Segmented Run Flat Device Axial Flexibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing run flat devices for tubeless wheel assemblies lack sufficient axial flexibility, particularly under lateral impacts, which can compromise their effectiveness in maintaining vehicle stability and mobility during reduced inflation pressure or deflation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an annular support structure subdivided into ring sectors with superposed rigid support elements separated by a rubber-based resilient layer, and locking means such as annular wedges, to enhance axial flexibility and maintain structural integrity under lateral forces. The resilient layer allows radial movement of outer support elements relative to inner elements, while the wedges secure the tire beads to the rim flanges, improving compression strength and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single-piece rigid support ring is used, then structural strength is improved, but axial flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring is divided into multiple rigid sectors that are assembled together to form the complete annular structure. Each sector contains rigid support elements separated by resilient layers, allowing the structure to maintain overall strength while enabling localized axial movement through the flexible joints between sectors and resilient layers.
2Strength
If rigid support elements are used, then compression strength is improved, but axial flexibility under lateral impacts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structure combines rigid support elements for compression strength with rubber-based resilient layers at specific locations where axial flexibility is needed. The resilient layers are positioned between the rigid support elements to allow relative axial movement when lateral forces are applied, creating localized flexibility zones within an otherwise rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining rigid materials (for support elements) with rubber-based resilient materials (for flexibility). This composite approach allows the device to simultaneously achieve high compression strength from the rigid elements and axial flexibility from the rubber layers when subjected to lateral impacts.
3Device complexity
If the resilient layer is thin, then device complexity is reduced, but axial flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thickness of the resilient layer is optimized to provide sufficient axial flexibility without excessive device complexity. The resilient layer thickness is designed to allow adequate axial movement between rigid support elements under lateral impacts while maintaining a compact overall structure and avoiding unnecessary complexity in the assembly.
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 axial flexibility and compression strength of the run flat device, enabling vehicles to travel long distances at high speeds even with partial or total deflation, and provides better protection against impacts by distributing pressure effectively across the tire cover.
Implementation Method 1
which resilient layer is adapted, by shearing in the even of a lateral force being applied to the structure, to enable the radially outer support element to move axially relative to the radially inner support element
Implementation Method 2
a rubber-based resilient layer
Implementation Method 3
locking means for locking said beads against said flanges in order to connect said annular support structure to said beads
Implementation Method 4
locking means for locking said beads against said flanges
Implementation Method 5
enables vehicles to travel long distances at high speeds even with partial or total deflation, and provides better protection against impacts by distributing pressure effectively across the tire cover
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a run flat device for fitting to a tubeless wheel assembly for a motor vehicle, and to such a wheel assembly incorporating the device.A device of the invention comprises:an annular cover support structure subdivided into at least two ring sectors that are circumferentially juxtaposed; andlocking means for locking the beads against the flanges to connect the support structure to the beads.According to the invention, the sectors are interconnected by connection means comprising a male member secured to one of the circumferential ends of each sector and removably mounted in a female member formed in the facing end of the adjacent sector, the male member comprising a projection that is terminated by an anchor tab, the female member being formed by a slot having a radially-lower zone and a radially-upper zone of widths that are respectively greater than and less the width of the tab, the upper zone being adapted to receive said projection axially locked in a position for anchoring the tab.