Wheel components

Abstract

The present subject matter relates to a wheel assembly (108, 112) for a vehicle. The wheel assembly (108, 112) includes at least one rotating component (201, 302) arranged at the center of a rim (202). The at least one rotating component (201, 302) includes at least one insert component (204, 403) arranged to surround and contact at least a portion of a bearing outer diameter surface (402OD) of one or more bearing subassemblies (402). The at least one insert component (204, 403) prevents deformation of the at least one rotating component (201, 302) by preventing heat transfer between the rotating components (201, 302).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter described herein relates generally to vehicles and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to wheel assemblies for vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a wheel assembly as known in the art includes a rim supported circumferentially around at least one rotating member. A plurality of spokes / arms extend from at least one rotating member to support the rim. The axle is rigidly supported within the hub subassembly. The axle is configured to rotatably support at least one rotating member. At least one rotating member includes a hub subassembly and a roller-sprocket subassembly. The hub subassembly provides the function of rotating the wheel assembly. The hub subassembly receives the function of rotating from the roller-sprocket subassembly. The roller-sprocket subassembly includes a sprocket member configured to support an end of a drive member, the drive member including an end attached to a power generation unit. The drive member attached to the sprocket member is responsible for driving the roller member in the roller-sprocket subassembly. In addition, the axle supports one or more bearing subassemblies. In particular, the outer diameter surface of the one or more bearing subassemblies rotatably supports at least one rotating member around the axle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The foregoing and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0004] Figure 1 A left side view of motorcycle 100 is shown.

[0005] Figure 2 An exploded view of a wheel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0006] Figure 3 Shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the wheel assembly in the assembled state, taken along the PQ axis.

[0007] Figure 4 Shown as Figure 3 A detailed view of a cross-section portion of a wheel assembly is shown.

[0008] Figure 5 A detail view showing a cross-sectional view of a hub subassembly of a wheel assembly.

[0009] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view showing an exploded view of a hub subassembly is shown.

[0010] Figure 7 An exploded view of a portion of a roller-sprocket subassembly is shown.

[0011] Figure 8A cross-sectional view of a roller-sprocket subassembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0012] Fig. 9 A perspective view of a first insert member according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0013] Fig.10 A perspective view of a second insert member according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Typically, at least one rotating member rotatably supported around the wheel axle is made of metal (e.g., aluminum alloy). One or more bearing subassemblies rotatably supporting at least one rotating member are made of metal (e.g., steel). One or more bearing subassemblies made of steel material have a higher melting point than a hub subassembly made of aluminum. Any impact caused by the load experienced by the hub subassembly is directly transmitted to the one or more bearing subassemblies. In addition, heat is also generated inside at least one rotating member due to the continuous application of brakes. Motorcycles traveling on bad roads are more likely to apply brakes frequently. In addition, if there is a heavy load due to the payload in the vehicle and if frequent application of brakes is accompanied by a heavy load, the heat generated inside at least one rotating member increases compared to the condition of normal application of brakes. The heat generated in this way increases with more applied brakes and bad road conditions.

[0015] Heat generated inside at least one rotating component tends to affect surrounding components. For example, at higher temperatures generated inside the hub subassembly, an aluminum hub subassembly with a lower melting point tends to deform. The deformation occurs due to radial movement of one or more bearing subassemblies during the motorcycle's operating conditions. One or more bearing subassemblies are subject to radial movement during heavier payloads on the motorcycle. When experiencing heavier payloads on the motorcycle and additionally driving on bad roads, the axle tends to undergo movement caused by displacement of surrounding components supported by the axle. One such effect is radial movement of one or more bearing subassemblies. The radially moving one or more sub-bearing assemblies continuously impact at least one rotating component that is tightly assembled and immediately available, which includes the hub subassembly and the roller-sprocket subassembly. The aluminum hub subassembly and the roller-sprocket subassembly, which have been subjected to higher temperatures due to the continuous application of brakes, tend to deform easily because of the continuous impact caused by the radial movement of one or more bearing subassemblies. The deformed at least one rotating component no longer works properly and cannot keep the one or more bearing subassemblies in their normal position. In particular, the deformed at least one rotating component generates a gap of about 20 microns to 50 microns therebetween. The resulting clearance is sufficient to allow one or more bearing subassemblies to slip and fall out of their normal position.

