Non-Pneumatic Tire Radial Cable Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-pneumatic tires face limitations in load carrying capacity and durability due to the characteristics of polymeric spokes, which restrict their performance compared to pneumatic tires.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly design featuring radial cable members connected to a hub and friction plates, with claw members and clamp members to secure the cable members, forming a network of radial and circumferential cable members that distribute load effectively, enhancing the load-carrying capacity and durability of the tire assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymeric spokes are used in non-pneumatic tires, then the tire can function without air pressure, but the load carrying capacity and durability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining steel cables with polymeric materials to create hybrid spokes. The steel cables provide high strength and load-bearing capacity, while the polymeric materials provide flexibility and shock absorption. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by achieving both high reliability (load carrying capacity) and strength (durability) that neither material could achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the spoke structure by introducing pre-tensioning forces and adjustable tensioning mechanisms. By modifying the tension parameters of the cable members, the system can optimize both load carrying capacity and durability under different operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between reliability and strength.
2Device complexity
If polymeric spokes are used to transfer load, then the tire structure is simplified, but performance is limited compared to pneumatic tires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains structural simplicity while improving performance by using composite cable members that combine steel and polymeric materials. This approach preserves the simplified non-pneumatic structure without air chambers while achieving pneumatic-tire-level performance through the enhanced mechanical properties of the composite spokes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes performance within the simplified structure by adjusting parameters such as cable tension, material composition ratios, and geometric configuration. These parameter changes enable the simplified non-pneumatic structure to achieve performance levels comparable to complex pneumatic tires.
3Reliability
If radial cable members are used instead of polymeric spokes, then load distribution is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the radial cable members, which simultaneously serve as structural supports, load transfer elements, and tensioning components. By combining these functions into unified cable members rather than separate components, the system achieves improved load distribution while minimizing the number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial cable members are designed as universal components that perform multiple functions: providing structural support, distributing loads radially, and enabling adjustment through tensioning mechanisms. This multi-functionality improves load distribution while avoiding the need for additional specialized components.
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 significantly increases the load-carrying capacity and durability of non-pneumatic tires, improving their performance to match that of pneumatic tires by effectively distributing loads through a network of radial and circumferential cable members.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first friction plates each engaging a first surface of one part of a plurality of parts of a tire assembly, a plurality of second friction plates each engaging a second surface of the one part of a plurality of parts of a tire assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel assembly includes a hub for attachment to a rotatable axle, a plurality of first friction plates each engaging a first surface of one part of a plurality of parts of a tire assembly, a plurality of second friction plates each engaging a second surface of the one part of a plurality of parts of a tire assembly, the second surface being radially opposite the first surface, and a plurality of radial cable members each connecting the hub to the tire assembly such that each radial cable member extends radially away from the hub, bends circumferentially adjacent a corresponding second friction plate, bends radially outward and back circumferentially adjacent a corresponding first friction plate, and radially inward to a first point of intersection with the same radial cable member.