MUMBAI, India, July 24 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202641085434 A) filed by Vellore Institute Of Technology on July 13, 2026, for Lightweight 3d-Printed Non-Pneumatic Wheel With Parametrically Optimized Hexagonal Lattice Structures.
Inventors include Benedict Thomas; and Dalton Aarucks W.
The application for the patent was published on July 17, 2026, under issue no. 29/2026.
Abstract: Thepresent invention relates to alightweightthree-dimensional (3D) printed non-pneumatic wheel incorporating a parametrically optimized hexagonal lattice structure for off-road applications. The wheel is fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM) and thermoplastic polyurethane(TPU) material to provide puncture resistance, reduced maintenance, and improved terrain adaptability. The invention enables mathematical control of lattice parameters including cell size, wall thickness, density, and stiffness through radial and circumferential grading for enhanced load distribution, shock absorption, and compliance on rugged terrains. Manufacturing constraints such as support-free printing, layer adhesion, controlled overhang angles, and TPU flexibility are integrated directly into the design to ensure printability using low-cost FDM printers. The wheel design framework further supports rapid customization for different vehicle weights, wheel dimensions, and terrain conditions. Experimental validation is performed using a physical wheel prototype on a real-time vehicle platform under off-road operating conditions.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