[0016] In particular, due to the over-application of the brakes, excessive heat is generated inside the hub subassembly. The heat generated inside the drum due to the application of the brakes inside the hub subassembly is transferred to the drum-sprocket subassembly connected to the hub subassembly. The transferred heat will have the same effect on one or more bearing subassemblies inside the drum in the drum-sprocket subassembly as the bearing subassembly in the hub subassembly, resulting in slipping out of the one or more bearing subassemblies.

[0017] Such displacement of one or more bearing subassemblies from their normal positions results in severe irreversible shocks, adversely affecting the lives of motorcycle users, including the rider and one or more pillion riders. In addition, due to the severe irreversible shocks caused by such displacements, the wheel assembly of the motorcycle may suddenly break, whereby the motorcycle may experience a road traffic accident, causing severe trouble to the user.

[0018] Therefore, a need exists to prevent loosening of one or more ball bearings in a wheel assembly to prevent the one or more ball bearings from sliding out of at least one rotating member.

[0019] By eliminating direct contact between the surfaces of at least one rotating member and one or more bearing subassemblies, the heat generated by the continuous application of brakes can be prevented or reduced to a certain extent. The same purpose can be achieved by providing an intermediate member to isolate at least one rotating member from one or more bearing subassemblies. However, it is not desirable to have a separate loose component inside the wheel assembly. Because the wheel assembly rotating at a higher speed includes multiple components inside the axle and rotating around it. The separate loose components arranged in this way are more likely to loosen from the initial assembly state and eventually slide out of their original position, causing undesirable damage to the surrounding components and ultimately affecting the normal function of the wheel assembly. Therefore, at least one rotating member and one or more bearing subassemblies cannot be successfully isolated without any contact surface between each other by arranging loose components therebetween.

[0020] Therefore, there is a need to reduce the effects of heat generated inside at least one rotating component on one or more bearing sub-assemblies by arranging at least one insert member therebetween, which helps to dissipate heat more quickly through its surface and allows heat to be easily transferred from the hub sub-assembly to surrounding components.

[0021] However, it is known in the art where an insert member is arranged between the hub subassembly and one or more bearing assemblies surrounding the wheel axle. The insert member isolates the one or more bearing assemblies from direct contact with the hub subassembly to protect the hub subassembly from deformation due to movement of the one or more bearing assemblies. However, a portion of the insert member arranged around the one or more bearing assemblies is exposed to the external environment. The portion of the insert member so exposed is subject to corrosion and deteriorates over a period of time and cannot effectively protect the hub subassembly.

[0022] In addition, due to the exposed portion of the insert member, the contact surface between the hub subassembly and the insert member is smaller. The smaller contact surface therebetween cannot provide a good bond / lock. Ultimately, under high torque application conditions, the insert member may slip out due to the lack of a good lock. This sudden slipping out of the insert member causes the vehicle to stop suddenly anywhere on the road during the vehicle driving state. In addition, the insert member is attached to the hub subassembly using only one or more lugs. The one or more lugs are not sufficient to properly and rigidly lock the insert member to the hub subassembly. In addition, the insert member with one or more lugs is still not sufficient to effectively dissipate the heat generated inside the hub subassembly. Therefore, the hub subassembly that is heated due to continuous impact from one or more bearing assemblies is still prone to deformation, causing one or more bearing assemblies to slip out of the assembled state inside the hub subassembly.

