Tension-based non-pneumatic tire
US9004127B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2011 |
| Grant date | Apr 14, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T152/10387
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A non-pneumatic tire for supporting a load by working in tension comprising a generally annular inner surface, a generally annular outer ring, and an interconnected web having a plurality of web elements and comprising a plurality of generally polygonal openings. Web elements are sized, oriented and comprised of a material that facilitates buckling when subjected to a compressive load. By buckling, those elements in a deformed portion of the tire between a hub and a footprint region where the tire contacts a surface may assume a significantly reduced portion of the load, if any. This causes web elements in other portions of the interconnected web to operate in tension to support the load. With the portion of the tire in the footprint region not bearing a significant portion of the load, non-pneumatic tire may exhibit a more comfortable ride subject to less noise and vibration and improved handling capabilities.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.