Non-Pneumatic Tire Assembly with Wheel Bonding and Spacer Curing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Top loader non-pneumatic tires face limitations in load carrying capacity and durability due to the characteristics of polymeric spokes, which restrict their performance and manufacturing flexibility compared to pneumatic tires.
Innovation Solution
A system for manufacturing non-pneumatic tire assemblies that includes a functional wheel member with roughened concave surfaces for enhanced bonding, elongate spacer members for uniform cavity maintenance, and heating elements for curing, allowing for efficient torque and force transfer and reducing overall complexity by integrating the wheel member from the beginning of the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If polymeric spokes are used in top loader non-pneumatic tires, then the tire can be manufactured without air pressure, but the load carrying capacity and durability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining polymeric spokes with metallic elements (spoke inserts, flanges, and bands) to create a hybrid structure. The polymeric material provides flexibility and ease of manufacturing, while the metallic components enhance load carrying capacity and durability, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and structural strength.
2Device complexity
If polymeric spokes are used to carry load, then the tire structure is simplified, but the durability and performance are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid composite structure combines the simplicity of polymeric spokes with the durability of metallic reinforcements. The polymeric spokes maintain structural simplicity and ease of manufacturing, while the metallic inserts, flanges, and bands provide enhanced durability and performance, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and reliability.
3Strength
If roughened concave surfaces are added to the wheel member, then bonding strength is increased, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roughened concave surfaces are applied locally at the bonding interface between the wheel member and tire assembly rather than throughout the entire wheel structure. This localized application increases bonding strength at the critical interface while minimizing the overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 system enhances the load carrying capacity and durability of non-pneumatic tires, improving their performance and manufacturing efficiency by creating a stable and bonded tire assembly with increased surface area and efficient torque transfer, thus overcoming the limitations of polymeric spokes.
Implementation Method 1
The wheel member has roughened up concave surfaces for increasing surface area and bond strength at an interface between the partially-cured tire assembly and the wheel member
Implementation Method 2
a first annular curing platen for axially securing the wheel member and spacer members relative to each other; a second annular curing platen for axially securing the wheel member and spacer members relative to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A system in accordance with the present invention cures and manufactures a partially-cured tire assembly. The system includes: a functional wheel member being slid into a corresponding annular, radially inner surface of the partially-cured tire assembly; a plurality of elongate spacer members; a first annular curing platen for axially securing the wheel member and spacer members relative to each other; a second annular curing platen for axially securing the wheel member and spacer members relative to each other; and a plurality of elongate inserts for creating a substantially smooth, uniform outer cylindrical surface formed by a radially outer surface of each insert and flap members of the tire assembly positioned by the radially outermost surfaces of the spacer members.