[0023] Therefore, there is a need for a more efficient wheel assembly that includes a more stable assembly between the hub subassembly and one or more bearing assemblies.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, during a motorcycle operating state with a heavier payload on the motorcycle, radial movement of one or more bearing subassemblies is prevented by preventing movement of one or more bearings. Radial movement of one or more bearing subassemblies is prevented by providing at least one insert member around at least a portion of the one or more bearing subassemblies. In addition, at least one insert member prevents axial movement of one or more bearings from hitting one or more rotating components that are closely arranged. Deformation of at least one rotating component is thereby prevented. In addition, by preventing deformation of at least one rotating component, one or more bearing subassemblies remain in place and any abnormal accidents that may occur are prevented.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one insert member is arranged between one or more bearing subassemblies arranged around at least a portion of the wheel axle and the hub subassembly. The at least one insert member does not allow the one or more bearing assemblies to move from their normal position. Only rotational movement of the outer diameter surface of the one or more bearing assemblies and subsequent rotational movement of the hub subassembly is allowed.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, heat generated in the hub subassembly due to frequent application of brakes is prevented from being transferred to one or more bearing subassemblies. At least one insert member prevents heat generated in the hub subassembly from being transferred to one or more bearing assemblies. The at least one insert member is made of a material having a higher melting point, such as a melting point of 1425 degrees Celsius to 1540 degrees Celsius, so that the heat absorbed by the aluminum hub subassembly with a melting point of 660 degrees Celsius does not affect at least one insert member made of a steel material or the like. Therefore, one or more bearing assemblies remain unaffected by allowing them to perform stably and do not fail suddenly due to sliding from a normal position. Thereby, a comfortable and reliable ride is provided to the rider on the motorcycle.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the present invention, at least one insert member is arranged between the roller-sprocket subassembly and one or more bearing assemblies. The heat generated in the hub subassembly is transferred to the closely arranged roller member in the roller-sprocket subassembly. By arranging the insert member therebetween, the heated roller member is prevented from affecting the one or more bearing assemblies. The insert member has a higher melting point, such as 1425 degrees Celsius to 1540 degrees Celsius, than the material from which the roller member is made. For example, the insert member is made of a steel material or the like having a higher melting point than a roller member made of aluminum having a melting point of 660 degrees Celsius.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the invention, the insert member is made of cast iron.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one insert member is a cylindrical and elongated structure. The at least one insert member includes a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end both include an inner diameter surface that can support at least a portion of one or more bearing assemblies. In addition, the at least one insert member includes a body that is configured to be attached to at least a portion of the hub subassembly of the wheel assembly. In addition, the at least one insert member includes a first insert outer diameter surface configured with one or more outwardly protruding serrations. The one or more serrations are configured to cooperate with equivalent one or more inwardly formed serrations. The one or more outwardly protruding serrations are configured to prevent the at least one insert member from shifting or sliding out of the hub subassembly when the wheel assembly rotates at a greater speed. Therefore, the stabilizing function of the insert member ensures smooth rotation of the outer diameter surface of the one or more bearing assemblies. In addition, the one or more outwardly protruding serrations are threads formed on the at least one insert member. The one or more serrations provide a correct locking of the at least one insert member with the at least one rotating member.

[0030] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one insert component comprises an insert outer diameter surface that is completely covered by the component inner diameter surface. This ensures that no portion of the insert is exposed to the external environment and that the at least one insert component is completely protected from corrosion and other environmental factors. Furthermore, since a complete portion of the insert outer diameter surface of the at least one insert component is attached to the component inner diameter surface, more contact area therebetween results in a good bonding of the surfaces therebetween.

[0031] Furthermore, the insert outer diameter surface includes one or more serrations in the form of one or more threads, which increases the surface area of ​​at least one insert component, which results in faster heat dissipation. Faster heat dissipation does not allow heat generated inside the at least one rotating component to be trapped for a longer period of time, but rather allows the heat to be dissipated elsewhere, to components around the at least one rotating component, due to the larger surface area formed by the one or more serrations. Thus, deformation of the at least one rotating component is prevented, and the one or more bearing subassemblies are maintained in their desired positions, and stable and reliable operation of the wheel assembly is achieved.

