Run-Flat Tire Structure With Tubular Reinforcement Against Recess Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tires face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and preventing rapid deterioration when internal air pressure is reduced or lost, particularly in run-flat or airless tire configurations.
Innovation Solution
The tire incorporates a closure-limiting configuration featuring a plurality of tubular reinforcing elements with closed cross-sections around an annular recess, which deform and expand circumferentially under load to resist further compression and maintain tire stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tire is designed as a run-flat or airless tire without internal air pressure, then the tire can maintain functionality after pressure loss, but the tire structure is prone to folding and rapid deterioration under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The tire structure is segmented into distinct functional regions: a first wall portion with partially conical form, a second tire portion with partially conical or cylindrical form, and a transition region connecting them. This segmentation allows each region to handle specific stresses independently, preventing catastrophic structural failure while maintaining run-flat functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The tire employs composite construction by integrating the first wall portion and second tire portion as integral structures with different geometric characteristics (conical and cylindrical forms). This composite approach creates a structure that can withstand the complex stress patterns experienced during run-flat operation without folding or deteriorating rapidly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tire wall portions are interconnected at a transition region to define an annular recess, then the tire can accommodate structural variations, but the annular recess may fold onto itself under load
Solution Approach 1:
The design proactively addresses the potential folding issue by creating a transition region that inherently resists folding through its geometric configuration. The connection between the first wall portion and second tire portion is designed to prevent the annular recess from folding onto itself under load, countering the potential failure mode before it occurs.
3Strength
If the tire uses conventional reinforcement methods, then the tire can maintain basic structural strength, but the tire cannot prevent folding in the annular recess region under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The first wall portion is given a partially conical form and the second tire portion a partially conical or cylindrical form. These curved, non-linear geometries provide inherent structural stability and resistance to folding in the annular recess region, superior to conventional flat or linear reinforcement methods. The curvature distributes stresses more effectively and prevents the formation of fold lines.
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
This configuration enhances the tire's resistance to deformation and wear by maintaining structural integrity under load, even without internal air pressure, thereby extending the tire's lifespan and improving performance.
Implementation Method 1
deformation of a compressed region of the tire under a load causes a change in shape of the tubular reinforcing elements in the compressed region
Data Source
AI summary
A tire (10, 10′) for rotation about an axis of rotation (12) has a first wall portion (14) having a partially conical form, and a second wall portion (16) integrally formed and interconnected with the first wall portion at a transition region (18) so as to define an annular recess. A closure-limiting configuration includes a number of tubular reinforcing elements (20) arrayed around the annular recess. Each tubular reinforcing element has a wall with a closed cross-section. The tubular reinforcing elements (20) are spaced around the annular recess such that deformation of a compressed region of the tire under a load causes a change in shape of the tubular reinforcing elements in the compressed region.