Wheel Assembly Angular Flanges Non-Pneumatic Tire Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Top loader non-pneumatic tires face limitations in load carrying capacity and durability due to the characteristics of polymeric spokes, which restrict their performance compared to pneumatic tires.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly with a mounting plate, elongate friction members, and angular flanges with stop plates and cylindrical rods, providing a secure and stable connection between the tire and wheel assembly, enhancing load distribution and shock resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymeric spokes are used in top loader non-pneumatic tires, then the tire can operate without air pressure, but the load carrying capacity and durability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining metal flanges with polymeric friction members to create a hybrid wheel assembly. The metal flanges provide structural strength and load-bearing capacity, while the polymeric friction members provide damping and grip. This composite approach allows the non-pneumatic tire to achieve pneumatic-level load carrying capacity and durability without requiring air pressure, directly resolving the technical contradiction between reliability and strength.
2Device complexity
If polymeric spokes are used to carry load, then the tire structure is simplified, but performance is limited compared to pneumatic tires
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: metal flanges for structural support, polymeric friction members for load transfer and damping, stop plates for positioning, and cylindrical rods for alignment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high performance without requiring the complexity of pneumatic systems. The modular design maintains simplicity while dramatically improving performance to match pneumatic tire levels.
3Reliability
If friction members are positioned between angular flanges, then secure connection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction members feature a curved or contoured surface profile that complements the angular flanges. This curvature allows the friction members to nestle securely between the flanges, creating a self-locating connection that resists detachment during operation. The curved geometry provides mechanical interlocking while maintaining simplicity, achieving reliable connection stability without significantly increasing device complexity.
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
The solution significantly increases the load carrying capacity and durability of non-pneumatic tires, improving their performance to match that of pneumatic tires by ensuring a stable and secure connection with enhanced stress distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elongate friction members for engaging a tire assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A wheel assembly (200) is disclosed comprising a mounting plate (210) for attachment to a rotatable axle; a plurality of elongate friction members (220) for engaging a tire assembly (140); a plurality of first angular flanges (230) extending radially outward and circumferentially in a first direction from the mounting plate (210); and a plurality of second angular flanges (240) extending radially outward and circumferentially in a second direction, preferably opposite the first direction, from the mounting plate (210). Each elongate friction member (220) is disposed axially between one of the first angular flanges (230) and one of the second angular flanges (240). Also, a tire and wheel assembly comprising said wheel assembly (200) and a tire assembly (140) comprising a spoke structure (110) and an outer ring (142) is disclosed. Finally, a method for securing a wheel assembly (200) to a tire assembly (140) is disclosed.