Reinforced composite hybrid wheel structure

Abstract

A method and system for improving the strength, function and wear resistance of a composite hybrid wheel is disclosed. Each spoke may define an airfoil shape and have a secondary wing-like extension attached thereto to generate airflow across the vehicle brakes during vehicle operation. Alternatively, the cross-section of the spoke may be shaped as an I-beam or H-beam configuration. Customer-interchangeable wheel inserts formed of a reinforced polymeric material such as a long carbon fiber reinforced composite are strategically attached to one or more of the spokes. The inserts are used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the wheel, increase its structural integrity and provide easy interchangeability in the event of damage. An artificial wheel rim composite locking ring formed of a reinforced polymeric material such as a long carbon fiber reinforced composite may also be attached to the wheel spokes to cover the composite rim flange.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed inventive concepts relate to hybrid vehicle wheels having a cast or forged metal center section and having a rim constructed of a composite material. More particularly, the disclosed inventive concepts relate to a reinforced hybrid vehicle wheel having spokes of cross-section that are of an I-beam or H-beam configuration. The spokes may alternatively or additionally have an airfoil shape to which secondary wing-like extensions are attached to improve cooling airflow to the vehicle brakes. One or more wheel inserts or segments, including elongated or annular inserts, are formed of a long fiber composite material. Background Art

[0002] Since the earliest days of vehicle production, wheel construction has shown a very extensive development. Starting with wooden spokes based on carriage wheels, then spokes made of metal, vehicle wheels have been produced from stamped steel for decades. This type of wheel has proven to be both reliable and cost-effective.

[0003] However, as both wheel appearance and overall vehicle weight reduction have become more important in vehicle design, the ubiquitous stamped steel wheel has generally been replaced, at least in the passenger vehicle space, by a wheel cast from a material such as aluminum. Cast aluminum wheels can be formed into many designs and generally offer reduced weight while providing structural integrity.

[0004] Despite all of these benefits, cast aluminum wheels do present challenges to manufacturers and designers alike. This is because cast aluminum wheels require a balance of strength, stiffness, and component mass. On the one hand, wheel forging can improve material properties (strength) and reduce mass. However, wheel stiffness can be sacrificed in the process. Wheel geometry can be used to improve these properties, but the casting and subsequent machining of the wheel limits the usefulness of the geometry. For example, it is difficult to create hollow wheel spokes or to form functional shapes that provide aerodynamic benefits.

[0005] The design and production of aluminum wheels is not the only challenge facing wheel designers and manufacturers. Customer satisfaction with today's cast aluminum wheels is generally high, but dissatisfaction has been expressed with such wheels having poor scratch resistance. This is particularly frustrating considering the considerable expense consumers face when initially purchasing cast aluminum wheels. Over time, cast aluminum wheels show damage from contact with curbs, road debris, and gravel roads. In response, some wheel manufacturers, as well as aftermarket automotive parts suppliers, offer spray-on clear coatings to resist such damage. However, such clear coating arrangements for wheels have been shown to resist only minimal damage prior to scratching.

[0006] In view of the prior art, it would be advantageous to provide a wheel having both reduced weight and increased scratch resistance without compromising aesthetic quality.As with many areas of automotive manufacturing technology, there is always room for improvement in the design and production of vehicle wheels. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention overcomes known problems associated with designing and manufacturing cast aluminum wheels. Specifically, the disclosed inventive concept provides a wheel that exhibits reduced overall weight compared to known cast wheels while increasing strength, operating efficiency, and design versatility while also improving wear and damage resistance.

[0008] The vehicle wheel according to the disclosed inventive concept is a two-piece wheel having a forged wheel center section (or center disc) and a carbon fiber composite rim attached to the cast or forged wheel center section. This combination allows designers and manufacturers to increase design versatility while reducing overall wheel weight compared to known cast aluminum wheels. This structure also allows designers to increase spoke design flexibility to maximize several beneficial attributes of the wheel while creating new wheel functions.

