Reusable Non-Pneumatic Tire Rim Assembly Without Adhesives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rim designs for non-pneumatic tires with support structures like honeycomb or webbing geometry are not reusable, as the adhesive used to attach the rim to the support structure damages both when removed, making the rim unusable in new tires and increasing costs with larger tire sizes.
Innovation Solution
A reusable rim assembly for non-pneumatic tires featuring a first and second rim component with flanges and lips, secured by fasteners through openings in the tire's webbing, allowing the rim to be inserted and removed without adhesives, using lateral rim component support structures that distribute load and torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive is used to attach the rim to the support structure, then the rim is securely fixed during tire operation, but the rim cannot be removed without causing damage to the rim or support structure
Solution Approach 1:
The rim is divided into multiple segments or components that can be independently attached and detached from the support structure. This segmentation allows the rim to be assembled and disassembled without damage, enabling reuse while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static adhesive bond to a dynamic mechanical connection that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This dynamic approach allows the rim to be securely fixed during operation but easily removed for reuse, resolving the contradiction between attachment strength and reusability.
2Reliability
If the rim is designed to be securely attached during operation, then the rim remains fixed during tire use, but the rim cannot be reused in new tires after reaching end of life
Solution Approach 1:
The rim is designed with pre-configured attachment and detachment mechanisms that are prepared in advance. This preliminary design allows the rim to be easily assembled and disassembled multiple times, maintaining reliable fixation during operation while enabling reuse in new tires without damage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using adhesive that destroys the rim upon removal, the invention employs mechanical attachment methods that allow the rim to be recovered intact after use. The rim can be discarded from one tire and recovered for use in another tire, maintaining both reliable fixation and adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If non-reusable rim design is used, then the rim is simple and cost-effective for single use, but the cost increases significantly for larger tire sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The rim is designed as a universal component that can be used across multiple tires of the same size and type. By making the rim reusable and adaptable, a single rim can serve multiple functions in different tires, reducing the need to manufacture new rims for each tire and lowering material costs for larger tire sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
A rim assembly for a non-pneumatic tire has at least two rim components including: a first rim component having a first rim flange and a first lip, and a second rim component having a second rim flange and a second lip. The rim assembly further includes a plurality of lateral rim component support structures configured to extend through a plurality of openings of a tire support structure. The rim assembly also includes a first plurality of fasteners securing the plurality of lateral rim component support structures to the first rim flange, and a second plurality of fasteners securing the plurality of lateral rim component support structures to the second rim flange.