Wheel

Abstract

The invention relates to a wheel comprising: an axis of rotation; a hub; a rim; a first spoke; a second spoke, the second spoke comprising: an inner section; an outer section; and an intermediate section; a third spoke, the third spoke comprising: an inner section; an outer section; and an intermediate section wherein the intermediate section of the third spoke and the intermediate section of the second spoke are concave relative to each other when the wheel is not deformed; a first distance defined between a first portion of the inner section of the second spoke and a second portion of the inner section of the third spoke; and a second distance extending between a third portion of the outer section of the second spoke and a fourth portion of the outer section of the third spoke; wherein the first distance is smaller than the second distance; and wherein during a load of the wheel is sufficient to cause deformation of the wheel, when the wheel is deformed by a first amount, the first spoke engages the second spoke such that the engagement resists further deformation of the wheel.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. 202180028560.6 (PCT application No. PCT / US2021 / 028158), filed on April 20, 2021, entitled “Wheel with Deformable Adjacent Spokes”. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally pertains to the transportation sector, and more particularly to deformable wheels designed to absorb very large and / or prolonged forces. These wheels can be used, for example, as storage containers for equipment or tools, such as modular tool storage systems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One embodiment of the invention relates to a deformable wheel comprising: an axis of rotation about which the wheel rotates; a hub about which the hub rotates; a rim about which the rim rotates; a plurality of first spokes extending between the hub and the rim; and a plurality of second spokes extending between the hub and the rim. The rim is further from the axis of rotation than the hub. During a period when the load on the wheel is sufficient to cause wheel deformation, when the wheel deforms by a first amount, one of the first spokes engages against one of the second spokes, such that this engagement resists further deformation of the wheel.

[0004] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a wheel comprising: an axis of rotation about which the wheel rotates; a hub about which the wheel rotates; a rim about which the wheel rotates; a first spoke extending between the hub and the rim; and a second spoke extending between the hub and the rim. The rim is further from the axis of rotation than the hub. The first spoke includes an inner section extending from the hub, an outer section extending from the rim, and a middle section extending between the inner and outer sections. The second spoke includes an inner section extending from the hub, an outer section extending from the rim, and a middle section extending between the inner and outer sections. The middle sections of the first and second spokes are convex relative to each other when the wheel is not deformed.

[0005] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a wheel comprising: an axis of rotation about which the wheel rotates; a hub about which the wheel rotates; a rim about which the wheel rotates; a first spoke extending between the hub and the rim; and a second spoke between the hub and the rim. The rim is further from the axis of rotation than the hub. The first spoke includes an inner section extending from the hub, an outer section extending from the rim, and a middle section extending between the inner and outer sections. The second spoke includes an inner section extending from the hub, an outer section extending from the rim, and a middle section extending between the inner and outer sections. When the wheel is not deformed, the minimum distance between the first and second spokes, measured in radians relative to the axis of rotation, is between the middle sections of the first and second spokes.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a wheel comprising: a rotation axis about which the wheel rotates; a central portion about which the central portion rotates; an outer portion about which the outer portion rotates; and a plurality of spokes extending between the central portion and the outer portion. The plurality of spokes are coupled to the central portion at their inner ends and to the outer portions at their opposite outer ends. When a first amount of force is applied to the wheel, the plurality of spokes deform, and when the first amount of force is removed, the plurality of spokes return to their initial shape.

[0007] In a particular embodiment, the plurality of spokes includes a first spoke and a second spoke adjacent to the first spoke. When the wheel is subjected to a first amount of force, the first spoke deforms toward the second spoke, thereby bringing the first spoke into contact with the second spoke, and when the wheel is subjected to a second amount of force greater than the first amount, the first spoke continues to deform while abutting against the second spoke. When the force is removed, the plurality of spokes return to their initial shape.

[0008] In a particular embodiment, each of the plurality of spokes includes an inner portion near an inner end, an outer portion near an outer end, and an intermediate portion between the inner and outer portions. The inner portion defines an arc centered on a first side of the corresponding spoke, the outer portion defines an arc centered on the first side of the corresponding spoke, and the intermediate portion defines an arc centered on a second side of the corresponding spoke, the second side being opposite to the first side.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the multiple spokes include multiple spoke groups, such as multiple spoke pairs that bend toward each other.

[0010] In a particular embodiment, the plurality of spokes includes a plurality of spoke groups comprising a first spoke and a second spoke. When the wheel is not deformed, the first spoke and the second spoke together define an inner arc distance between the inner ends of the first spoke and the second spoke, an intermediate arc distance (measured in degrees relative to the axis of rotation of the wheel) of the shortest arc distance between the first spoke and the second spoke, and an outer arc distance between the outer ends of the first spoke and the second spoke. The intermediate arc distance is different from both the inner arc distance and the outer arc distance.

[0011] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the following detailed description, and those skilled in the art will readily understand from this description or recognize portions of these additional features and advantages by practicing the embodiments as described in the included written description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0012] These accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and form part of this specification. These drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation of several different embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To better understand the subject matter disclosed herein and to illustrate how it can be implemented in practice, embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a side view of a wheel according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of the wheel.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of the wheel.

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A detailed side view of the wheel.

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A detailed side view of the wheel.

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A detailed side view of the wheel.

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a wheel deformed under an exemplary force.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a partial side view of a wheel according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the spokes of a wheel stacked on top of each other, according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, several different embodiments of the wheel are shown, such as those applicable to mobile modular storage systems, mobile tool storage systems, mobile site equipment or machinery (e.g., generators, compressors, etc.), handcarts, or transport vehicles. In some existing wheel designs, when a wheel is deformed under a significant weight (e.g., hundreds of pounds) for an extended period, the wheel may retain at least partial deformation even after the weight is removed.

