Vehicle wheel with run-flat capability, includes geometrically-defined circumferential rim groove fitting internal ridge on internal annular support

摘要

The support surface commences at diameter DRmin near, its axially-outermost region. Diameter increases conically to D1 at gradient alpha over axial length b. It continues to increase at lesser gradient beta to D5, then becoming axially constant, i.e. the shape continues cylindrically. Going the other way from the region of minimum diameter DRmin, the support surface reaches increased diameter D2 over axial length c with decreasing gradient. D2 and DRmin define a notional conical surface with gradient gamma . In decreasing magnitude, the diameters cited are: D5, D1, Df, D2, DRmin. Gradients conform with 40[deg] = alpha = 60[deg], 5[deg] = beta = 20[deg]; 40[deg] = gamma = c0[deg]. Lengths conform with 0.4b = c = 0.6b, 0.2(a+b+c) = b = 0.3(a+b+c), where preferably 0.5b = c and 0.25 (a+b+c) = b. Preferred features: The rib engages and interlocks into a corresponding groove in the rim, in the running state. A reinforcement is embedded into the radially-inwardly directed ridge. Its internal diameter is Df, less that the diameter D1 and greater than D2. The annular ring is held by friction in the circumferential direction. The reinforcement (27) has a maximum extensibility in the circumferential direction of 2% at a loading of 2000N. It is a single wire or a monofilament. The reinforcement is a strip, spiraled around the axis with more than one full circumferential length wound on. The supportive surface for the ring is part of the rim, built into it. The corresponding annular support is also claimed.