Variable Rim Structure with Interchangeable Spacers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel rim designs for work vehicles, such as tractors, are complex and lack adaptability, making them difficult to adjust for varying vehicle designs and weight requirements.
Innovation Solution
A variable rim structure with interchangeable spacers that adjust the position and weight of the wheel by using a first set of spacers to modify the wheel's position relative to the axle and a second set of spacers to add weight, allowing for multiple configurations without requiring specific rim structures for each vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wheel rims are designed with permanent adaptation to evolving vehicle designs, then the wheel rims can support different vehicle configurations, but the structure becomes complex and lacks adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel rim is divided into modular components: a base rim structure, interchangeable spacers, and weight elements. The spacers can be selectively positioned at different locations around the rim's inner circumference, allowing configuration changes without redesigning the entire rim structure. This segmentation enables adaptability while keeping each component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim structure is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple vehicle configurations through interchangeable components. The same base rim can support different spacer arrangements and weight configurations to adapt to various tractor models and applications, eliminating the need for custom rim designs for each vehicle variant.
2Ease of manufacture
If wheel rims use simplified structures for attachment of wheel weights, then assembly is easier, but the structure remains complex and lacks adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system uses segmented, modular components including spacers and weight elements that can be independently assembled and reconfigured. Each spacer is a discrete unit that can be positioned at specific locations, and weights can be attached to these spacers, simplifying assembly while enabling multiple configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel rim system transitions from a fixed, static structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Spacers can be moved to different positions around the rim, and weight configurations can be changed by repositioning or removing weight elements, allowing the same physical structure to adapt to different operational requirements.
3Reliability
If specific rim structures are designed for each vehicle, then precise fit and function are achieved, but adaptability to other vehicles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A universal base rim structure is designed with standardized mounting features and an inner circumference that can accommodate various spacer configurations. This universal platform maintains reliable fit and function across different tractor models while enabling adaptability through interchangeable spacers and weight elements that can be customized for specific vehicle requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
While the base rim structure maintains consistent, high-quality manufacturing standards for reliable fit, the local configurations are achieved through interchangeable spacers and weight elements. Each spacer can be positioned at specific locations to achieve precise local adjustments for different vehicle applications, maintaining overall reliability while enabling cross-vehicle adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A variable rim structure, comprising - a rim (1) extending around a central axis (X-X), the rim (1) defining an inner wall (14) an and an outer wall (12), the outer wall (12) being adapted to support a tire (2), the inner wall (14) defining an inner opening of the rim (1), and presenting an inner flange (3) that extends radially inwards, - a disk (5), configured to fit within the inner opening of the rim (1), and to be fixed to the inner flange (3) on one hand, and to a vehicle axle (6) on the other hand, - a set of spacers (40) comprising at least one spacer (4), each spacer (4) of said set of spacers (40) being adapted to fit within the inner opening of the rim (1), each spacer (4) of said set of spacers (40) being a ring element having a same section along the central axis (X-X), adapted to at least partially overlap with the inner flange (3) of the rim (1), and to be fixed to the inner flange (3) of the rim (1).