[0032] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one insert member is a cylindrical structure. The at least one insert member includes a second insert outer diameter surface, and the second insert outer diameter surface includes one or more protrusions, and the protrusions are configured to cooperate with one or more equivalent receiving portions in the roller member of the roller-sprocket subassembly. The one or more protrusions are equidistantly placed on at least a portion of the second insert outer diameter surface. The one or more protrusions are configured to prevent displacement of the at least one insert member or prevent the at least one insert member from sliding out of the roller-sprocket subassembly when the wheel assembly rotates at a greater speed.

[0033] According to another embodiment of the invention, one or more protrusions are placed at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one insert member is attached to the one or more rotating members by a casting process. By casting the at least one insert member to the one or more rotating members, the number of components inside the hub subassembly is reduced. In addition, since detachable components are eliminated, for example, in the present case, the at least one insert member is not prone to loosening from its normal position. Thus, reliable function is provided.

[0035] Other advantages and a clearer understanding of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1A left side view of motorcycle 100 is shown. Motorcycle 100 includes a frame structure 109, a front fork 107 mounted to the front of frame structure 109 and connected to front wheel 108, an engine assembly 110 supported by frame structure 109, and a rear wheel 112 supported by the rear of frame structure 109.

[0037] In the illustrated motorcycle 100, a head pipe 105 rotatably supports a steering shaft (not shown) within a certain range. A front fork 107 is pivotally supported by the head pipe 105. A handlebar assembly 101 is rotatably connected to the steering shaft in an integral manner at an upper portion of the head pipe 105. A front wheel 108 is pivotally connected to a lower end of the front fork 107, and the front wheel 108 is rotated within a certain range by rotating the handlebar assembly 101.

[0038] The front fender 106 is arranged on the front fork 107 to cover the upper part of the front wheel 108. The rear wheel 112 is pivotally connected to the rear end of the frame structure 109.

[0039] In the front part of the frame structure 109, the fuel tank 102 is arranged closely behind the handlebar 101. The seat assembly 103 is placed behind the fuel tank 102.

[0040] The engine assembly 110 is supported to the frame structure 109 by being suspended from the front lower portion of the frame structure 109. The engine assembly 110 is equipped with an exhaust system and includes an exhaust pipe (not shown) connected to the engine and a muffler (not shown) connected to the exhaust pipe. The muffler extends rearward along the right side of the rear wheel 112.

[0041] In addition, a swing arm (not shown) is swingably connected to the rear lower portion of the frame structure 109, and the swing arm extends rearward. The rear wheel 112 is rotatably supported at the rear end of the swing arm. At least one shock absorber 113 is supported by the swing arm 104 at one end. The power from the engine assembly 110 suspended at the front lower portion of the frame structure 109 is transmitted to the rear wheel 112 through a power drive mechanism (e.g., a drive sprocket) to drive and rotate the rear wheel 112.

[0042] Furthermore, for controlling the vehicle and for the pillion rider to hold on to when sitting on the vehicle, a pillion handle 111 is provided at the rear end of the pillion assembly 103. For safety purposes, tail lights 114 are provided at the rear end of the vehicle and headlights 115 are provided at the front end of the vehicle.

[0043] The front fender 106 is disposed above the front wheel 108 to prevent the vehicle and its passengers from being splashed with mud. Similarly, the rear fender 116 is placed above the rear wheel 112 and outside the radial direction of the rear wheel 112. The rear fender 116 prevents rainwater and the like from being rolled up by the rear wheel 112.

