Structurally Supported Tire Runflat Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pneumatic tires require maintenance of inflation pressure and suffer from limited functionality after a complete loss of air pressure, leading to compromised performance and increased mass with existing runflat solutions.
Innovation Solution
A structurally supported tire design featuring a ground-contacting annular tread portion, an annular hoop structure for load support, and a ply structure secured to both axial limits of the vehicle rim, utilizing multiple layers with reinforcing cords and an elastic construction to absorb shear strain, eliminating the need for air pressure and enhancing load-bearing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pneumatic tires use added sidewall reinforcements or fillers to provide runflat capability, then the tire can continue to operate after complete loss of inflation pressure, but the tire mass increases and riding comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tire is divided into distinct functional components: an annular tread portion for ground contact, a hoop structure for load support, and a ply structure for connecting and distributing loads. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling runflat capability without requiring mass increases in sidewall reinforcements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction with the hoop structure made of high-strength materials (such as steel or composite rings) to provide load-bearing capability when deflated, combined with elastomeric tread and ply materials. This composite approach enables the tire to support vehicle loads in both inflated and deflated states without excessive mass increase.
2Reliability
If conventional pneumatic tires use annular reinforcing bands in the tire crown portion to provide runflat capability, then the tread rigidity is improved, but the tire mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding reinforcing elements only in the crown portion (two-dimensional reinforcement), the invention introduces a three-dimensional structural system with the hoop structure positioned radially inward and the ply structure extending axially between axial limits. This dimensional approach distributes load support throughout the tire volume, providing runflat capability with more efficient material usage.
3Reliability
If conventional runflat solutions use secondary internal support structures attached to the wheel, then the tire can operate without air pressure, but the mounting difficulty increases or multiple piece rims are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the support structures (hoop and ply) into an integrated tire assembly that functions as a single unit. The ply structure is secured to both axial limits and extends radially outward, creating a unified structure that attaches to the wheel as one piece, eliminating the need for complex multi-piece rims or difficult mounting procedures.
4Reliability
If conventional pneumatic tires are designed with runflat solutions, then the tire can continue to operate after pressure loss, but pressure monitoring systems are required to inform the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The tire structure is inherently self-supporting through its hoop and ply construction, eliminating the need for external pressure monitoring systems. The structural design automatically provides load-bearing capability regardless of inflation status, making the system self-sufficient and removing the complexity of sensors, electronics, and operator alert systems.
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 operates effectively without inflation pressure, providing pneumatic tire-like performance with improved load support and reduced mass, eliminating the need for pressure maintenance and monitoring, while maintaining riding comfort and fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the 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.