are partially inflated before insertion, then installation is simplified, but the load cells may move out of position or fall out before tire mounting
Solution Approach 1:
A containment structure or guiding mechanism is used during installation to hold the partially inflated load cell ring in position. This intermediary structure prevents the load cells from moving out of position or falling out before the tire is fully mounted, while still allowing easy installation
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 system simplifies the installation process and increases the tire's ability to 'give' and maintain contact with the ground, enhancing mobility and traction on various terrains, particularly for climbing tall obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
pressurized load cells (1) fill the void between the barrel of the wheel and the interior surface of the tire and (2) operate to maintain the tire load deflection or loaded ratio
Implementation Method 2
the ability of the tire to 'flatten' and increase the amount of external surface area of the tire in contact with the ground is limited not only by the deflection of the tire
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a wheel, a tire, a plurality of pressurized load cells and a sleeve member. The wheel includes a first flange portion, a second flange portion and a barrel portion positioned between the first and second flange portions. The tire is mounted to the wheel. The wheel and the tire cooperate to define a tire cavity. The tire includes a first beaded portion and a second beaded portion. The plurality of pressurized load cells are positioned within the tire cavity. The sleeve member is positioned within the tire cavity and surrounds and constrains the plurality of pressurized load cells.