Tire Bead Adapter Axial Deformability and Cornering Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire adapters are insufficiently deformable to absorb large deformations caused by shocks, such as pinch shocks from obstacles or potholes, and are difficult to mount due to axial stiffness.

Innovation Solution

The adapter features a main reinforcement with a radial superposition of parallel layers forming an angle of at least 30° with the circumferential direction, coated with a polymeric material of low modulus elasticity, and an external reinforcing element positioned outside the bearing face, allowing for axial deformability and easy assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the adapter includes an axial reinforcing element extending through the body, then the cornering rigidity and drift stiffness are improved, but the axial deformability is reduced, making assembly difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecornering rigidity and drift stiffnessVSAvoidaxial deformability for assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the outer and inner reinforcing elements are separated and positioned at opposite ends, with the outer element located entirely outside the bearing face and the inner element within the body. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function without interfering with the other's performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the adapter are assigned different structural qualities: the outer reinforcing element provides localized strength at the bead contact area without extending axially through the body, while the inner reinforcing element provides structural support within the body. The body itself has varying reinforcement density, with main reinforcements concentrated where needed for cornering rigidity but not interfering with axial deformation zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the adapter body is made stiffer to withstand shocks, then the reliability is improved, but the ability to absorb large deformations from pinch shocks is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock resistanceVSAvoiddeformability to absorb pinch shocks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter utilizes parameter changes in material properties and structural configuration. The polymeric material coating the reinforcements has specific elastic properties that allow energy absorption during pinch shocks. The angular orientation of main reinforcements (at least 30° from circumferential direction) optimizes the balance between shock resistance and deformability, creating anisotropic mechanical properties tailored to different loading conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter employs composite construction with reinforcements coated in polymeric material. This composite structure combines the high strength and stiffness of the reinforcement elements with the energy-absorbing characteristics of the polymeric coating, enabling the adapter to withstand shocks while maintaining the ability to absorb large deformations from pinch shocks through controlled elastic deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 adapter provides enhanced flexibility to absorb large deformations and facilitates easier mounting by maintaining axial deformability while ensuring sufficient cornering rigidity and drift stiffness.

Implementation Method 1

each of the layers of the main reinforcing reinforcement of the body comprising reinforcements forming, with a circumferential direction of the tire, an angle at least equal to 30°, and coated with a polymeric material having a modulus of elasticity of 10% d elongation at most equal to 70 MPa

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3294575B1Adaptor for a rolling assembly and rolling assembly comprising same
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)
  • EP3294575B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3294575B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The subject of the invention is an adaptor for a rolling assembly intended to equip a passenger vehicle, with improved ease of fitting and a high ability to absorb large deformations in the event of pinch shock. The adaptor for rolling assembly essentially comprises a reinforcing element (15) reinforcing the axially outer end (9) entirely situated axially on the outside of the bearing face (21) and radially on the outside of the adaptor seat (18), and a main reinforcement (17) comprising a radial superposition of at least two reinforcing layers, said reinforcers being mutually parallel within one and the same layer and crossed with respect to one another from one layer to the next, each of the layers of the main reinforcement (17) of the body (11) comprising reinforcers that make, with a circumferential direction (XX') of the tyre, an angle at least equal to 30° and coated in a polymer material having an elastic modulus at 10% strain at most equal to 70 MPa.