Wheel Bead Locks Prevent Rim Slip via Axial Pre-Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic and non-pneumatic tires are susceptible to rim slip due to a loose interface between the tire bead and the wheel rim, leading to reduced efficiency and performance.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece wheel design with bead locks on the rim that are axially misaligned and spaced to mate with corresponding notches on the tire, along with a threaded rod for adjusting the axial distance between wheel pieces, to prevent slippage by applying pre-tension to the tire beads, ensuring they remain below the tread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional wheel design without bead locks is used, then the device complexity is low, but rim slip occurs due to loose interface between tire bead and wheel rim
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel is divided into multiple segments with bead locks positioned at specific locations around the rim. Each bead lock acts as an independent element that engages with the tire bead at discrete points, preventing rim slip through distributed localized engagement rather than requiring a completely different wheel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Bead locks extend axially outward from the wheel rim surface into a third dimension, creating physical engagement points that protrude into the space where the tire bead resides. This axial extension creates mechanical interlocking without requiring changes to the basic wheel structure.
2Productivity
If bead locks are added to prevent rim slip, then tire performance and stability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Bead locks are pre-formed as integral features of the wheel segments during the wheel manufacturing process, rather than being added as separate components afterward. This preliminary incorporation into the wheel structure simplifies assembly and reduces manufacturing steps.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple bead locks are spaced around the rim, then contact pressure uniformity is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel is segmented into multiple sections, each containing bead locks positioned at specific angular intervals. This segmentation allows contact pressure to be distributed uniformly around the tire bead while keeping each segment relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple bead locks are combined into a single wheel assembly, working together as an integrated system to distribute contact pressure. The bead locks on different segments are positioned to complement each other, creating uniform pressure distribution across the entire tire-bead interface.
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 design enhances tire performance by maintaining contact pressure uniformly and reducing the propensity for buckling, resulting in improved efficiency and stability even without inflation, by ensuring the tire beads are pre-tensioned and securely engaged with the wheel.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded rod extending between the threaded holes. The threaded rod is configured to change the axial distance between the first and second wheel pieces when it is turned
Implementation Method 2
the bead locks on the rim portions are configured to mate with corresponding notches in the tire
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel includes a hub and a rim portion surrounding the hub. An outer surface of the rim portion defines a circumference of the wheel. The outer surface of the rim portion has a plurality of bead locks that are spaced from one another.