[0009] One of the beneficial design features is a spoke having an airfoil shape defining a wing and a secondary wing-like extension attached to the spoke. Due to the rotation of the wheel, the wing and wing-like extension operate to generate airflow across the vehicle brakes during vehicle operation. Specifically, air from the rear of the spoke and the wing is converted into airflow. The air then moves from the rear of the spoke to the front. The secondary wing-like attachment is located above the airfoil shaped spoke at an angle designed to assist the airfoil shaped spoke in increasing the air velocity from the rear to the front. This configuration has particular utility in racing where it is necessary to maximize brake cooling.

[0010] Another beneficial design feature of the disclosed inventive concept relates to the structure of the spokes themselves, which can be shaped in cross-section into an I-beam or H-beam configuration. This design maximizes lateral stiffness and can include hollow sections to reduce weight while also allowing designers to add unique styling.

[0011] Another beneficial design feature of the disclosed inventive concept is the provision of interchangeable wheel inserts formed of a reinforced polymeric material, such as a long carbon fiber reinforced composite designed to resist wear. One or more of the wheel inserts can be easily replaced by the consumer if damage occurs or if an alternative color or design is desired. The inserts can be attached by any number of means, including by using mechanical fasteners such as screws or nut and bolt arrangements, thereby allowing for easy replacement. The inserts can be used not only to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the wheel, but also to enhance the structural integrity of the wheel while reducing manufacturing costs. For example, a common cast or forged aluminum wheel can provide the basis for many variations of both heavy and light vehicles, where the same wheel is made unique by selecting and arranging one or more inserts. The shape of the inserts can be modified to reduce drag, increase sinking force, and supplement brake system cooling by using the wing-like extensions described above. This configuration has particular utility in off-road vehicles where wheels are often subject to surface damage.

[0012] A variation of the wheel insert is to provide a synthetic bead composite locking ring, preferably constructed of the same reinforced polymer material as the insert (long carbon fiber reinforced composite), to provide wear resistance. The bead locking ring is attached to the wheel spokes and covers the composite rim flange, protecting the composite rim from damage. This configuration also has particular utility in off-road vehicles where wheels are often subject to surface damage.

[0013] The above advantages and other advantages and features will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference should now be made to the embodiments illustrated in more detail in the accompanying drawings and described below by way of example of the invention, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a front view of a reinforced composite hybrid wheel having an airflow generating wing or wing-like extension according to an embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept;

[0016] Figure 2A is along Figure 1 The line 2A-2A is intercepted Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a spoke of an embodiment of a reinforced composite hybrid wheel;

[0017] Figure 2B is along Figure 1 The line 2B-2B is intercepted Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a spoke of an embodiment of a reinforced composite hybrid wheel;

[0018] Figure 3is a front view of a reinforced composite hybrid wheel according to another embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept, wherein the spokes have a cross-section of an H-beam configuration;

[0019] Figure 4 is along Figure 3 The line 4-4 is intercepted Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a spoke of an embodiment of a reinforced composite hybrid wheel showing an H-beam configuration of the spoke;

[0020] Figure 5 is a front view of a reinforced composite hybrid wheel according to another embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept, wherein the spokes have a cross-section of an I-beam configuration;

[0021] Figure 6 is along Figure 5 The line 6-6 is intercepted Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a spoke of an embodiment of a reinforced composite hybrid wheel showing an I-beam configuration of the spoke;

[0022] Figure 7 is a front view of a reinforced composite hybrid wheel according to another embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept, wherein elongated composite inserts are attached to spokes;

[0023] Figure 8 is along Figure 7 The line 8-8 is intercepted Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a spoke of an embodiment of a reinforced composite hybrid wheel showing an elongated composite insert and spoke assembly;

[0024] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A perspective view of a reinforced composite hybrid wheel of FIG. 1 showing elongated inserts spaced apart from spokes of the wheel;

[0025] Fig.10 is a front view of a reinforced composite hybrid wheel according to an additional embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept with a synthetic rim composite locking ring attached to the rim; and

[0026] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A perspective view of a reinforced composite hybrid wheel showing composite rings spaced apart from the spokes of the wheel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In the following drawings, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same components. In the following description, various operating parameters and components are described for different configurations of the embodiments. These specific parameters and components are included as examples and are not meant to be limiting.

