Tire Insert Attachment Apparatus with Worm Gear Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of runflat tire inserts is cumbersome and laborious due to the difficulty in accessing and operating the attachment apparatus, which often requires tight tolerances and separate components, making proper installation challenging, especially within the tire cavity.
Innovation Solution
A new attachment apparatus that includes an actuator with a nut, bolt head, or similar accessible from outside the tire, utilizing a gear and pinion or worm mechanism to facilitate easier assembly, adjustment, and disassembly of the insert, with a locking feature to secure the assembly, and a torque limiter to prevent over-tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional attachment apparatus with screw and nut turn buckle connection is used, then the insert can be securely fastened, but the installation becomes cumbersome and laborious due to difficult access within the tire cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment apparatus is divided into separate functional components: a actuator accessible from outside the tire, a converter mechanism, and a translator component that interacts with the insert. This segmentation allows the actuator to be operated easily from outside while the translating components work within the insert structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter mechanism acts as an intermediary between the externally accessible actuator and the insert components. It translates the rotational motion from the actuator into linear motion that secures the insert, bridging the gap between external access and internal fastening requirements.
2Reliability
If tight tolerances are used in attachment apparatus components, then proper assembly and function at normal rotational speeds is ensured, but manufacturing complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a worm gear mechanism that provides self-locking capability and mechanical advantage, allowing for larger tolerances in the mating components. The worm thread geometry and engagement surfaces are designed with optimized parameters that maintain functional reliability while reducing manufacturing precision requirements compared to traditional screw connections.
3Reliability
If separate engagement and disengagement devices are used, then the fastening mechanism can be activated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed to perform both engagement and disengagement functions through a single rotational operation. By reversing the direction of rotation, the same actuator can either tighten or loosen the insert attachment, eliminating the need for separate engagement and disengagement devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves multiple functions: it provides the rotational input, drives the converter mechanism, and controls both tightening and loosening operations. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining reliable fastening and release capabilities.
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 simplifies the installation process by providing easier access and operation of the attachment apparatus, reducing the complexity of installing runflat tire inserts and ensuring proper assembly without the need for separate components, while preventing damage from excessive torque.
Implementation Method 1
A preferred embodiment employs a worm and a pinion mounted in one part of an insert and a pin or the like, such as an eyebolt, mounted in another part with its shaft protruding toward the first half. Threads on the shaft of the eyebolt in preferred embodiments engage the pinion, such as via corresponding threads on the pinion's internal surface. The worm can be turned to rotate the pinion, which moves the bolt along its axis via the threads
Implementation Method 2
Threads on the shaft of the eyebolt in preferred embodiments engage the pinion, such as via corresponding threads on the pinion's internal surface
Implementation Method 3
Embodiments can also include a locking feature to ensure that the actuator is fixed in position once assembly is complete
Implementation Method 4
Embodiments include an actuator more easily accessed from outside the tire and more easily operated by virtue of its orientation and construction... while preventing damage from excessive torque
Data Source
AI summary
A tire insert attachment apparatus includes a pin attached to a first part of the insert and extending into a second part of the insert to engage an actuator that draws the bolt into the second part. The actuator includes a tool engagement head that transmits rotational motion of a tool to a translator via a converter, the converter transforming the rotational motion of the head into linear motion imparted on the translator. The translator can be a rack and pinion setup or can be a thread arrangement. Preferably, the head rotates a worm, which rotates a pinion that has threads formed on an inner surface and engaging mating threads on the pin, the pin taking the form of a bolt, such as an eyebolt.