Segmented Bump Stop Structure for Non-Pneumatic Tire Overload Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-pneumatic tires experience plastic deformation when subjected to extreme loading conditions, such as encountering potholes or debris, which can render them inoperable, and manufacturing a centrally located bump stop for these tires presents manufacturing challenges.
Innovation Solution
A non-pneumatic tire design incorporating multiple discrete bump stop pieces radially extending from the annular inner ring, with compliant ends to absorb and distribute extreme loads, preventing plastic deformation of the tire components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bump stop is located substantially centrally along the axial direction of the non-pneumatic tire, then the bump stop can effectively limit deformation of tire components, but manufacturing challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The bump stop is divided into multiple discrete pieces rather than a single central component. Each piece is positioned at different radial locations around the inner ring, allowing modular assembly and simplified manufacturing processes while collectively providing the necessary deformation limitation across the entire tire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bump stop pieces are distributed in the radial dimension rather than being concentrated at the axial center. By placing multiple pieces at different radial positions around the inner ring, the design achieves central-like protection effects through a distributed radial arrangement, enabling easier manufacturing while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the non-pneumatic tire is subjected to extreme loading conditions, then the tire encounters bumps such as potholes or debris, but plastic deformation occurs rendering the tire inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The bump stop pieces are pre-positioned between the inner and outer rings to provide cushioning before extreme loading occurs. When the tire encounters bumps or debris, these pre-positioned pieces absorb and distribute the impact forces, preventing the support structure from experiencing loads that would cause plastic deformation and maintain tire operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bump stop pieces modify the load distribution parameters within the tire structure. By introducing these intermediate elements, the force distribution changes from concentrated extreme loading on the support structure to distributed loading across multiple contact points, keeping stresses within elastic limits and preventing permanent deformation.
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 bump stop effectively limits deformation of tire components, maintaining tire functionality and preventing damage by ensuring loads remain within the elastic limits of the materials, thereby enhancing tire durability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The bump stop includes multiple discrete pieces and is configured to prevent plastic deformation of the support structure, the inner ring, and the outer ring by limiting deflection within the elastic limits of these components
Implementation Method 2
One or more of the plurality of spokes, webbing, cells, or other open-sided support structure, inner ring, outer ring, and rim may be manufactured from a material that plastically deforms when a load or force greater than its elastic limit is imparted
Data Source
AI summary
A non-pneumatic tire includes an annular inner ring, an annular outer ring, and a support structure extending from the annular inner ring to the annular outer ring. The non-pneumatic tire further includes a tread disposed radially around the annular outer ring, and a bump stop radially extending from a radially outer surface of the annular inner ring. The bump stop has a radially outer surface. A first radial distance from the radially outer surface of the annular inner ring to the radially outer surface of the bump stop is less than a second radial distance from the radially outer surface of the annular inner ring to an outer surface of the tread. The bump stop includes multiple discrete pieces.