[0028] The accompanying drawings and related descriptions illustrate structural alternatives proposed in the disclosed inventive concept of a reinforced composite hybrid wheel including various insert attachments and design configurations. In general, Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B A composite hybrid wheel structure is provided, the structure comprising an airflow generating wing or wing-like extension. Figure 3 and Figure 4 A composite hybrid wheel structure having an H-beam construction is provided. Figure 5 and Figure 6 A composite hybrid wheel structure having an I-beam configuration is disclosed. Figures 7 to 9 Interchangeable inserts for attachment to wheel spokes are shown, and Fig.10 and Fig.11 An interchangeable synthetic wheel collar locking ring is shown for attachment to a composite rim flange. It should be understood that the shapes and sizes of the wheels, spokes, wings, inserts and rings are suggestive and are not intended to be limiting.

[0029] refer to Figure 1 , shows a front view of an embodiment of a reinforced composite hybrid wheel of the disclosed inventive concept and generally shown as 10. The reinforced composite hybrid wheel 10 includes a composite rim 12 constructed of a composite material, preferably including reinforced carbon fibers. The composite rim 12 is attached to a cast or forged wheel center section 14, which is preferably aluminum, although other materials may be used in the construction of the center section 14 as is known in the art.

[0030] A plurality of lug holes 16, which may have the same pattern as shown or may have an alternative pattern, are formed in the cast or forged wheel center section 14. A plurality of spokes 18 extend outwardly from the center section 14. A greater or lesser number of spokes 18 may be provided depending on the wheel application and design preference.

[0031] according to Figure 1 In the embodiment of the wheel shown in FIG. 1 , one or more of the spokes 18 include an airflow generating secondary wing-like extension 20. Each spoke 18 preferably has an airfoil shape, such as Figure 2A and Figure 2B The secondary wing-like extensions 20 function in conjunction with the airfoil-shaped spokes to direct cooling air to the brake rotor and other components of the brake assembly during normal vehicle operation. The shape, number, and arrangement of the secondary wing-like extensions 20 relative to the spokes 18 as shown are merely suggestive, as other shapes, numbers, and arrangements are possible without departing from the disclosed inventive concept.

[0032] The secondary wing-like extension 20 is preferably, but not necessarily, formed separately from the cast or forged wheel center section 14 and attached by any of several methods. Figure 2A , which shows the secondary wing-like extension 20 attached to the spoke 18 by mechanical fastening using screws or studs 22 and nut fasteners 24. Alternative attachment methods are possible, including welding or adhesives.

[0033] refer to Figure 3 , shows a front view of an additional embodiment of a reinforced composite hybrid wheel of the disclosed inventive concepts and generally shown as 30. The reinforced composite hybrid wheel 30 includes a composite rim 32 constructed of a composite material, preferably including reinforced carbon fibers. The composite rim 32 is attached to a cast or forged wheel center section 34, which is preferably aluminum, although other materials may be used in the construction of the center section 34 as is known in the art.

[0034] A plurality of lug holes 36, which may have the same pattern as shown or may have an alternative pattern, are formed in a cast or forged wheel center section 34. A plurality of spokes 38 extend outwardly from the center section 34. A greater or lesser number of spokes 38 may be provided depending on the wheel application and design preference.

[0035] A spoke-to-rim attachment 40 is disposed between each spoke 38 and the composite rim 32. The spoke-to-rim attachment 40 may be any of several designs including mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or both. Holes or hollow sections such as holes 41 and 41' may be formed in one or more of the spokes 38 to reduce weight, add a unique style, or both. Figure 3 The arrangement and configuration of the holes 41 and 41 ′ shown in FIG. 4 is merely suggestive.

[0036] The spokes 38 of the reinforced composite hybrid wheel 30 have an H-beam configuration to maximize lateral stiffness. Figure 4 , which shows a cross-sectional view of a spoke 38 of a reinforced composite hybrid wheel 30. As shown in this figure, an H-beam construction is formed by outer ribs 42, inner ribs 44 and connecting ribs 46. One or more additional ribs may be provided.

