Wheel Adapter Inserts for Shock-Resistant Large-Rim Appearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extensors for rolling sets struggle to provide both the necessary flexibility to absorb shocks and the appearance of a large diameter wheel, while maintaining robust fixation of design elements and preventing scratch or loss issues.
Innovation Solution
The extensor features a flexible design with axially oriented inserts distributed over the circumference of its visible face, which absorb deformation during shocks without affecting the external appearance, and are fixed using a combination of molding and gluing to ensure robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a flexible trim ring is used to provide the appearance of a large diameter wheel, then the visual appearance is improved, but the ring undergoes permanent deformation and loses integrity due to plastic deformation during shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The trim ring is divided into multiple independent inserts distributed around the circumference. Each insert is separated from others by flexible bridges of elastomeric material. This segmentation allows each insert to remain relatively rigid for visual appearance while the bridges absorb deformation during shocks, preventing permanent damage to the entire ring structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim ring combines rigid inserts (metallic or hard plastic) with flexible elastomeric bridges. The rigid inserts provide the desired visual appearance of a large diameter wheel, while the elastomeric bridges provide flexibility to absorb shocks and deformations without causing permanent damage to the rigid inserts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If soft synthetic materials are used for the trim ring to maintain flexibility, then the material flexibility is improved, but the modulus of elasticity is low requiring significant thickness which increases exposure to scratching and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the trim ring have different mechanical properties. The inserts are made of rigid materials with high strength and scratch resistance, while the bridges connecting them are made of soft elastomeric material providing flexibility. This local differentiation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim ring is segmented into multiple rigid inserts connected by flexible bridges. This segmentation allows the rigid inserts to be thin and strong rather than requiring a thick uniform structure, reducing exposure to scratching while maintaining overall flexibility through the bridges.
3Strength
If a single-piece rigid trim ring is used to provide structural strength, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ring cannot absorb deformation during shocks without permanent traces
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid trim ring is segmented into multiple independent inserts connected by flexible bridges. This allows the structure to maintain rigidity where needed (in the inserts) while incorporating flexibility (in the bridges) to absorb shocks and prevent permanent deformation of the entire ring structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim ring uses a composite structure combining rigid inserts for structural strength and integrity with flexible elastomeric bridges for shock absorption. This composite approach allows the ring to maintain structural integrity while resisting permanent deformation during shocks.
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 solution allows the extensor to absorb significant deformation during shocks, such as hitting a sidewalk, without impacting its appearance or causing damage, while maintaining the illusion of a larger diameter wheel.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible extender, capable of elastically deforming mainly in a radial direction when it is subjected to a force, such as that experienced when the wheel hits a pavement
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~10
AI summary
An adapter (1) for a rolling assembly having an axis of rotation X-X' comprising a tyre (2) having two beads (21) and a rim (5), the adapter (1) being intended to join one of the beads (21) to the rim (5), the adapter (1) comprising an axially inner end (10), an axially outer end (11) and a body (12), such that, when it is mounted within the assembly, the axially inner end (10) is intended to be immobilised on the rim by means of an inner reinforcing element (14), the axially outer end comprising an outer reinforcing element (15) is intended to receive a bead (21) of the tyre (2). According to the invention, the axially outer end (11) comprises a visible face (20) designed to expose the axially outer faces (31) of a plurality of inserts (30) that are attached to the spreader (1) and distributed around the circumference of said visible face (20).