Humble Beginnings - Preliminary Conceptions

Concept 1 - Shape Memory Alloy Strip Insert

Understanding the mechanics of technology inside a bicycle tire was crucial. Our first designs emphasized the connection between the insert and the bead. The spine design with segmented quadrants of the insert utilized aspects of many designs the group liked. The spine set the stage for future designs.

Concept 2 - Shape Memory Rings

This concept's main feature are the support rings. It uses rings to support the weight of the cyclist and bike. The spine of the rings would be made out of a lightweight foam material that would hold the rings in place. Each ring would act as a spring but would be able to support all sides of the tire. The rings could even be shaped to the proper shape of the inside of a tire to provide perfect support.

Concept 3 - Two Piece Shape Memory Design

For this concept, the team decided to break the device down into two separate main pieces: the rim band piece and the rib piece. Starting with the rim band piece, this piece is the first one to be installed onto the rim of the bike. The band itself is made from three different materials, foam and two different rubbers. Starting from the inner part of the ring, this section is made from foam material and is the cushion between the elastic rubber band and the rim. It is made of foam so it can be easily compressed and shaped to fit any type of rim the installer is using. The middle part of the ring is made from stiff elastic rubber.  

Concept 4 - Fiberglass Weave Design

Inspiration for this concept was taken from the Michelin Uptis and the Bridgestone Airless Tire. As shown below, the existing tire is maintained when using this insert. Included with the insert itself is a foam layer between the tire and the insert. This is to provide comfort for the rider, as well as protection from the high impacts of the terrain. The insert itself would model closely after the Uptis, with some slight modifications to the shape of the frame. The Uptis does not account for sidewall forces, which occur in bicycles during cornering. To account for this, the shape of the frame would not only be vertical from the tire, but also wrap around the rim in a circular shape.

Concept 5 - Solid Foam Tire

Unlike the other designs, this concept relies on a solid foam material. This concept has a ring-like feature along with utilizing a "cross-sectioned X" pattern for its spine. However, since this design is not dependent on Shape Memory Alloys, it will always be in an inflated state. Furthermore, the design would be packaged as one piece. In consequence, installing this product may prove difficult.