Structurally Supported Tire Hoop and Ply Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pneumatic tires face limitations in maintaining performance after a complete loss of inflation pressure, with existing runflat solutions compromising on weight, comfort, and requiring pressure monitoring, while structurally supported tires fail to match pneumatic tire performance levels.
Innovation Solution
A structurally supported tire design featuring a ground-contacting annular tread, an annular hoop structure for load support, and a ply structure secured to both axial limits of the vehicle rim, with a mechanism to adjust the axial distance and layers of reinforcing cords for shear strain absorption, eliminating the need for air pressure and enhancing load-bearing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic tires are used to achieve good load support and compliance, then performance is improved, but the tire becomes incapable of continued use after complete loss of inflation pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The tire structure is segmented into distinct functional components: an annular tread portion for ground contact, a hoop structure for load support, and a ply structure connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, with the hoop structure providing load support independent of inflation pressure, enabling continued mobility after deflation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the load-supporting function from the inflation pressure system and places it in the hoop structure. By removing the dependency on internal air pressure for load support, the tire can maintain structural integrity and mobility even after complete pressure loss.
2Productivity
If sidewall reinforcements or fillers are added to enable runflat operation, then the tire can continue use after pressure loss, but tire mass increases and riding comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The load support function is segmented into the hoop structure and tread portion, with the ply structure connecting them. This eliminates the need for heavy sidewall reinforcements, as the hoop structure provides the necessary load-bearing capacity without adding excessive mass to the tire.
Solution Approach 2:
The hoop structure is positioned specifically in the crown portion where load support is most critical, rather than adding reinforcement throughout the entire sidewall. This localized approach provides runflat capability while minimizing overall tire mass and preserving riding comfort.
3Strength
If annular reinforcing bands are added to the crown portion for runflat capability, then load support is improved, but the tire requires inflation pressure for optimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the load-supporting function from the inflation pressure reaction and places it in the hoop structure. The hoop structure, combined with the ply structure and tread portion, provides inherent load support capability that does not depend on inflation pressure, enabling the tire to function optimally in both inflated and deflated states.
Solution Approach 2:
The hoop structure is merged with the ply structure and tread portion to create an integrated load-supporting system. This combination provides both the rigidity needed for load support and the ability to function without inflation pressure, eliminating the compromise between inflated and deflated performance.
4Reliability
If secondary internal support structures are attached to the wheel for runflat capability, then the tire can operate after pressure loss, but mass is added and mounting difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ply structure serves as an integrated connector between the hoop structure and the wheel, merging these components into a single assembly. This eliminates the need for separate secondary support structures attached to the wheel, reducing overall mass and simplifying the mounting process while maintaining runflat capability.
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 tire supports loads without air pressure, maintaining pneumatic tire-like performance by utilizing compressive hoop strength and tensile strength, reducing weight and the need for pressure monitoring, and improving riding comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The hoop structure is secured to a radially inner surface of the ply structure
Implementation Method 2
a ply structure secured to a first axial limit and extending radially outward and between the hoop structure and the tread portion
Implementation Method 3
the hoop structure comprises a third layer of elastic construction for absorbing shear strain between the first layer and the second layer
Data Source
AI summary
A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting annular tread portion, an annular hoop structure for supporting a load on the tire, a means for attachment to a vehicle rim, and a ply structure secured to a first axial limit and extending radially outward and between the hoop structure and the tread portion and further extending radially inward from between the hoop structure and tread portion to a second axial limit. The ply structure is secured to both the first axial limit and the second axial limit. The tread portion is secured to a radially outer surface of the ply structure. The hoop structure is secured to a radially inner surface of the ply structure.