Rolling Assembly Adapter Axial Deformation Rim Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tires designed for rigid rims lack sufficient flexibility in the axial direction to effectively absorb impacts from potholes and sidewalk contacts, leading to potential damage and reduced handling performance.

Innovation Solution

A rolling assembly with a tire, rim, and adapter where the adapter has a specific width-to-length ratio (W/L) between 20% and 60%, featuring a main reinforcing frame anchored to external elements, a blocking element within the rim groove, and elastomeric projections for enhanced axial support and impact absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid rim is used, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility in the axial direction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidflexibility in axial direction

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is segmented into distinct functional zones: a rigid outer frame for structural strength, elastomeric material in the axial direction for flexibility, and a blocking element for impact absorption. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter exhibits local quality by having different mechanical properties in different directions and locations: rigid in the radial direction for strength, elastomeric in the axial direction for flexibility, and reinforced at specific points with the blocking element for impact protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the carcass ply is reinforced, then protection against impacts is improved, but handling performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against impactsVSAvoidhandling performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the rigid rim and the tire, absorbing impact forces before they reach the tire structure. This protects the tire from damage while maintaining its original handling characteristics and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric material and blocking element are positioned in advance to cushion against upcoming impacts. The adapter is designed to deform axially under impact loads, absorbing energy before it can damage the tire or affect handling performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Length of moving object

If the adapter width L is increased, then axial deformation capacity is improved, but the W/L ratio constraint deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial deformation capacityVSAvoidW/L ratio constraint

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter design optimizes the W/L ratio parameter within the specified range of 0.20-0.60 to achieve the desired balance between axial deformation capacity and radial strength. This parameter optimization allows sufficient axial flexibility while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides significant axial deformation during impacts, reducing stress on the assembly and maintaining high handling performance by ensuring a permanent mechanical connection between the tire and adapter, while absorbing mechanical forces effectively.

Implementation Method 1

said body being made at least partially of an elastomeric material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

provides significant axial deformation during impacts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 3

said body comprising a blocking element intended to wedge said adapter in the rim groove

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Implementation Method 4

comprising at least one main reinforcing frame which is anchored in each axially external end to an external reinforcing element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReinforcement:

Data Source

PatentEP3131760B1Adapter for rolling assembly and rolling assembly comprising same

Publication Date: 2021.06.30 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

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AI summary

The invention relates to an adapter for a rolling assembly having an axis of rotation comprising a tyre having two beads, a rim having a well (13) positioned between two rim seats (12) each having an axially outer end, said rim having a total width W between each axially outer end of said two rim seats, said adapter making the connection between each bead and each rim seat, said adapter having two axially outer ends (2) each comprising an adapter seat (3) and an adapter bearing face (4) substantially comprised in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, a body (5) connecting said two axially outer ends (2) so as to form a one-piece component and comprising at least one main reinforcement, a face (16) intended to be in contact with each rim seat (12) and with the well (13) and arranged radially on the inside said adapter having a total axial width L comprised between each adapter seat (3). The invention is characterized in that the ratio W/L is greater than or equal to 20 and less than or equal to 60% and in that said body comprises an immobilizing element (8) intended to immobilize said adapter in the well (13).