Tyre Support Rim With Air Duct Cooling for Roller Flange Heat

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Solution Overview

Problem

The heating of rollers and their flanges due to friction in monorail systems leads to deformation and potential damage, affecting the quality of operation and longevity.

Innovation Solution

A tire support rim with an integrated air circulation conduit that directs airflow through the rim to dissipate heat from the roller and flange surfaces, utilizing orifices positioned strategically to enhance heat exchange and cooling efficiency without requiring additional motors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If friction-based drive mechanism is used for monorail vehicles, then vehicle movement along the rail is enabled, but heating of the roller peripheral surface and flange components occurs leading to deformation and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidheat buildup
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a cooling device with air circulation ducts that channel airflow through the rim thickness to directly cool the roller peripheral surface and flange components. This pneumatic cooling system removes heat generated by friction during vehicle drive and guidance, preventing deformation and damage while maintaining reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The rim acts as an intermediary thermal management component between the heat-generating roller-flange interface and the external environment. The cooling ducts within the rim facilitate heat transfer from the heated surfaces to the circulating air, protecting the critical friction surfaces from excessive temperature while enabling continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If cooling device with air circulation duct is integrated into the rim, then heat dissipation and cooling of roller surfaces is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling device is merged with the rim structure itself, with air circulation ducts integrated into the rim thickness. This combination eliminates the need for separate cooling housings or external cooling systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective heat dissipation from the roller and flange surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rim serves multiple functions: it supports the tire, provides structural integrity, and acts as a thermal management system through its integrated cooling ducts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated cooling components, simplifying the overall device structure while achieving effective heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces heat buildup and deformation in rollers and flanges, improving operational reliability and longevity by optimizing heat exchange and cooling, while allowing for easier integration into existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

at least one air circulation duct (52) passing through the thickness of the rim (1) such that the duct (52) comprises at least one orifice (51) positioned at the level of the open face (11) of the rim (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a circuit arranged such that, on the one hand, at least a first portion (521) is positioned at the level of the medial edge (13) of the device (5), on the other hand, at least a second portion (522) is positioned radially at the level of the bearing face (14) from the medial edge (13) towards the peripheral edge (12) of the rim (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4227110B1Support rim for a tyre for a roller associated with a flange
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 ALSTOM TRANSPORT SA
  • EP4227110B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4227110B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4227110B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a circular rim (1) for supporting a tire (2) for an annular roller forming a flange, the rim 1 defining: - a peripheral edge intended to carry a tire, - a medial edge in contact with the medial portion of the roller, and - two opposite faces forming, on the one hand, an open face and, on the other hand, a bearing face positioned against the surface of the roller's flange, characterized in that the rim (1) incorporates a cooling device comprising at least one air circulation duct passing through the thickness of the rim from an orifice 51 of the open face such that the duct comprises a portion at the medial edge and a portion positioned radially at the bearing face between the medial and peripheral edges.