Segmented Non-Pneumatic Wheel Spoke with Anchors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-pneumatic wheel constructions have integral spoke designs that are not easily removable or interchangeable, limiting the ability to substitute different spokes or hubs, and do not allow for incorporation of reinforcements, shapes, or layers of material, affecting load carry capabilities and handling characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A spoke design with reinforcement structures, multiple layers of material, and anchors that enable easy integration and disconnection from the wheel hub or compliant band, allowing for various shapes and configurations, and the use of polymeric materials with specific elongation moduli for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If spokes are molded as an integral construction with the hub, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of repair and adaptability deteriorate because spokes cannot be readily removed or replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The spoke is divided into a web-like body and separate anchor portions. The anchors at the radial ends can be independently attached to or removed from the hub and compliant band, while the web-like body remains intact. This segmentation allows the spoke to maintain structural integrity during use while enabling easy replacement of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor portions are extracted as separable elements from the integral spoke-hub construction. The anchors can be removed from the hub and compliant band without damaging the web-like body, allowing for spoke replacement and hub substitution while preserving the main structural element.
2Ease of manufacture
If spokes are designed as integral construction, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because different spokes or hubs cannot be readily substituted
Solution Approach 1:
The spoke design segments the structure into a web-like body and separate anchors, allowing the web-like body to be manufactured once and reused with different anchors and hubs, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through modular production.
Solution Approach 2:
The web-like body serves as a universal component that can be paired with different anchor configurations and hub types. This multi-functionality allows the same web-like body to adapt to various spoke and hub combinations, enhancing versatility without requiring complete redesign.
3Strength
If reinforcement structures are incorporated into the spoke, then load carry capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple layers and reinforcement elements
Solution Approach 1:
The web-like body incorporates reinforcement structures consisting of multiple layers including fabric layers and foam layers. This composite construction combines materials with different properties to enhance load carry capability while managing the complexity through integrated layering.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement structure uses nested layers where fabric layers are positioned within or between foam layers. This nesting arrangement consolidates multiple functional elements into a compact, organized structure that manages complexity through hierarchical organization.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary spoke for a non-pneumatic wheel. The spoke can be manufactured with a reinforcement structure having reinforcement elements and one or more layers of material. The spoke can also be provided in various shapes and configurations. The spoke includes anchors that allow the spoke to be more readily incorporated into, or removed from, a non-pneumatic wheel. More particularly, the anchors also allow the spoke to be joined as one-piece with the non-pneumatic wheel or releasably connected on one or both ends with the non-pneumatic wheel.