cast aluminum wheels

Abstract

A cast aluminum wheel comprising a rim element having an annular configuration defining an axis and a central element extending radially outward between the axis and the rim element. The rim member includes a wall extending circumferentially about the axis between the proximal rim and the distal rim. The central element includes a plurality of spokes extending radially outward toward the proximal rim and meeting adjacent spokes of the plurality of spokes proximate to the axis, adjacent spokes of the plurality of spokes Cooperating features between said adjacent spokes for providing stiffness to the wheel are defined. The volume of the spokes increases progressively from the rim element towards the axis, whereby the mass of the spokes near the axis is greater than the mass of the spokes near the rim element.

Description

[0001] prior application [0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 028,555, filed July 24, 2014. technical field [0003] The present invention generally relates to a cast aluminum wheel. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cast aluminum wheel having an optimized three-dimensional configuration to increase stiffness and reduce mass. Background technique [0004] Cast aluminum wheels have been used on road vehicles for many years. The light weight and aesthetic qualities of cast aluminum wheels make the wheels ideal for use on many mass-produced vehicles. However, cast aluminum wheels are generally costly due to the expense of manufacture. Furthermore, cast aluminum wheels do not save enough mass to account for the increased cost when fuel efficiency cannot be achieved. [0005] During production, cast aluminum wheels require extensive machining to form the wheels into the desired commercial configuration. A...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, machining also results in sharp transition edges between adjacent surfaces, which are known sources of stress crack initiation

Furthermore, the spokes arranged on the wheel between the rim portion of the wheel and the central element are usually provided with considerable thickness and mass to provide the wheel with the necessary strength and rigidity, which is costly and is not compatible with efforts to reduce mass The opposite of

[0006] Consequently, efforts to reduce the mass of cast aluminum wheels have proven elusive due to structural fatigue, reduced performance, styling and stiffness, all of which are known defects due to the reduced mass of the spokes

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