Multi-piece Run-flat Insert with Tapered Engagement Sectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing run-flat systems face challenges in maintaining vehicle mobility on damaged tires, particularly in off-road environments, due to the high radial and lateral loads that stress the support material and structure, making it difficult to design a system that is easily installable and capable of handling the rigors of continued travel.
Innovation Solution
A tire support system comprising a plurality of arcuate support sectors with overlap extensions and terminal flanges, where each sector is connected via projections and recesses, forming an annular ring that can be easily assembled and secured using fasteners, providing enhanced radial and lateral support and reducing material stress through tapered projections and recesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single-piece run-flat support is used, then structural integrity under radial and lateral loads is improved, but ease of installation and handling is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The run-flat support is divided into multiple sectors that can be separately handled and installed, making the installation process easier while maintaining structural integrity through precise engagement features between sectors
2Ease of operation
If a multi-piece run-flat support is used, then ease of installation is improved, but structural integrity under radial and lateral loads is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement features between sectors are designed with specific local properties (tapered projections, contoured surfaces) that concentrate strength where needed at the interfaces, while the overall structure maintains ease of installation through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The sectors are pre-formed with engagement features (projections and recesses) that automatically align and secure the sectors together during installation, ensuring structural integrity is achieved through pre-designed geometric constraints
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform engagement surfaces are used between sectors, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but load distribution and stress reduction are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement surfaces have varying contours and profiles at different locations, with tapered projections and contoured surfaces that locally adapt to distribute loads optimally, reducing stress concentrations while maintaining manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement features utilize tapered geometries and contoured surfaces that change parameters (angle, curvature) across the interface, allowing optimal stress distribution across different regions of the sector connections
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates generally to a tire support system including a plurality of support sectors (101). The plurality of support sectors when connected forms an annular support ring.