There is provided a misalignment detecting device being capable of detecting and correcting distortion of a spoked wheel with a simple configuration. The misalignment detecting device includes: supporting frames 12a, 12b to which the spoked wheel 30 to be inspected is set; a first light source 13 that is attached to the supporting frame and irradiates first detected light to the spoked wheel set on the supporting frame in an axial direction of the spoked wheel; a first line sensor 14 that is attached to the supporting frame so as to be capable of receiving the first detected light and detects radial distortion of the spoked wheel without contact based on the received first detected light; a second light source 15 that is attached to the supporting frame and irradiates second detected light to the spoked wheel set on the supporting frame in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the spoked wheel; and a second line sensor 16 that is attached to the supporting frame so as to be capable of receiving the second detected light and detects axial distortion of the spoked wheel without contact based on the received second detected light.

An apparatus for assembling a non-pneumatic tire is provided that includes a plurality of elements that move relative to a base. The elements have a central axis that extends in a longitudinal direction, and the elements are disposed in a circumferential direction around the central axis. The apparatus also includes a radial movement member that moves in a radial direction, a hub, a shear band, and a plurality of spokes that are attached to the hub. The radial movement member moves outward in the radial direction and urges the elements to move relative to the base such that the elements urge the spokes to move outward in the radial direction. Adhesive engages the spokes and the shear band at an attachment location of the spokes and the shear band.

A vehicle wheel spoke connection, including: a rim; a hub; a plurality of spokes extending between the rim and hub with a first portion connected to the rim, a second portion opposed to said first portion and connected to the hub, a span portion between the rim and the hub, and an applied tensile load along the span portion; a bracing element including the rim and/or hub. The spoke has a longitudinal axis and is composed of reinforcement fibers in a matrix. The external surface of the spoke includes a pre-formed configured surface comprising a multiplicity of laterally outwardly projecting engagement surfaces that are longitudinally spaced. The spoke is connected to the bracing element by a longitudinal engagement comprising a multiplicity of longitudinally spaced overlie engagements associated with the spoke engagement surfaces. The longitudinal engagement supports the tensile load.

A vehicle wheel spoke connection, including: a rim; a hub; a plurality of spokes extending between the rim and hub with a first portion connected to the rim, a second portion opposed to said first portion and connected to the hub, a span portion between the rim and the hub, and an applied tensile load along the span portion; a bracing element including the rim and/or hub. The spoke has a longitudinal axis and is composed of reinforcement fibers in a matrix. The external surface of the spoke includes a pre-formed configured surface comprising a multiplicity of laterally outwardly projecting engagement surfaces that are longitudinally spaced. The spoke is connected to the bracing element by a longitudinal engagement comprising a multiplicity of longitudinally spaced overlie engagements associated with the spoke engagement surfaces. The longitudinal engagement supports the tensile load.

An apparatus for assembling a non-pneumatic tire is provided that includes a plurality of spokes attached to a hub, a frame, and a plurality of mechanical elements disposed between and engaging successive spokes. The spokes extend to locations radially inward and radially outward of the locations of engagement with the mechanical elements. A radial movement member moves the mechanical elements in a radial direction. The spokes are compressed by the mechanical elements, and retaining elements engage the mechanical elements to hold them and the spokes in this position. Release by the retaining elements and outward radial movement of the mechanical elements urge the spokes toward a shear band that is outward in the radial direction. Adhesive located between the spokes and the shear band is pressed there between through this urging to result in the spokes being attached to the shear band in a state of pre-compression.

Devices and methods for fixing a spoke of a running wheel in the context of trueing, an exemplary device having a clamp (1) with a clamping gap (4) of variable width and a longitudinal axis (L) configured to receive a section of the spoke, wherein driving the clamp (1) narrows the clamping gap (4) so that the section of the spoke can be fixed via force-fitting and/or form-locking, further wherein the device rotationally fixes the section but permits movement of the section in the longitudinal direction.

Devices and methods for fixing a spoke of a running wheel in the context of trueing, an exemplary device having a clamp (1) with a clamping gap (4) of variable width and a longitudinal axis (L) configured to receive a section of the spoke, wherein driving the clamp (1) narrows the clamping gap (4) so that the section of the spoke can be fixed via force-fitting and/or form-locking, further wherein the device rotationally fixes the section but permits movement of the section in the longitudinal direction.

A spoked bicycle wheel having a rim at least partially comprised of a composite material. The rim has at least one spoke attachment chamber with a plurality of spoke attachment holes. The wheel has a plurality of spokes coupled with the rim and a spoke attachment element partially inserted in a respective spoke attachment hole. The wheel includes a holding element that prevents the movement of said spoke attachment element along a radially outer direction. The spoke attachment element has a holding surface configured for abutment against the holding element.

A spoked bicycle wheel having a rim at least partially comprised of a composite material. The rim has at least one spoke attachment chamber with a plurality of spoke attachment holes. The wheel has a plurality of spokes coupled with the rim and a spoke attachment element partially inserted in a respective spoke attachment hole. The wheel includes a holding element that prevents the movement of said spoke attachment element along a radially outer direction. The spoke attachment element has a holding surface configured for abutment against the holding element.

There is provided a misalignment detecting device being capable of detecting and correcting distortion of a spoked wheel with a simple configuration. The misalignment detecting device includes: supporting frames 12a, 12b to which the spoked wheel 30 to be inspected is set; a first light source 13 that is attached to the supporting frame and irradiates first detected light to the spoked wheel set on the supporting frame in an axial direction of the spoked wheel; a first line sensor 14 that is attached to the supporting frame so as to be capable of receiving the first detected light and detects radial distortion of the spoked wheel without contact based on the received first detected light; a second light source 15 that is attached to the supporting frame and irradiates second detected light to the spoked wheel set on the supporting frame in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the spoked wheel; and a second line sensor 16 that is attached to the supporting frame so as to be capable of receiving the second detected light and detects axial distortion of the spoked wheel without contact based on the received second detected light.