Tire Rim Shield with Pockets for Chemical Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle owners face challenges in protecting tire rims and hubs from corrosive chemicals during cleaning, as conventional methods are ineffective and inefficient, leading to potential damage and the need for costly replacements, while also lacking convenient storage for cleaning accessories.

Innovation Solution

A rim shield device with oval cut-outs for gripping, pockets for accessory storage, and a flexible seal to prevent chemical exposure, made from inexpensive materials like corrugated cardboard or plastic, allowing easy installation and use while cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional paper or cloth is used to cover the rim during tire cleaning, then the rim is protected from corrosive chemicals, but the user must hold the paper or cloth which drastically affects the efficiency and quality of the cleaning process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from corrosive chemicalsVSAvoidcleaning efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The rim shield device is designed to be self-holding through its specific geometry (curved surface matching rim contour, friction fit) without requiring the user to continuously hold it during cleaning operations. This allows the rim to protect itself while the user maintains full cleaning efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning system is segmented into two independent components: the rim shield device that protects the rim, and the cleaning tools that the user operates freely. This separation allows each component to function optimally without interfering with the other

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional paper shields are used to protect the rim, then the rim is protected from chemicals, but it leads to waste and requires disposal after use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from corrosive chemicalsVSAvoidwaste material

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces expensive disposable paper shields with an inexpensive reusable device made from corrugated cardboard or plastic. Although the material is cheap, the reusable design eliminates the need for continuous disposal, reducing waste over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The rim shield device is designed to be reused multiple times across different cleaning sessions. After use, it can be stored and recovered for future applications, eliminating the need to discard protective materials after single use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Object-affected harmful factors

If cloth shields are used to protect the rim, then the rim is protected from chemicals, but the cloth requires washing to be used again which adds time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from corrosive chemicalsVSAvoidtime for washing and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses inexpensive materials (corrugated cardboard or plastic) that do not require washing or maintenance. The low cost allows the user to simply store and reuse the device without investing time in cleaning and maintenance procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Duration of action of stationary object

If the rim shield device is made from durable materials, then it provides long-lasting protection, but it increases the cost and complexity of the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereusability and durabilityVSAvoidmaterial complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses simple, inexpensive materials like corrugated cardboard or basic plastic that are easy to manufacture and replace. The simplicity of materials reduces device complexity while the reusable design provides lasting protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes corrugated cardboard, which is a composite material combining paper layers with fluted structure, providing enhanced strength and durability relative to its low cost and simple construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS20230108009A1Tire Rim Shield

Publication Date: 2023.04.06 SMITH JR JOE

AI summary

The present invention relates to a rim or hub shield for protecting a rim of a tire from harmful tire cleaning solutions. The rim shield features a round body having a slightly concave contour, an exterior surface and a concave interior surface, and a pair of oval cut-outs around the center of the shield allowing a user to grip the device. The shield includes a pair of pockets for storing cleaning supplies and other accessories. The shield can be placed against the rim using one hand while cleaning can be performed using the other hand. Alternatively, the shield can be securely placed around the rim by securing a protrusion along the periphery of the shield around the rim of the tire.