SMA Tire Wire Matrix Structure for Puncture-Free Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic tires are prone to single-point failures such as punctures and pressure loss, leading to inefficiency and safety issues, especially in extraterrestrial and harsh environments, and their performance is dependent on maintaining air pressure, which is challenging and costly.
Innovation Solution
A non-pneumatic tire structure composed of a matrix of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wires with unique layering and geometric configurations that provide structural resilience, obstacle handling, and impact resistance, allowing for deformation without damage and eliminating the need for air pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic tires are used to support high loads and undergo significant deformation, then ride performance and efficiency are improved, but the tire is prone to single-point failures such as punctures and pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The tire is divided into multiple independent wire layers (first layer, second layer, third layer) with different orientations and functions. Each layer can independently bear loads and resist damage, so that a failure in one layer does not compromise the entire tire structure. The first layer has wires oriented at first angles, the second layer has wires oriented at second angles, and the third layer has wires oriented at third angles, creating a segmented reinforcement pattern that distributes stress and prevents catastrophic failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tire uses composite wire structures combining different materials with complementary properties. High-strength wires provide structural support and load-bearing capacity, while flexible wires provide deformation capability and shock absorption. The combination of these different wire types in multiple layers creates a composite structure that simultaneously achieves high strength, flexibility, and damage resistance, eliminating the need for air pressure while maintaining ride performance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If pneumatic tires are used to conform to terrain variations, then energy efficiency and ride smoothness are improved, but performance is dependent on maintaining air pressure which is challenging and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The tire structure is self-regulating through its multi-layer wire matrix configuration. The high-strength and flexible wires work together to automatically adjust to terrain variations and distribute loads, eliminating the need for external air pressure regulation systems. The tire self-adapts to terrain contours through the elastic deformation of its wire structure, providing energy-efficient ride performance without requiring monitoring or maintenance of pressure levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the pneumatic pressure system with a purely mechanical wire matrix structure. Instead of relying on air pressure to provide structural support and terrain conformity, the tire uses the elastic and plastic deformation properties of the wire layers to achieve the same functions. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for pressure maintenance operations while preserving the energy-efficient conformability to terrain.
3Reliability
If non-pneumatic tire structures are used to eliminate air pressure dependency, then reliability is improved, but the ability to conform to terrain without damage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the tire have locally optimized wire configurations to handle specific functional requirements. The first layer with wires at first angles provides primary structural support, the second layer with wires at second angles provides secondary reinforcement and flexibility, and the third layer with wires at third angles provides additional damage resistance. This local differentiation of wire orientations and layer functions allows the tire to simultaneously achieve high reliability and superior terrain conformation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tire structure is designed to be dynamically adaptable through the elastic deformation of its wire layers. The flexible wires allow the tire to dynamically adjust its shape and stiffness in response to varying terrain conditions and loads. This dynamic behavior enables the tire to conform to terrain variations while maintaining structural integrity, overcoming the limitation of rigid non-pneumatic structures.
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 SMA tire achieves the performance of pneumatic tires without the risks of punctures or pressure loss, offering improved load-carrying capacity, energy efficiency, and adaptability to various terrains, while reducing maintenance costs and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
a matrix of a plurality of layers of wires wherein the plurality of layers of wires comprises a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) having an austenite crystal structure
Implementation Method 2
during an application of an externally applied force upon the structure, the austenite crystal structure of the SMA reorients to a martensitic crystal structure to minimize internal strain energy and decrease local stiffness that accommodate load and large deflection of the SMA
Data Source
AI summary
The innovation presented herein provides among its embodiments, a non-pneumatic structure such as a vehicle tire, consisting of a matrix of shape memory alloy (SMA) elements. The interlocking layering pattern provides geometries which leverage the SMA material properties to accomplish performance characteristics of traditional pneumatic structures across a spectrum of possible desired uses including normal personal use, recreational use, sport use and commercial use. Embodiments include applying structural design and material properties to provide a fixed or a variable set of performance characteristics. Similar to the fruits of other space program initiatives, the innovation leverages material science developed for extra-terrestrial purposes to accomplish advances over conventional items.