Tire Explosion Safety System with Segmented Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire servicing safety systems are heavy and costly due to the need for large volumes of energy-absorbing materials to contain tire explosions, which increases the weight and manufacturing cost of the systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight tire explosion safety system with an enclosure that includes a support device and two energy-absorbing units, one facing each side of the rim, to absorb kinetic energy from ejected rim and tire parts during an explosion, using crushable cartridges and a design that allows air passage to reduce stress and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large volumes of energy-absorbing material are used to contain tire explosions, then the containment reliability is improved, but the system weight and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The energy-absorbing material is segmented into multiple layers with different properties. The first layer (facing the tire) uses a harder material to initially contain the explosion, while the second layer (outer layer) uses a softer material to absorb residual energy. This segmentation allows effective containment with reduced total material volume, thereby reducing system weight while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the enclosure are assigned different energy-absorbing materials based on local requirements. The inner layer uses material optimized for high-impact resistance where the tire contacts, while the outer layer uses material optimized for debris containment. This local differentiation maximizes containment efficiency per unit weight.
2Reliability
If high strength steel is used for frame structural members to define extra volume for energy-absorbing material, then the containment capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed with movable, adjustable components rather than fixed high-strength steel structures. The support arms can be repositioned to accommodate different tire sizes and configurations, eliminating the need for oversized permanent structural members. This dynamic design reduces material usage and manufacturing cost while maintaining containment capability through proper positioning of energy-absorbing layers.
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 effectively contains tire explosions while minimizing weight and manufacturing costs, providing a safer and more economical solution for tire servicing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first energy absorbing unit attached to and located within said enclosure to face a first side of said rim and capable of substantially absorb kinetic energy of at least one first rim part ejected toward said first energy absorbing unit upon tire explosion
Implementation Method 2
an enclosure capable of receiving a tire to be serviced and provided with openings to allow passage of air upon tire explosion
Data Source
AI summary
A safety system for containment of explosion when servicing a tire mounted on a rim includes an enclosure capable of receiving the tire and provided with openings to allow passage of air upon tire explosion, and a support device attached to the enclosure for contacting the tire to secure thereof in a servicing position within the enclosure and without contacting the rim. The system also includes a first energy absorbing unit attached to and located within the enclosure to face a first rim side and capable of substantially absorb kinetic energy of first rim parts ejected upon tire explosion. The system further includes a second energy absorbing unit attached to and located within the enclosure to face a second rim side and capable of substantially absorb kinetic energy of second rim parts and any portion of the tire ejected upon tire explosion.