Removable Hub Segments for Non-Pneumatic Wheel Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-pneumatic wheels face challenges in maintenance and repair due to their integral construction, making it impractical and costly to replace or modify components like spokes and annular bands without destructive methods.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing a wheel hub that allows for removably attached spokes, utilizing a sheet of material processed into precursor elements with axial, radial, and circumferential directions, and cutting these elements to form channels for secure attachment and detachment, enabling economical and non-destructive substitution of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hub and load bearing members are constructed with integral construction, then the structural strength and reliability are improved, but the ease of repair and adaptability deteriorate as component replacement requires destructive methods
Solution Approach 1:
The hub is segmented into a hub body and removable hub members that can be independently detached and replaced. The hub members are separable from the hub body through removable connections, allowing individual components to be replaced without destructive methods while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the hub assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The hub transitions from a static integral construction to a dynamic assembly with removable connections. The hub members can be selectively attached and detached from the hub body, enabling maintenance and adaptation without compromising the structural strength during operation
2Ease of manufacture
If the hub is constructed as a single integral piece, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability and ease of modification deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hub is divided into a hub body and separate hub members that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured separately using simple processes, while enabling future substitution of different hub members to adapt the wheel to different applications
Solution Approach 2:
The hub body is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different types of hub members through standardized removable connections. This allows the same hub body to be used with various spoke configurations, materials, or designs, enhancing adaptability without requiring complex manufacturing
3Strength
If load bearing members are permanently attached to the hub, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between hub members and hub body transitions from permanent to dynamically removable. The removable connections maintain sufficient connection strength during normal operation to bear loads, while allowing easy detachment for maintenance by simply removing the removable connections without requiring destructive methods
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for manufacturing a wheel hub (300) for a non-pneumatic wheel (100). A sheet (332) of material may be folded, cut, bent, and otherwise processed to form portions of the desired wheel hub(300). The wheel hub (300) may be connected with an annular band (108) through load supporting members (106) that can be selectively connected and disconnected from the hub (300).