The document describes a new air-shock spoke wheel called a "shweel" that is being developed as an alternative to pneumatic tires for large mining trucks. Some key points:
1) Shweels are made of steel and rubber and are always in stock locally, unlike tires which can experience shortages.
2) They are expected to last 10 times longer than tires and be completely recyclable.
3) By reducing rolling resistance by 30%, shweels are estimated to save mining operators 15% on fuel costs per truck over standard tires.
2. Occasional supply shortages
Regulated shipping
$40K / 8 months use (6,000 hrs)
Fire, heat, cuts and wear problems
Regulated disposal (5T of rubber)
3. Always in stock -- Local mfg
Shipped in segments on flatbeds
Mfg cost 1/3 of current tire price ($ 14K)
10x useful life (60,000 hrs - 7 years)
Completely recyclable (5 tons of steel)
Airless, fireproof, saves 15% fuel
4.
5. The hub leads the rim.
The load gains eccentricity.
Its torque assist rolling.
Reduced rolling radius,
preserved contact radius.
6. 30% reduction of rolling resistance
15% fuel savings (& CO2, NOx)
Works against slippage and digging-in
on snow, sand and mud
300 15%
Equivalent Grade (%)
Rolling Resistance
10%
(lbs/ton)
200
Inflated
100 5%
Shweel
0 0%
Concrete, Erath, Earth, Mud,
smooth maintained muddy loose sand
7. Improves riding stability, safety
and comfort
Gripper-block-inserts or
traction-belt and shocks are
individually replaceable
Reduces impacts on drivetrain
8. The shweel segments negotiate
obstacles independently
2 or 3 segments make up for
one 797 wheel
13. Is there any performance grading?
GR 5 -15, corresponding to RA 5-15%
Does lower-grade shweel costs less?
GR 15 →100%, GR 10 →90%, …, GR 5 →80%
How much fuel a CAT797 can save on shweels?
15% (30 gal/hr)
14. Kinetics Kinematics
Gravity adds torque . Small rolling radius, high contact radius.
$ 42,000 sales price5 tons rubberLimited supplyFew manufacturesShortages happen6,000 hrs use (9 months) Limited refurbishing (few rethreads)Regulated shipping and disposal Puncture, fire, heat and wear problems
$ 14,000 cost (=3x materials)5 tons steelLocal subcontractorsAlways on stock60,000 hrs use – 20% less truck maintenance Unlimited traction-insert replacementsRecyclable as steelShipped in segments on flatbedsAirless, saves 15% fuel, emission and pollution
