Segmented Wheel Assembly with Gas Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheel technologies, particularly for large construction and mining vehicles, face challenges such as high replacement costs and downtime due to tire failures, which can lead to increased expenses and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly featuring a plurality of arcuate inner and outer rim assemblies coupled with gas springs to provide a gas suspension system, allowing for relative movement between the inner and outer rims, and incorporating a disk with weight-reduction openings and lateral stops to maintain structural integrity and enable a run-flat capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic tires are used to absorb forces during vehicle operation, then the tire can reduce deformation and provide cushioning, but the tire may deform, puncture, or blowout under excessive forces, leading to high replacement costs and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is divided into multiple independent arcuate rim assemblies (inner and outer) that can be independently replaced. Each rim assembly is a separate module that can be serviced without replacing the entire wheel, reducing downtime and replacement costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional pneumatic tires with a gas spring suspension system. The gas springs provide the cushioning and force absorption function previously performed by pneumatic tires, eliminating tire punctures and blowouts while maintaining vehicle operational reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the wheel assembly uses a fixed rigid structure, then structural integrity is maintained, but the assembly cannot accommodate relative movement between inner and outer rims during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the inner and outer rim assemblies can move relative to each other. Gas springs provide controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity, allowing the assembly to adapt to operational forces.
Solution Approach 2:
Gas springs act as intermediary elements between the inner and outer rim assemblies. These intermediaries enable relative movement while maintaining structural connection and integrity, solving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
3Strength
If the rim assemblies are designed as complete circular structures, then structural strength is maximized, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing complete circular rim structures, the patent uses multiple arcuate (segmented) rim assemblies that are easier to manufacture and transport. These segments are then assembled together to form the complete circular wheel structure, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining strength.
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 wheel assembly reduces operational costs and downtime by allowing for field serviceability, with the gas suspension system providing improved durability and the ability to maintain structural integrity during tire failures, thus enhancing productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of gas springs operatively coupled between the circular inner rim and the circular outer rim to provide a gas suspension for relative movement therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel assembly to be coupled to a hub of a vehicle, may include arcuate inner rim assemblies removably coupled together to define a circular inner rim to be coupled to the hub of the vehicle. Each arcuate inner rim assembly may include an arcuate inner rim segment, and an arcuate inner ring segment extending radially outward from the arcuate inner rim segment. The wheel assembly may also include arcuate outer rim assemblies removably coupled together to define a circular outer rim. Each arcuate outer rim assembly may include an arcuate outer rim segment, and an arcuate outer ring segment extending radially inward from the arcuate outer rim segment. The wheel assembly may also include gas springs operatively coupled between the circular inner rim and the circular outer rim to provide a gas suspension for relative movement therebetween.