Reinforced Non-Pneumatic Tire Outer Ring for Load and Traction Balance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-pneumatic tire designs lack an efficient method to distribute load and provide adequate traction while maintaining ride comfort and durability.
Innovation Solution
A non-pneumatic tire design featuring an inner ring, an outer ring with circumferential reinforcements, and a support structure connecting the inner and outer rings, along with a circumferential tread having a reinforcement layer spaced from the bottom, is proposed. The tire structure incorporates a thermoplastic sheet with embedded reinforcement cords and a shear element formed by an elastic region between inelastic regions to enhance load-carrying capacity and traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the outer ring is made with circumferential reinforcements to enhance load-carrying capacity, then the tire's strength and durability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional reinforcement layers and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the circumferential tread and the outer ring into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement layers. The circumferential tread itself provides the reinforcing function, merging two previously distinct elements (tread + reinforcement) into one unified structure that reduces complexity while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential tread is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides traction contact with the ground, structural reinforcement for load-carrying capacity, and lateral stability. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated reinforcement components, reducing device complexity while improving or maintaining strength.
2Device complexity
If the circumferential tread is placed directly on the outer ring to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but traction and load distribution are insufficient without adequate spacing for reinforcement layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tread and outer ring into a single integrated component where the circumferential tread forms the outer ring structure itself. This integration ensures that traction elements are inherently part of the load-bearing structure, maintaining reliability while simplifying the overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential tread is constructed as a composite structure with reinforcing elements (such as cords or ribs) embedded within the tread material. This composite design provides both traction through the tread surface and structural reinforcement through the embedded elements, achieving reliable performance without requiring separate reinforcement layers.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple reinforcement layers are added to the outer ring to improve durability, then the tire's durability and load-carrying capacity increase, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the durability-providing reinforcement function with the circumferential tread into a single manufactured component. By integrating the reinforcement within the tread structure rather than adding separate layers, the manufacturing process is simplified while maintaining the durability benefits of reinforced construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential tread uses composite material construction with reinforcing fibers or cords embedded in the tread material during a single manufacturing process. This approach achieves enhanced durability through the composite structure without requiring multiple assembly steps or separate reinforcement layers, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity.
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 proposed tire design effectively distributes load, enhances traction, and improves ride comfort by utilizing the shear element and reinforcement layers, thereby increasing the tire's durability and load-carrying capacity.
Implementation Method 1
The circumferential tread may contain a shear element having an elastic region disposed between upper and lower inelastic regions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A non-pneumatic tire includes an inner ring having an axis of rotation and an outer ring having a plurality of circumferential reinforcements. The non-pneumatic tire further includes support structure extending from the inner ring to the outer ring. The non-pneumatic tire also includes a circumferential tread extending about the outer ring. The circumferential tread includes a tread reinforcement layer spaced from a bottom of the circumferential tread.