[0037] The shape of the spokes can be determined from Figure 3 and Figure 4 The H-beam construction was modified to an alternative configuration while still achieving the required lateral stiffness. Figure 5 and Figure 6 This alternative configuration is shown in . Figure 5, shows a front view of an additional embodiment of a reinforced composite hybrid wheel of the disclosed inventive concepts and generally shown as 50. The reinforced composite hybrid wheel 50 includes a composite rim 52 constructed of a composite material, preferably including reinforced carbon fibers. The composite rim 52 is attached to a cast or forged wheel center section 54, which is preferably aluminum, although other materials may be used in the construction of the center section 54 as is known in the art.

[0038] A plurality of lug holes 56, which may have the same pattern as shown or may have an alternative pattern, are formed in a cast or forged wheel center section 54. A plurality of spokes 58 extend outwardly from the center section 54. A greater or lesser number of spokes 58 may be provided depending on the wheel application and design preference.

[0039] A spoke-to-rim attachment 60 is disposed between each spoke 58 and the composite rim 52. The spoke-to-rim attachment 60 may be any of several designs including mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or both. The spokes 58 of the reinforced composite hybrid wheel 50 have an I-beam configuration to maximize lateral stiffness. Figure 6 Such a structure is illustrated in , which shows a cross-sectional view of a spoke 58 of a reinforced composite hybrid wheel 50. As shown in the figure, an I-beam construction is formed by a pair of opposing ribs 62 and 62', which are connected by a connecting rib 64. One or more additional ribs may be provided. In addition, one or more holes or hollow sections may be formed in one of the spokes 58 to reduce weight, add a unique style, or both.

[0040] As another general variation of the reinforced composite hybrid wheel of the disclosed inventive concept, one or more interchangeable inserts or rings may be attached to the face of the wheel to provide enhanced appearance, improved structural integrity, and wheel protection. Figures 7 to 11 These embodiments are shown in FIG.

[0041] refer to Figure 7 , shows a front view of an embodiment of a reinforced composite hybrid wheel of the disclosed inventive concept with interchangeable inserts. The reinforced composite hybrid wheel, shown generally at 70, includes a composite rim 72 constructed of a composite material, preferably including reinforced carbon fibers. The composite rim 72 is attached to a cast or forged wheel center section 74, which is preferably aluminum, although other materials may be used in the construction of the center section 74 as is known in the art.

[0042] A plurality of lug holes 76, which may have the same pattern as shown or may have an alternative pattern, are formed in a cast or forged wheel center section 74. A plurality of spokes 78 extend outwardly from the center section 74. A greater or lesser number of spokes 78 may be provided depending on the wheel application and design preference.

[0043] Attached to one or more of the spokes 78 are elongated inserts 80 formed of a reinforced polymeric material such as a long carbon fiber reinforced composite designed for both strength and wear resistance. The number, arrangement, shape, and size of the inserts 80 may vary from that shown. The number, arrangement, shape, and size of each elongated insert 80 may be determined based not only on aesthetic appeal but also on adding strength to the wheel.

[0044] A beneficial feature of the elongated inserts 80 and their use with the reinforced composite hybrid wheel 70 is their interchangeability. In the event that one or more of the inserts 80 become damaged, the owner can easily remove and replace the damaged insert. The ease of interchangeability also allows the consumer to easily modify the wheel to change the appearance of the wheel as desired. As mentioned, the use of the inserts 80 also reduces manufacturing costs by allowing the formation of a single base wheel that can be modified for a specific application simply by attaching different inserts.

[0045] refer to Figure 8 , shows a cross-sectional view of a spoke 78 having an insert 80 attached thereto. The insert 80 is preferably releasably attached to the spoke 78 by any of several methods, such as by mechanical fastening using screws or studs 82 and nut fasteners 84 as shown. As a possible alternative or supplement to mechanical fastening, the insert 80 may be attached to the spoke 78 by hook and loop fastening techniques (not shown).

[0046] Fig. 9 The reinforced composite hybrid wheel 70 is shown in perspective view with an insert 80 spaced apart from a cast or forged wheel center section 74. Stud holes are selectively formed in each spoke 78 to allow passage of a stud 82. A greater or lesser number of studs 82 may be provided as desired to best secure the insert 80 to the spoke 78.

