Variable Width Wheel Rim with Integrated Fluid Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel systems require significant installation space for storage chambers and actuator chambers to adjust rim width, limiting available space for other components.
Innovation Solution
The first and second spaces within the rim are fluidly connected to a pressure device via valves, allowing pressure changes to generate a force on the separating element, eliminating the need for a separate storage chamber and optimizing installation space by using the actuator chamber as both an actuator and storage volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage chambers and actuator chambers are used to adjust rim width, then the rim width adjustment function is achieved, but the installation space within the wheel is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage chamber and actuator chamber into a single integrated chamber. The separating element divides the rim cavity into first and second spaces, where the second space serves dual purposes: storing hydraulic fluid and acting as the actuator chamber. This eliminates the need for separate storage and actuator chambers, thereby saving installation space within the wheel while maintaining rim width adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The second space in the rim cavity is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. It serves as both a storage chamber for hydraulic fluid and an actuator chamber for driving the rim width adjustment. This multi-functional design reduces the overall space requirement while achieving the desired adaptability for rim width adjustment.
2Quantity of substance
If separate storage chambers and actuator chambers are used, then sufficient hydraulic fluid storage is ensured, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage chamber and actuator chamber into a single integrated chamber (the second space). The separating element creates distinct first and second spaces within the rim cavity, where the second space functions as both storage and actuator chamber. This reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant chambers while ensuring sufficient hydraulic fluid storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim cavity is segmented into first and second spaces by a separating element. This segmentation allows the second space to be independently controlled for hydraulic fluid storage and actuator functions, simplifying the overall chamber configuration while maintaining adequate fluid storage volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the first component is moved parallel to the axis of rotation, then the ground contact area of the tire can be changed, but the mechanism requires additional space for component movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension of the wheel (thickness direction) for component movement. The first component moves parallel to the axis of rotation, which is perpendicular to both the radial direction and the direction of rotation. This dimensional arrangement allows ground contact area adjustment without requiring additional space in the conventional radial or circumferential directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim cavity and its separating element serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, store hydraulic fluid, act as the actuator chamber, and enable the first component to move for ground contact area adjustment. This multi-functional design reduces the space required for component movement while achieving adaptability.
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
This configuration saves installation space within the wheel, allowing for a more efficient use of available space and enabling the adjustment of rim width without the need for additional storage chambers, thus making space available for other devices.
Implementation Method 1
changing the quantity of the hydraulically acting liquid in the actuator chamber may result in movement of a moveable component of the actuator chamber
Implementation Method 2
A pressure in the actuator chamber can be changed by changing the quantity of the hydraulically acting fluid in the actuator chamber; changing a pressure in the actuator chamber may result in movement
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wheel system (1), comprising a wheel (2) and a rim (3), wherein the rim (3) has a first component (4) and a second component (5), wherein the first component (4) is movable parallel to a rotation axis (6) of the wheel (2), and wherein the first component (4) and the second component (5) form a rim depression (8), wherein a depth (9) of the rim depression (8) extends at a right angle to the rotation axis (6) and at a right angle to a circumferential direction (7) of the wheel (2), and wherein the first component (4) has a separating element (10), wherein the separating element (10) extends into the rim depression (8) and a movement of the first component (4) parallel to the rotation axis (6) leads to a movement of the separating element (10) in the rim depression (8) parallel to the rotation axis (6), and a movement of the separating element (10) in the rim depression (8) parallel to the rotation axis (6) leads to a movement of the first component (4) parallel to the rotation axis (6), and wherein the separating element (10) divides the rim depression (8) into a first chamber (11) and a second chamber (12), wherein a movement of the separating element (10) in the rim depression (8) causes a reciprocal modification of the volumes of the first chamber (11) and of the second chamber (12), wherein the first chamber (11) can be connected, by at least one first valve (13), and the second chamber (12) can be connected, by at least one second valve (14), to at least one pressure device (15) in a fluid-conducting manner.