Segmented Cleated Tire Assembly for Traction and Ride Smoothness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing segmented and cleated tires lack improved ride smoothness and efficient assembly methods, with prior art designs failing to optimize the configuration of cleats and segments for enhanced traction and puncture prevention.
Innovation Solution
A cleated composite tire with a resiliently radially-compressible tire body and embedded metal cleats, featuring recessed and protruding areas for segment mating and mounting elements for secure rim attachment, allowing for improved traction and ride quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If solid steel cleats are mounted circumferentially around a rigidly shaped steel drum, then traction is improved, but ride smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible tire body made of resilient material that envelops the steel drum and cleats. This flexible shell absorbs shocks and vibrations, providing ride smoothness while maintaining the traction benefits of the cleats. The tire body deforms to conform to terrain irregularities, cushioning the ride compared to rigid steel drum designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines dissimilar materials - a resilient tire body material (such as rubber or polymer) with rigid metal cleats and steel drum components. This composite construction integrates the shock-absorbing properties of the resilient material with the high-friction, high-strength properties of the metal cleats, achieving both ride comfort and traction.
2Reliability
If circumferentially cleated steel drums are mounted externally over conventional pneumatic tires, then puncture prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the tire body and puncture protection into a single integrated structure. The resilient tire body itself serves as the puncture prevention mechanism through its tear-resistant composition, eliminating the need for separate protective layers or external drum assemblies while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters of the tire body to achieve puncture resistance. By using specially formulated resilient materials with high tear strength and durability, the tire body inherently resists punctures without requiring additional structural complexity or external protective components.
3Ease of manufacture
If a non-pneumatic tire body is assembled from a plurality of segments, then ease of assembly is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tire body is divided into multiple separable segments that can be assembled independently onto the steel drum. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly, as each segment can be produced separately and then joined to form the complete tire structure, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates localized interlocking features (such as protrusions and recesses or bonding surfaces) at specific interfaces between segments. These localized structural qualities ensure precise mating and secure connection at critical joints while allowing the rest of the segments to maintain simple, easy-to-manufacture geometries.
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 enhanced traction and ride smoothness by embedding metal cleats within a compressible tire body, ensuring secure attachment and balanced contact with the ground, while reducing puncture risk and improving weight distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently radially-compressible tire body
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of cleats of greater rigidity than the tire body, each cleat being partially embedded within the tire body and projecting outwardly from the outer circumference of the tire body
Data Source
AI summary
Segmented tires employ segments featuring cooperating recesses and protrusions at opposing sides thereof for mating of the segments with one another in the assembled tire body. Cleated tires with embedded cleats of greater rigidity than the tire body material provide improved traction in muddy or other slippery conditions while the compressible tire body smooths out the ride harshness of the tire. Mounting elements are also embedded within the segments of the tire body for secure mounting and reliable retention of the segments.