Run-Flat Wheel Support Elements With Independent Rim Clamping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle wheel systems lack an efficient and secure method for enabling emergency running with a flat tire, as current solutions are either cumbersome or insufficient for ensuring safe and stable operation.

Innovation Solution

A device with a circular or annular base body featuring a positioning device for accurate placement and a fastening mechanism, including clamping elements and a locking mechanism, that can be independently operated to securely attach the device to the vehicle wheel, ensuring centered and firm attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a positioning device and fastening device are used independently, then the attachment can be easily and securely attached to the vehicle wheel, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device is divided into two independent functional components: a positioning device for centering the attachment on the rim, and a fastening device for securing the attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without interfering with the other, making the overall attachment process easier while managing complexity through functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning device is designed to work independently of the fastening device, allowing the positioning function to be performed without requiring the fastening mechanism to be activated. This multi-functionality enables the system to handle both positioning and fastening operations separately, improving ease of operation while keeping each subsystem relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the fastening device is actuated independently of the positioning device, then the attachment can be firmly fastened to the vehicle wheel, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device performs the centering and preliminary positioning of the attachment on the rim before the fastening device is activated. This preliminary action ensures that the attachment is correctly positioned in advance, allowing the fastening device to simply secure the already-positioned attachment without requiring high precision during the fastening operation itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning device acts as an intermediary between the attachment and the fastening device. It first establishes the correct positional relationship between the attachment and the rim, then the fastening device secures this pre-established position. This intermediary step separates the positioning and fastening functions, reducing the precision requirements for each individual component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the positioning device remains unclamped after final attachment, then the fastening device can be actuated independently, but the stability of the attachment decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent actuationVSAvoidattachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is extracted from the fastening mechanism, allowing the positioning device to remain unclamped and independent after the attachment is secured. This extraction enables the fastening device to be actuated independently without being constrained by the positioning device, while the positioning device continues to provide guidance and centering functionality without interfering with the fastening operation or compromising stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4079530B1Device for enabling emergency running properties of a vehicle wheel
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 GV ENGINEERING GMBH
  • EP4079530B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2c
  • EP4079530B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4079530B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (200) for enabling run-flat properties of a vehicle wheel 12, characterized in that the device (200) comprises a first support element (210) designed to be attached to the vehicle wheel (12) on the side of the vehicle, and a second support element (220) designed to be attached to the vehicle wheel (12) on the outer side (230) facing away from the vehicle, wherein the support elements (210, 220) are designed such that, in a mounting position provided on the vehicle wheel (12), they exert lateral pressure on the sidewalls of the tire (14) of the vehicle wheel (12) in such a way that a tread surface (240) of the tire (14) is forced radially outwards.