[0047] As Figures 7 to 9 As an alternative or in addition to the elongated insert, a synthetic wheel collar composite locking ring may be attached to the rim of the reinforced composite hybrid wheel. Fig.10Such an arrangement is shown in , which shows other alternative embodiments of the reinforced composite hybrid wheel of the disclosed inventive concept. The reinforced composite hybrid wheel, shown generally at 90, includes a composite rim 92 constructed of a composite material, preferably including reinforced carbon fibers. The composite rim 92 is attached to a cast or forged wheel center section 94, which is preferably aluminum, although other materials may be used in the construction of the center section 94 as is known in the art.

[0048] A plurality of lug holes 96, which may have the same pattern as shown or may have an alternative pattern, are formed in a cast or forged wheel center section 94. A plurality of spokes 98 extend outwardly from the center section 94. A greater or lesser number of spokes 98 may be provided depending on the wheel application and design preference.

[0049] A synthetic spinner rim composite locking ring 100 is attached to the spoke 98. The synthetic spinner rim composite locking ring 100 is attached in a manner so as to provide protection for the composite rim 92 underneath. Fig.11 Attachment of the synthetic rim composite locking ring 100 to the spokes 98 is shown in FIG. Referring to the figure, a perspective view of the reinforced composite hybrid wheel 90 is shown showing the synthetic rim composite locking ring 100 spaced apart from the cast or forged wheel center section 94. Stud perforations are selectively formed in each spoke 98 to allow studs 102 extending from the underside of the synthetic rim composite locking ring 100 to pass therethrough. A greater or lesser number of studs 102 may be provided as desired to optimally secure the synthetic rim composite locking ring 100 to the spokes 98. Nut fasteners 104 are used on opposite sides of the wheel 90 for releasably securing the synthetic rim composite locking ring 100 to the wheel 90. As a possible alternative or supplement to mechanical fastening, the synthetic rim composite locking ring 100 may be attached to the spokes 98 by screws or by hook and loop fastening techniques (not shown).

[0050] A beneficial feature of the synthetic spinner rim composite locking ring 100 is its ability to protect the underlying composite hub 92. The synthetic spinner rim composite locking ring 100 is also easily interchangeable, such that in the event that the ring 100 becomes damaged, the owner can easily remove and replace the damaged ring. The easy interchangeability of the ring 100 also allows the consumer to easily modify the wheel to change the appearance of the wheel as desired. As mentioned, and similar to the insert 80, the synthetic spinner rim composite locking ring 100 also reduces manufacturing costs by allowing a single base wheel to be formed that can be modified for a specific application simply by attaching a different ring style.

[0051] One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion and from the accompanying drawings and claims that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the true spirit and fair scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0052] According to the present invention, a vehicle wheel is provided, the vehicle wheel having: a one-piece metal center section formed by casting or forging, the center section comprising: a center portion and a plurality of radially extending spokes extending outward from the center portion; a reinforcing attachment feature fixed to one or more of the spokes, the feature being formed of a long carbon fiber reinforced composite material, the feature being formed separately from the center section; and a composite tire retaining rim section attached to the spokes.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the reinforcing attachment feature is selected from the group consisting of an elongated insert and a ring.

[0054] According to one embodiment, at least one of said spokes has an airfoil-shaped cross section.

[0055] According to one embodiment, at least one of said spokes having an airfoil-shaped cross section comprises a wing-like extension attached thereto.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the attachment feature is attached to the spoke by one or more mechanical fasteners.

[0057] According to one embodiment, at least one of the spokes has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of an I-beam configuration and an H-beam configuration.

[0058] According to one embodiment, at least one of the spokes has a hollow area formed therein.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the attachment feature at least partially covers the composite tire retaining rim section.

[0060] According to the present invention, a vehicle wheel is provided, the vehicle wheel having: a one-piece metal center section, the center section including: a center portion and a plurality of radially extending spokes extending outward from the center portion; a reinforcing attachment feature fixed to one or more of the spokes, the feature being formed of a long carbon fiber reinforced composite material, the feature being selected from the group consisting of a slender insert and a ring; and a composite tire retaining rim section attached to the spokes.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the reinforcement attachment feature is formed separately from the central section.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the attachment feature defines a wing shape and extends at an angle from the spoke.

