Annular structure having multiple reinforcement bands
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsMichael Edward Dotson, Jim Endicott, Patrick A. Petri, Kirkland W. Vogt
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A non-pneumatic wheel with reinforcement bands that provide structural support for the wheel and a method of manufacture of such a wheel are described. The reinforcement band forms part of an annular reinforcement structure that includes a core that is cast in place between annular reinforcement bands. The core can be impregnated with a matrix material. The matrix material can also be used to form one or more elements of the non-pneumatic wheel.
Claims20
A method of manufacturing a non-pneumatic tire having an annular reinforcement structure that includes a first reinforcement band, a second reinforcement band, and a core positioned between the first and second reinforcement bands, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing the inner and outer reinforcement bands in a first mold with the inner and outer reinforcement bands positioned in concentric, spaced relationship so as to form an annular space between the inner and outer reinforcement bands;
- inserting material for the core into the first mold into the space between the inner and outer reinforcement bands so as to provide a casting that includes a core having a density of 0.75 g/cm3 or greater that is located between the inner and outer reinforcement bands;
- placing the casting from said step of inserting into a second mold, the second mold providing at least one cavity for the molding of one or more features of the non-pneumatic wheel;
- and,
- introducing a matrix material in the second mold so as to form one or more features of the non-pneumatic wheel.
A non-pneumatic wheel, the wheel defining radial and circumferential directions, the wheel comprising:
- an annular band for supporting a ground contacting tread portion, said annular band extending about the circumferential direction;
- an annular reinforcement structure positioned within said annular band, said reinforcement structure comprising:
- an inner reinforcement band extending along the circumferential direction;
- an outer reinforcement band extending along the circumferential direction and positioned radially-outside of said inner reinforcement band;
- a core positioned at least partially between said inner and outer reinforcement bands, said core being constructed from a material that is formed in place between said inner and outer reinforcement bands and has a density of 0.75 g/cm3 or greater;
- a mounting band positioned radially-inward of said annular band;
- and
- a plurality of web spokes connected between said annular band and said mounting band.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.