Rectangular Reinforcements in Non-Pneumatic Wheel Shear Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-pneumatic tires face challenges in reducing rolling resistance while maintaining performance advantages, as materials with low energy dissipation often increase mass, and existing shear band reinforcements do not adequately improve energy dissipation and rolling resistance.
Innovation Solution
A non-pneumatic wheel with an annular reinforcement structure featuring rectangular reinforcements within a shear layer, optimized to reduce energy loss and rolling resistance by replacing deforming rubber or polymeric materials and utilizing interlaced, axially-oriented reinforcing elements with specific spacing and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If materials with low energy dissipation are used in the shear layer, then energy loss is reduced, but mass increases due to lower shear modulus requiring more material volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining a shear layer made of low energy dissipation material with discrete annular reinforcing elements. This composite structure allows the base material to provide low energy loss characteristics while the reinforcing elements supply the necessary shear modulus and structural support, eliminating the need to increase material volume and mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The shear layer is segmented by introducing discrete annular reinforcing elements at specific intervals along the axial direction. This segmentation allows the low energy dissipation material to be used efficiently between the reinforcing elements, reducing overall energy loss while the spaced reinforcement provides structural support without requiring continuous high-mass material throughout the entire shear layer.
2Strength
If conventional shear band reinforcements are added, then structural support is improved, but rolling resistance and energy dissipation are not adequately reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly reinforcing the entire shear band, the patent applies discrete annular reinforcing elements at specific locations and orientations. This local quality approach provides structural support precisely where needed while leaving other areas with low energy dissipation material, thereby reducing overall rolling resistance and energy dissipation compared to conventional uniform reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing elements are oriented at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) to optimize their effectiveness under dynamic loading conditions during wheel rotation. This dynamic optimization allows the reinforcements to provide maximum structural support during shear deformation while minimizing energy dissipation, unlike static or conventional reinforcement patterns.
3Loss of energy
If the volume of deforming rubber or polymeric materials is reduced, then energy loss is optimized, but load support capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure where a reduced volume of deforming rubber or polymeric material (low energy dissipation material) works in conjunction with discrete annular reinforcing elements. The composite action allows the smaller volume of elastomeric material to provide necessary compliance and shock absorption while the reinforcements maintain load support capability, achieving both energy loss optimization and adequate load support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the load-bearing function from the bulk deforming material and assigns it to the discrete reinforcing elements. This allows the volume of deforming rubber or polymeric material to be minimized for energy loss optimization, while the extracted load support function is handled by the strategically positioned reinforcing elements that do not contribute to energy dissipation.
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 effectively reduces rolling resistance and optimizes energy loss in non-pneumatic wheels, enhancing their performance by minimizing material volume and improving energy dissipation, while maintaining compliance and load-supporting capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the ground contacting portion of the tire deforms to a flat contact region through shear strain in the shear layer
Data Source
AI summary
A non-pneumatic wheel having an annular reinforcement structure that includes rectangular reinforcements within a shear layer. The rectangular reinforcements replace deforming rubber or polymeric materials and can thereby reduce the volume of deforming materials to optimize energy loss therein and reduce rolling resistance of the non-pneumatic wheel.