[0044] Figure 2An exploded view of a wheel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The wheel assembly includes: a rim 202; an axle (not shown); a plurality of connecting members 203; and at least one rotating member 201, 302, which is rotatably supported around at least a portion of the axle. The wheel assembly 108, 112 includes a rim 202 arranged circumferentially around at least a portion of a hub subassembly 201. A plurality of connecting members 203 are arranged between the rim 202 and the hub subassembly 201. At least a portion of the rim 202 is capable of receiving a tire (not shown) therein. The rim 202 is held in a desired shape around the hub subassembly 201 by a plurality of arms 203. In addition, the at least one rotating member 201, 302 includes a roller-sprocket subassembly 302 functionally coupled to at least one face of the hub subassembly 201. The roller-sprocket subassembly 302 includes at least one sprocket member 305 configured to provide rotational motion to the wheel assembly 108, 112.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the wheel assemblies 108, 112 are front wheels 108. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the wheel assemblies 108, 112 are rear wheels 112.

[0046] The wheel assemblies 108, 112 are used in vehicles including scooters, motorcycles, mopeds, tricycles, and the like.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wheel assembly 108, 112 is an alloy wheel that includes a plurality of connecting members 203, which are one of a plurality of arms and a plurality of spokes.

[0048] Figure 3 Shown along Figure 2 sectional view of the wheel assembly in an assembled state taken along the PQ axis in FIG. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wheel assembly 108, 112 includes a rim 202 configured to receive at least a portion of a tubular member 304, and the tubular member 304 is configured to be filled with air. The tubular member 304 is arranged in a tire 303. The tire 303 and the rim 202 are supported around the hub subassembly 201 by a plurality of connecting members 203. The plurality of connecting members 203 in the figure are a plurality of arms. In addition, one or more rotating members 201, 302 are rotatably supported around at least a portion of the axle 301. The axle 301 is a fixed member. However, the axle 301 rotatably supports at least a portion of the hub subassembly and the roller-sprocket subassembly 302.

[0049] Figure 4 Shown as Figure 3Detailed view of a portion of a cross-section of a wheel assembly shown. One or more rotating members 201, 302 are rotatably supported around the axle 301 by at least a portion of one or more bearing subassemblies 402 arranged circumferentially around at least a portion of the axle 301. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the one or more bearing assemblies 402 include a plurality of balls 402a rotatably supported within at least one bearing housing 402b. In addition, the one or more rotating members 201, 302 include at least one insert member 204, 403, which is sandwiched between at least a portion of the one or more rotating members 201, 302 and the one or more bearing assemblies 402. At least one insert member 204, 403 isolates the one or more bearing assemblies 402 from direct contact with the one or more rotating members 201, 302, and further facilitates faster heat dissipation occurring within the one or more rotating members 201, 302 to other surrounding components.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one insert member 204, 403 is wrapped by one or more rotating members 201, 302. At least one insert member 204, 403 made of steel material or the like can effectively prevent heat transfer to one or more rotating members 201, 302 due to frequent application of brakes.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one insert member 204, 403 is disposed between the hub subassembly 201 and the one or more bearing assemblies 402. One face of the hub subassembly 201 is covered by the brake panel member 401. The other face of the hub subassembly 201 is covered by the roller-sprocket subassembly 302. The roller-sprocket subassembly 302 includes at least one insert member 204, 403 disposed between at least a portion of the roller member 302a and the one or more bearing assemblies 402.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the insert outer diameter surface 204OD, 403OD is fully attached to the member-inner diameter surface (not shown) of the at least one rotating member 201, 302. Therefore, the large surface area therebetween provides a good lock to prevent the rotation of the at least one insert member 204, 403, and also fully protects the at least one insert member 204, 403 from external environmental factors.

[0053] Figure 5A detailed view of a cross-sectional view of a hub subassembly of a wheel assembly is shown. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hub subassembly 201 includes two bearing assemblies 402, each bearing assembly 402 being separated by a spacer member 205. The spacer member 205 holds the two bearing assemblies 402 in place by preventing axial movement (if any). The first insert member 204 of the at least one insert member 204, 403 includes two ends capable of receiving at least one of the one or more bearing assemblies 402. In particular, the outer diameter surface of the one or more bearing assemblies 402 is completely covered by the first insert member 204. The outer diameter surface of the one or more bearing assemblies 402 is capable of undergoing rotational motion and transmitting the rotational motion to the hub subassembly 201.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first insert member 204 is a cylindrical member and includes an inner diameter and an outer diameter that vary within a range of approximately 30 mm to 50 mm. The range of 30 mm to 50 mm of the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the first insert member 204 is optimally determined so that sizes above this range will cause the first insert member 204 to interfere with surrounding components within the hub subassembly, for example, the first insert member 204 having a size exceeding the above range will interfere with the spring of the brake shoe.

