Rolling Assembly Adapter with Conductive Strip and Segmented Elastic Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling assemblies with elastic adapters do not effectively reduce tire and adapter wear during rare events like flattening due to uneven contact and sliding, and they fail to prevent static electricity-induced sparks.
Innovation Solution
A rolling assembly with a tire, rim, and adapter featuring an axially inner and outer reinforcing element, a conductive strip, and a cylindrical adapter seat that immobilizes the tire bead axially, reducing mechanical stress and static electricity risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an elastic adapter is inserted between the rim and tire beads, then the tire can be dissociated from the rim and flexibility is improved, but wear increases during flat rolling due to uneven contact and sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first portion with a first modulus of elasticity that contacts the tire bead, and a second portion with a second modulus of elasticity that contacts the rim. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, reducing uneven contact and sliding wear while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the adapter have different local properties - the first portion has different elastic properties than the second portion. This local quality differentiation allows the adapter to provide flexibility where needed while reducing wear at critical contact surfaces through optimized material properties in each zone.
2Device complexity
If a conventional tire-rim assembly is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but static electricity accumulation occurs leading to sparks
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the tire and rim. It introduces conductivity to the assembly without significantly increasing structural complexity, serving as a mediator that prevents static electricity accumulation and sparks while maintaining the basic tire-rim structure.
3Strength
If the adapter allows radial movement of tire beads, then flexibility and impact absorption are improved, but axial immobilization is insufficient during violent impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into functional portions with different mechanical properties. The first portion allows radial movement for flexibility and impact absorption, while the second portion provides axial immobilization during violent impacts, achieving both requirements through structural segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the adapter have different local mechanical properties - the first portion is optimized for radial flexibility and impact absorption, while the second portion is optimized for axial immobilization. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between flexibility and axial stability.
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 reduces wear during impacts, prevents static electricity accumulation, and ensures better protection against violent impacts by distributing stress and facilitating electrical conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one conductive strip, removable or not, arranged over all or part of the circumferential periphery of said adapter, and over a complete path going from the adapter seat to the rim
Implementation Method 2
said adapter ensuring the junction between one of the beads and the rim... an axially inner end intended to be mounted on the seat of the rim and comprising an inner reinforcing element, an axially outer end comprising an outer reinforcing element, a body connecting said outer end with said inner end so as to form a unitary part and comprising at least one main reinforcing frame ensuring the connection between said exterior reinforcement and said interior reinforcement
Implementation Method 3
said seat being located at the axially exterior end of said body, an adapter bearing face substantially included in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, said bearing face being located on the axially interior face of the axially exterior end
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a rolling assembly comprising a tyre P, at least one adapter, and a rim J, said adapter providing the connection between one of the beads and the rim, said rim having two rim seats (7) and two gutters (8), said adapter having one axially inner end (10) intended for being mounted on the rim seat (7) and comprising an inner reinforcement element (20), an outer axially end (9) comprising an outer reinforcement element (16), a body (11) connecting said outer end (9) with said inner end (10) so as to form an individual part and comprising at least one main reinforcing frame providing the link between said outer reinforcement (16) and said inner reinforcement (20), a substantially cylindrical adapter seat (18) intended for receiving one of said beads, said seat (18) being located at the axially outer end (9) of said body (11), and an adapter bearing surface (21) substantially included in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, said bearing surface (21) being located on the axially inner surface of the axially outer end. Said assembly is characterised in that the reinforcement element (20) of the axially outer end (9) is located entirely outside the bearing surface (21), in that the body comprises opposite the adapter seat (14) an annular seat reinforcement (19) and in that the adapter comprises at least one conductive strip (22), removable or not removable, arranged on all or part of the circumferential perimeter of said adapter, and on a complete path running from the adapter seat (14) to the gutter (8).