[0063] According to one embodiment, at least one of said spokes has an airfoil-shaped cross section.

[0064] According to one embodiment, at least one of said spokes having an airfoil-shaped cross section comprises a wing-like extension attached thereto.

[0065] According to one embodiment, at least one of the spokes has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of an I-beam configuration and an H-beam configuration.

[0066] According to one embodiment, at least one of the spokes has a hollow area formed therein.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the attachment feature at least partially covers the composite tire retaining rim section.

[0068] According to the present invention, a vehicle wheel is provided, the vehicle wheel having: a one-piece metal center section formed by casting or forging, the center section comprising: a center portion and a plurality of radially extending spokes extending outward from the center portion; a reinforcement feature selected from the group consisting of carbon fiber reinforced attachment features attached to one or more of the spokes and spokes having an H-beam configuration or an I-beam configuration; and a composite tire retaining rim section attached to the spokes.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the features are formed separately from the central section.

[0070] According to one embodiment, at least one of the spokes has an airfoil-shaped cross-section and comprises a wing-like extension attached thereto.

[0071] According to one embodiment, at least one of the spokes has a hollow area formed therein.

Claims

1. A vehicle wheel, comprising: a one-piece metal center section formed by casting or forging, the center section including a center portion and a plurality of radially extending spokes extending outwardly from the center portion; a reinforcing attachment feature secured to one or more of the spokes, the reinforcing attachment feature being formed of a long carbon fiber reinforced composite material, the reinforcing attachment feature being formed separately from the center section, the reinforcing attachment feature being releasably attached to the spoke by one or more mechanical fasteners; and A composite tire retaining rim section is attached to the spokes.

2. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing attachment feature is selected from the group consisting of an elongated insert and a ring.

3. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein at least one of the spokes has an airfoil-shaped cross-section.

4. The vehicle wheel of claim 3, wherein at least one of the spokes having an airfoil-shaped cross-section includes a wing-like extension attached thereto.

5. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein at least one of the spokes has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of an I-beam configuration and an H-beam configuration.

6. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein at least one of the spokes has a hollow area formed therein.

7. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing attachment feature at least partially covers the composite tire retaining rim section.

8. A vehicle wheel, comprising: a one-piece metal center section including a center portion and a plurality of radially extending spokes extending outwardly from the center portion; a reinforcing attachment feature secured to one or more of the spokes, the reinforcing attachment feature being formed of a long carbon fiber reinforced composite material, the reinforcing attachment feature being selected from the group consisting of an elongated insert and a ring, the reinforcing attachment feature being releasably attached to the spoke by one or more mechanical fasteners; and A composite tire retaining rim section is attached to the spokes.

9. The vehicle wheel of claim 8, wherein the reinforcing attachment feature is formed separately from the center section.

10. The vehicle wheel of claim 8, wherein at least one of the spokes has an airfoil-shaped cross-section and includes a wing-like extension attached thereto.

11. The vehicle wheel of claim 8, wherein at least one of the spokes has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of an I-beam configuration and an H-beam configuration.

12. The vehicle wheel of claim 8, wherein at least one of the spokes has a hollow area formed therein.

13. The vehicle wheel of claim 8, wherein the reinforcing attachment feature at least partially covers the composite tire retaining rim section.

14. A vehicle wheel comprising: a one-piece metal center section formed by casting or forging, the center section including a center portion and a plurality of radially extending spokes extending outwardly from the center portion; a reinforcement feature selected from the group consisting of a carbon fiber reinforcement attachment feature attached to one or more of the spokes and a spoke having an H-beam structure or an I-beam structure, the reinforcement attachment feature being releasably attached to the spoke by one or more mechanical fasteners; and A composite tire retaining rim section is attached to the spokes.

15. The vehicle wheel of claim 14, wherein the reinforcing attachment feature is formed separately from the center section.

Images