Segmented Runflat Device Beadlock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current runflat insert devices and beadlock systems fail to provide adequate lateral pressure to the tire beads on single-piece drop-centre wheels, leading to potential tire slippage and instability, especially in high torque situations, and existing fitting methods lack assurance of correct component alignment during installation.
Innovation Solution
A runflat device with a flexible body formed by adjustable segments connected via tensioning cables and a rotatable sleeve, allowing for secure fitting and expansion to apply lateral pressure on tire beads, ensuring correct alignment and beadlock functionality without obstructing the tire beads during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a beadlock device is fitted to a two-piece or multi-piece wheel rim, then lateral force is applied to force the tyre's beads into the wheel seats, but this method cannot be used on a single-piece drop-centre wheel rim
Solution Approach 1:
The beadlock device is divided into a plurality of separate beadlock components that can be independently positioned and secured within the wheel rim. These segmented components can be inserted through the wheel rim and secured without requiring the wheel rim to be forced together, making the device compatible with single-piece drop-centre wheel rims while still providing the necessary lateral force to the tyre beads.
2Reliability
If a bead blocking device is fitted within the tyre cavity, then the device prevents beads from moving inwards, but little or no lateral force is applied to lock the beads into the wheel seats
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines both bead blocking and beadlock functions into a single integrated system. The beadlock components serve dual purposes: they block the inward movement of tyre beads while also providing lateral force to lock the beads into the wheel seats. This merging of functions ensures both reliability in preventing bead movement and sufficient lateral force application.
3Device complexity
If air pressure within an inflated tyre cavity is used to prevent tyre slippage, then the system is simple, but the force is insufficient in high torque situations
Solution Approach 1:
The beadlock components act as intermediary mechanical elements between the tyre beads and the wheel rim. Instead of relying solely on air pressure, these components provide a mechanical linkage that transmits and amplifies force from the tyre inflation pressure and vehicle dynamics to the wheel rim, ensuring sufficient lateral force is applied to prevent slippage in high torque situations.
4Reliability
If a runflat insert device is located within the wheel and tyre assembly, then support is provided for deflated tyres, but the device may obstruct correct fitting or alignment during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The beadlock components are pre-assembled and pre-positioned within the wheel rim structure before the tyre is mounted. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the components are correctly aligned and secured, eliminating potential obstructions during the fitting process. The segmented design allows for easy insertion and positioning before final tyre installation.
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 a stable and secure runflat and beadlock mechanism that prevents tire slippage by applying adequate lateral pressure and ensures correct alignment during fitting, maintaining stability and traction even in deflated or high-torque conditions.
Implementation Method 1
tensioning cables and a rotatable sleeve, allowing for secure fitting and expansion to apply lateral pressure on tire beads
Implementation Method 2
a flexible body with two ends which are joined together by adjustable connection means to form a ring with an adjustable diameter
Data Source
AI summary
A runflat device, and a method of fitting a runflat device. The runflat device can include a chain of segments which is flexible enough to be manipulated for fitting, while also being laterally stable to ensure correct positioning and to avoid misalignment when tightening onto a wheel. The fitting method initially expands the runflat device within the cavity of the tire, retaining the runflat device securely in place against the inside of the tire's tread area. This advantageously leaves the beads of the tire unobstructed for fitting to a wheel.