Variable Width Tire Rim for On-Road and Off-Road Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tires are designed for specific environments, such as on-road or off-road conditions, and lack the adaptability to perform optimally in various road environments like deserts or mud without the need for tire replacement.
Innovation Solution
A tire with a variable rim width and sub-tread curvature, regulated by a mechanical or hydraulic system, allowing the tread blocks to adjust their spacing and tire diameter for optimal performance in both on-road and off-road conditions, using a rubber composition with high elasticity and specific physical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tire uses a fixed tread pattern designed for specific environments, then the tire performance is optimized for that specific environment, but the tire cannot adapt to various road environments such as on-road and off-road conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the rim width variable rather than fixed. The rim width can be adjusted between a first width for on-road mode and a second width for off-road mode, allowing the tire to adapt its configuration dynamically based on driving conditions. This is achieved through a rim width-regulating apparatus that can mechanically or hydraulically adjust the rim width, enabling the same tire to optimize performance for different road environments without requiring multiple specialized tires.
2Area of stationary object
If the rim width is increased to maximize ground contact area for on-road driving, then the ground contact area and high speed driving stability are improved, but the traction and braking performance in off-road conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the rim width to be dynamically adjusted based on driving mode requirements. When set to the first width, the rim maximizes ground contact area for optimal on-road performance and high speed stability. When adjusted to the second width, the rim configuration changes to improve traction and braking performance in off-road conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same tire to excel in both on-road and off-road environments without compromising either performance aspect.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tire is designed with fixed diameter and tread block arrangement, then the manufacturing and operation are simplified, but the tire cannot optimize performance for different driving modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing a variable rim width mechanism that allows the tire to change its effective diameter and tread block arrangement. The rim width-regulating apparatus enables adjustment between different rim widths, which in turn changes the tire's overall diameter and the spacing between tread blocks. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the tire to optimize its performance characteristics for different driving modes while maintaining a relatively simple operational interface through automated or mechanically-assisted adjustment systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized tires are used for different environments, then the performance in each specific environment is optimized, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single tire that can perform multiple functions across different environments. The variable rim width mechanism enables the same tire to optimize its configuration for on-road driving with a first rim width and for off-road driving with a second rim width. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for maintaining multiple specialized tires (such as separate on-road tires and off-road tires), reducing the quantity of tires required while maintaining optimal performance across various driving conditions.
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
Enhances ground contact area and driving stability on roads while improving traction and braking in off-road conditions, maintaining vehicle integrity and reducing the need for multiple tire types.
Implementation Method 1
a sub-tread 40 that is formed on top of the side wall 30 and is formed of an elastic material so as to have a changing curvature
Implementation Method 2
The rim width-regulating apparatus may be composed of a mechanical apparatus including a spring, or a hydraulic system
Implementation Method 3
The rim width-regulating apparatus may be composed of a mechanical apparatus including a spring, or a hydraulic system
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a tire including rims, beads each mounted so as to surround each of the rims, a side wall that is connected to the beads, a sub-tread that is formed on top of the side wall and is formed of a material having elasticity so as to have a changing curvature, and plural tread blocks that are arranged on the sub-tread such that the distances between the tread blocks change in accordance with the change in the curvature of the sub-tread.