[0055] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an exploded view of a hub subassembly is shown. According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one insert member 204 includes one or more serrations 204c on a first insert outer diameter surface. In addition, the hub inner diameter surface 201ID of the hub subassembly 201 includes one or more receiving portions 201a, which are configured to receive the one or more serrations 204c. The one or more serrations 204c provide a reliable and stable interlocking of the first insert member 204 with the hub inner diameter surface 201ID of the hub subassembly 201. Therefore, even if the wheel assembly rotates at a higher speed, the one or more serrations 204c ensure that the first insert member 204 does not loosen and does not slide out of its original position.

[0056] Figure 7An exploded view of a portion of a roller-sprocket subassembly is shown. The roller-sprocket subassembly 302 includes at least one bearing assembly 402, the bearing assembly 402 including a bearing inner diameter surface 402ID capable of abutting against an axle (not shown) and a bearing outer diameter surface 402OD capable of being rotatably attached to a second insert inner diameter surface 403ID of at least a second insert member 403 of the insert members 204, 403. The second insert member 403 also includes a second insert outer diameter surface 403OD, which is attached to the roller member inner diameter surface 302ID of at least one member inner diameter surface 201ID, 302ID of the roller member 302a. The roller member 302a is capable of undergoing rotational motion together with the second insert member 403 and the bearing outer diameter surface 402OD.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second insert member 403 is wrapped by the inner diameter surface 302ID of the roller member 302a. The second insert member 403 prevents direct contact between the roller member inner diameter surface 302ID of the roller member 302a and the second insert outer diameter surface 403OD. Thus, heat transfer therebetween is prevented. Therefore, a more stable and reliable function of the one or more bearing assemblies 402 is achieved.

[0058] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the second insert member 403 is removably attached to the inner diameter surface 302 ID of the roller-sprocket subassembly 302 .

[0059] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a roller-sprocket subassembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The roller-sprocket subassembly 302 includes a roller member 302a, a sprocket member 305 attached to the roller member 302a. The sprocket member 305 is attached to the roller member 302a by one or more attachment members 501. The roller member 302a is capable of accommodating one or more bearing assemblies 402, and the bearing assembly 402 includes a bearing housing 402b that accommodates a plurality of balls 402a. In addition, the roller-sprocket subassembly 302 includes a second insert member 403 arranged between the one or more bearing assemblies 402 and the roller member 302a. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second insert member 403 is wrapped by the inner diameter surface of the roller member 302a.

[0060] Fig. 9A stereoscopic view of a first insert member according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The first insert member 204 is an elongated cylindrical member. The first insert member 204 includes two ends 204a, 204b with open ends. The two ends 204a, 204b include a first insert inner diameter surface 204ID, which is capable of receiving at least a portion of one or more bearing assemblies (not shown). The first insert outer diameter surface 204D is configured to be attached to at least a portion of a hub subassembly (not shown). In addition, the area between the two ends 204a, 204b includes one or more serrations 204c arranged on the first insert outer diameter surface 204OD. The one or more serrations 204c provide effective attachment of the first insert member 204 to the hub subassembly (not shown).

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first insert member 204 includes a length L ranging approximately from 70 mm to 100 mm.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first insert member 204 includes inner and outer diameters that vary within the range of 30 mm-50 mm.

