Threaded Side Rim for Non-Pneumatic Tire Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing tires to aircraft wheel assemblies are inadequate for non-pneumatic or low-pressure tires, as they rely on inflation pressure to create friction, which is absent in these types of tires, leading to insufficient coupling force and torque capacity during operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and wheel assembly design that utilizes a threaded component to move the side rim against the tire bead, creating a compressive force for secure coupling, and includes features like O-rings and lock rings to prevent air leakage and unscrewing, accommodating wear and manufacturing variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional friction-based tire coupling method is used, then pneumatic tires can be securely held, but non-pneumatic or low-pressure tires cannot achieve sufficient coupling force
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental coupling mechanism from friction-based (relying on inflation pressure) to compression-based (using threaded component to apply axial force). This parameter change in the coupling mechanism enables the wheel assembly to work with both pneumatic and non-pneumatic tires by eliminating dependence on tire inflation pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the inflation-pressure-based friction mechanism with a threaded mechanical fastening system. The threaded component (bolt, stud, or screw) mechanically compacts the tire bead against the wheel flange, substituting the need for pneumatic pressure and creating a reliable coupling for non-pneumatic tires.
2Force
If inflation pressure is used to create friction force, then tire slippage is prevented, but non-pneumatic tires lacking inflation pressure cannot generate sufficient force
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the dependence on inflation pressure from the tire coupling mechanism. By using a threaded component to apply direct mechanical compression, the system separates the coupling force generation from the tire's internal pressure, allowing effective operation with non-pneumatic tires that have little or no inflation pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded component acts as an intermediary mechanism that transfers and amplifies the clamping force to the tire bead. This intermediary device enables force application independent of tire inflation, bridging the gap between the wheel assembly and non-pneumatic tires.
3Force
If a threaded component is used to create compressive force, then coupling force is sufficient for non-pneumatic tires, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded component serves multiple functions: it applies compressive force to secure non-pneumatic tires, maintains coupling force under various operational loads, and provides a standardized fastening mechanism compatible with existing wheel assembly manufacturing. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by solving the non-pneumatic tire coupling problem.
4Reliability
If the side rim is moved against the tire bead using a threaded component, then secure coupling is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded component provides a dynamic adjustment capability that compensates for manufacturing tolerances. The threading mechanism allows for fine-tuning of the clamping force and position, enabling reliable coupling even when there are variations in manufacturing precision of the wheel assembly components.
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
Enables secure coupling and torque transmission for non-pneumatic or low-pressure tires, preventing slippage and air leakage, and maintaining operational integrity under various forces and torques.
Implementation Method 1
create the coupling force between the tire bead and the side rim
Implementation Method 2
an O-ring or seal disposed between the wheel base and the side rim
Implementation Method 3
a lock ring configured to prevent the O-ring from escaping the wheel base
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A bead (220) of the tire is placed against a side rim (204) that is movable with respect to the wheel base (202). The side rim (204) is moved along the axis of the wheel base (202) and against the tire bead (220) to couple the tire to the wheel. The side rim (204) may be moved via a threaded coupling (206) between the side rim (204) and the wheel base (202).