Shield-Shaped Tire Side-Wall Protection Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side-wall protection elements for vehicle tires, such as annular discs, are prone to deformation and displacement when subjected to radial loads, leading to inadequate protection against mechanical damage from sharp-edged objects like boulders, especially in harsh mining conditions.
Innovation Solution
A shield-shaped side-wall protection element with a radially inner base and an outer edge that is axially offset inwardly, featuring a deformation zone and a fastening segment, which allows the shield segment to pivot and bend towards the tire side wall upon radial loading, preventing displacement and enhancing protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an annular disk protection element is used, then the tire side wall is covered and protected, but the entire annular disk deforms and deflects away from the tire when force acts upon it
Solution Approach 1:
The annular disk is divided into multiple independent shield segments arranged in a circumferential sequence. Each segment is attached to the wheel rim independently, so that when force acts on one segment, only that segment deflects while others remain stable and continue to protect the tire side wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield segments have different axial positions: the outer edge is offset axially inward relative to the base. This creates a deformation zone between the outer edge and base that allows localized deflection toward the tire side wall when force is applied, while the base remains stable for attachment. The local structural variation enables the segment to absorb impact by pivoting inward rather than deflecting away from the tire.
2Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece annular disk is used, then installation is simple, but the entire structure deflects away from the tire when subjected to radial load
Solution Approach 1:
The protection element is segmented into multiple independent shield segments that can be manufactured separately and attached to the wheel rim. This segmentation allows each segment to respond independently to radial loads, preventing the entire structure from deflecting away from the tire while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular components.
3Area of stationary object
If shield segments are arranged in overlapping shingles, then coverage of the tire side wall is optimized, but the complexity of the protective device increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple shield segments are arranged in an overlapping shingle pattern around the wheel rim, creating continuous coverage of the tire side wall. The overlapping arrangement allows segments to work together as a unified protective system while each segment remains independently mounted, balancing comprehensive coverage with manageable structural complexity.
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 effectively prevents the side-wall protection element from moving away from the tire, ensuring optimal protection against radial loads and maintaining tire integrity by deflecting loads inwardly towards the tire side wall, thus reducing damage and improving installation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a deformation zone and a fastening segment, which allows the shield segment to pivot and bend towards the tire side wall upon radial loading
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a shield-shaped side-wall protection element for a vehicle tire and to a protective device for vehicle tires. In order to provide a side-wall protection element for vehicle tires that can optimally protect a tire side wall under rough conditions, that can be produced economically, and is easy to install, the invention provides a shield-shaped side-wall protection element for a vehicle tire, comprising a radially inner base, an outer edge, which forms the radially outer end and which extends in a circumferential direction, and with a shield segment, which extends from the outer edge at least to the base, wherein the outer edge is at least partially offset axially inward from the base). The protective device for vehicle tires according to the invention comprises a plurality of shield-shaped side-wall protection elements arranged overlapping in the manner of shingles in a circumferential direction.