[0063] Fig.10 A stereoscopic view of a second insert member according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The second insert member 403 is a cylindrical member including one or more protrusions 403a on a second insert outer diameter surface 403OD. The second insert member 403 includes a second insert inner diameter surface 403ID capable of rotatably supporting one or more bearing assemblies (not shown). The one or more protrusions 403a are placed equidistant from each other. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more protrusions 403a are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other. According to this embodiment, the one or more protrusions 403a are arranged on the outer edge of the second insert outer diameter surface 403OD.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second insert member 403 comprises inner and outer diameters varying within the range of 30 mm-50 mm.

[0065] Although the subject matter has been described with reference to specific embodiments, the description is not meant to be interpreted in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments and alternative embodiments of the subject matter will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reference to the description of the subject matter. Therefore, it is contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter as defined.

Claims

1. A wheel assembly (108, 112) for a vehicle (100), the wheel assembly (108, 112) comprising: Rim (202); an axle (301) arranged at the center of a portion of at least one rotating member (201, 302) and coaxial therewith, the axle (301) rotatably supporting the at least one rotating member (201, 302); one or more bearing subassemblies (402) disposed adjacently around at least a portion of the axle (301) and disposed within the at least one rotating member (201, 302), the one or more bearing subassemblies (402) facilitating smooth rotation of the wheel assembly (108, 112) around the axle (301); and At least one rotating member (201, 302) is arranged at the center of the rim (202), wherein: The at least one rotating component (201, 302) includes at least one insert component (204, 403), the insert component (204, 403) including an insert outer diameter surface (201OD, 403OD) configured to fully contact the component inner diameter surface (201ID, 302ID) of the at least one rotating component (201, 302), The at least one insert member (204, 403) is arranged to surround and contact at least a portion of the bearing outer diameter surface (402OD) of the one or more bearing subassemblies (402), and the at least one insert member (204, 403) can rotatably support the bearing outer diameter surface (402OD) of the one or more bearing subassemblies (402).

2. A wheel assembly (108, 112) for a vehicle (100) as described in claim 1, wherein the at least one rotating component (201, 302) includes a hub subassembly (201) rotatably supported by the wheel axle (301), and the hub subassembly (201) is configured to attachably include a first insert component (204) attached to the inner diameter surface (201ID, 302ID) of the hub.

3. A wheel assembly (108, 112) for a vehicle (100) as described in claim 1, wherein the at least one rotating component (201, 302) includes a roller-sprocket subassembly (302) rotatably supported by the wheel axle (301), and the roller-sprocket subassembly (302) is configured to attachably include a second insert component (403) on the inner diameter surface (302ID) of the roller component attached to the inner diameter surface (201ID, 302ID) of the component.

4. The wheel assembly (108, 112) for a vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one insert member (204, 403) is made of a metallic material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, alloy steel, and cast iron.

5. The wheel assembly (108, 112) for a vehicle (100) as described in claim 2, wherein the first insert member (204) of the at least one insert member (204, 403) includes one or more serrations (204c) on at least a portion of a first insert outer diameter surface (204OD) of the first insert member (204).

6. The wheel assembly (108, 112) for a vehicle (100) of claim 3, wherein the second insert member (403) includes one or more protrusions (403a) on at least a portion of a second insert outer diameter surface (403OD) of the second insert member (403).

7. The wheel assembly (108, 112) for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first insert member (204) includes a length (L) ranging from 70 mm to 100 mm, an inner diameter (ID) and an outer diameter (OD) ranging from 30 mm to 50 mm.

8. The wheel assembly (108, 112) for a vehicle (100) of claim 2, wherein the first insert member (204) includes an inner diameter (ID) and an outer diameter (OD) that vary within a range of 30 mm-50 mm.

9. The wheel assembly (108, 112) for a vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one insert member (204, 403) is attached to the member inner diameter surface (201ID, 302ID) of the at least one rotating member (201, 302) by a casting method.

10. The wheel assembly (108, 112) for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the member inner diameter surface (201ID, 302ID) includes a hub inner diameter surface (201ID), and the hub inner diameter surface (201ID) includes one or more receiving portions (201a) capable of receiving the one or more serrations (204c).

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