Segmented Saddle Lock Ring for Quick Heavy Vehicle Tire Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dual wheel rim assemblies in heavy transport vehicles require laborious and time-consuming processes for changing the inboard tire, with difficulties in spares inventory management, structural constraints, and alignment issues due to differing wheel rim diameters, and a need for a self-locking mechanism without additional fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece segmented saddle lock ring retained by an endless ring, which allows for quick tire changes without removing the outboard wheel rim, utilizing a self-locking taper mechanism that prevents the lock rings from dislodging during tire bursts, and enables identical wheel assemblies and interchangeable bead seat bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If different diameters are used for inboard and outboard wheel rims to enable quick tire changes, then tire change time is reduced, but device complexity increases and spares inventory management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring is divided into two separate components: a retainment lock ring that secures the bead seat band to the wheel rim, and a bead seat band lock ring that secures the bead seat band to the tire. This segmentation allows the bead seat band to be independently removed and transferred between wheel rims of different diameters, enabling quick tire changes while maintaining standardized wheel rim assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The bead seat band is extracted as a separate removable component between the tire and wheel rim, allowing it to be detached and transferred independently. This extraction enables the tire assembly to be quickly removed from one wheel rim and installed on another without removing the entire wheel rim assembly, thus reducing tire change time while maintaining standardized wheel rims.
2Loss of time
If different diameters are used for inboard and outboard wheel rims to enable quick tire changes, then tire change time is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to alignment difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into separate lock rings for the wheel rim and bead seat band, allowing independent adjustment and alignment. This segmentation enables the bead seat band to be aligned with the wheel rim groove without requiring precise alignment with the tire, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while enabling quick tire changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The bead seat band acts as an intermediary component between the tire and wheel rim, providing a flexible connection that can accommodate diameter differences. This intermediary allows the tire assembly to be transferred between wheel rims of different diameters with reduced alignment requirements, as the bead seat band can be adjusted to fit the wheel rim groove independently.
3Reliability
If additional fasteners are used to hold the lock ring in position, then reliability of the locking mechanism increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring incorporates a self-locking mechanism where the bead seat band, when secured to the wheel rim, automatically locks the lock ring in position through interference fit and geometric constraints. This self-locking feature eliminates the need for additional fasteners while maintaining reliability, as the bead seat band itself serves as the locking element through its interaction with the lock ring and wheel rim groove.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainment lock ring and bead seat band lock ring functions are merged into a single integrated lock ring component. This lock ring simultaneously performs both locking functions through its interaction with the wheel rim groove and the bead seat band, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
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
Facilitates quick tire changes without de-torquing wheel fasteners, reduces inventory complexity, and allows for identical wheel and bead seat band interchangeability, while maintaining structural integrity and preventing loose parts during tire bursts.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a self-locking taper mechanism that prevents the lock rings from dislodging during tire bursts
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a self-locking mechanism for quick tyre change in rear dual wheel assembly in a heavy transport vehicle. The self-locking mechanism includes a two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 409a, 409b retained in position by an endless ring 406. A self-locking taper 405 provided on inside of the endless ring that can be pressed against on the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 409a, 409. A lip 702 is provided on the two piece segmented saddle rings 409a and 409b in addition to the self locking taper 413 provided at the interface with endless ring 406. A relief 708 is provided on the inner surface of the endless ring 406.