[0024] Several different embodiments of the wheel described herein utilize elastically deformable spokes extending from the center portion of the wheel to its outer portion. The deformable spokes absorb at least some force when the wheel rolls over uneven surfaces (e.g., stones, curbs, etc.) and / or when the wheel bears a significant weight (e.g., hundreds of pounds). In one embodiment, as the first spoke deforms, it bends toward the adjacent second spoke. When the first spoke is fully deformed and abuts against the second spoke, the second spoke physically supports the first spoke, thus requiring an increased amount of force to continue further deforming the first spoke. Therefore, when the first amount of force is applied, the wheel has a first spring constant for deformation, and after the first spoke has deformed and abutted against the second spoke, the wheel has a larger spring constant for deformation. In this way, the wheel has a progressively increasing stiffness that depends on the amount of weight borne by the center hub. Furthermore, because the deformation under both sets of loads is within the elastic range of the spoke design, the wheel returns to its unloaded shape (e.g., once the load is removed, the wheel defines a generally circular outer circumference).

[0025] Reference Figure 1The document illustrates several different aspects of a wheel, shown as a flexible wheel 10. In a particular embodiment, wheel 10 is intended for use in conjunction with a solid tire. In a particular embodiment, wheel 10 is a deformable wheel. Wheel 10 is used to facilitate the transport of other objects, such as the modular storage system shown in International Patent Application No. PCT / US 2018 / 044629, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In another particular embodiment, a storage device using the wheel 10 described herein has coupling interfaces on both the top and bottom, which allow the storage device to be coupled to a modular storage unit via an interface compatible with the coupling mechanism(s) described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US 2018 / 044629, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the wheel 10 includes: a hub, shown as a central hub 14, defining a channel 16; and a rim, shown as an outer rim 20, which is further away from the axis of rotation 12 than the central hub 14. During assembly, an axle is inserted into the channel 16, thereby allowing the wheel 10 to rotate relative to the axle about the axis of rotation 12. As the wheel 10 rotates about the axis of rotation 12, the central hub 14 and the outer rim 20 also rotate about the axis of rotation 12.

[0027] Spokes 30 extend from the center hub 14 to the outer rim 20. In a particular embodiment, spokes 30 are rigidly coupled to the outer surface 18 of the center hub 14 and the inner surface 24 of the outer rim 20. Spokes 30 deform when the wheel 10 is in use and absorbs force. Thus, spokes 30 provide both the function of facilitating movement by rotating about axis 12 and the force-absorbing function similar to a shock absorber. It should be considered that spokes 30 may deform due to instantaneous forces, such as when the wheel 10 crosses an uneven surface, or persistent forces, such as when the wheel 10 supports a weight for a period of time. In a particular embodiment, because the deformation of the spokes remains within the elastic range of the spokes, the spokes return to their initial position / shape once the load is removed.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the center hub 14, spokes 30, and outer rim 20 are made of the same first material. In certain embodiments, the first material may have an elastic modulus in a given range between 1500 MPa and 2500 MPa. In some embodiments, a second material (e.g., rubber) may be adhered to the outer surface 22 of the outer rim 20, thus providing the wheel 10 with improved grip on other surfaces (e.g., the ground).

[0029] Go to Figure 2 The spokes 30 are arranged in multiple spoke groups 32. Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, there are five spoke groups 32, each group 32 comprising two spokes 30. The spokes 30 within a group 32 are symmetrical with respect to a radius extending from the axis 12. In a particular embodiment, each group 32 includes first spokes 38 and second spokes 42. In a particular embodiment, each first spoke of the first spokes 38 is positioned circumferentially between two second spokes 42. In a particular embodiment, each second spoke of the second spokes 42 is positioned circumferentially between two first spokes 38. As will be described in more detail below, when the wheel 10 absorbs force, one or more spokes 30 within a particular group 32 deform toward other spokes 30. When sufficient force is applied to the wheel 10, one or more spokes 30 within a group 32 deform toward other spokes 30 within the corresponding group 32 and eventually abut against other spokes. As will be discussed in more detail below, once the spokes 30 within a group 32 are adjacent to each other, further deformation requires additional loads, and thus the wheel 10 is designed to have increased rigidity as the load on the wheel increases.

[0030] Go to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The outer ends 36 of each spoke 30 are connected to the outer rim 20, and the inner ends 34 of each spoke 30 are connected to the center hub 14. Spokes 30 within a specific group 32 define a distance 74, measured in arcs relative to the axis 12, between the outer ends 36 of adjacent spokes 30, and a distance 84, measured in arcs relative to the axis 12, between the outer ends 36 of spokes 30 in adjacent groups 32 of the same group. Specifically, turning to... Figure 4 Within a specific group 32 of spokes 30, spokes 30 are defined at an arc distance 74 relative to axis 12 at their outer end 36, at an arc distance 70 relative to axis 12 at their inner end 34, and at an arc distance 72 relative to axis 12 at their midpoint. In a particular embodiment, distance 72 is defined as the minimum distance between spokes 30 relative to axis 12. In a particular embodiment, when the wheel 10 is not deformed, the minimum distance between the first spoke 38 and the second spoke 42, measured in arcs relative to axis of rotation 12, is between the midpoint segment 52 of the first spoke 38 and the midpoint segment 52 of the second spoke 42.

[0031] The spokes 30 extend radially from the inner end 34 to the outer end 36 by a distance of 78. Due to the curvature of the spokes 30, the actual length 76 of the spokes 30 is greater than the radial distance 78.

[0032] Go to Figure 5A specific set 30 of spokes 32 includes first spokes 38 and opposing second spokes 42. In a particular embodiment, each set 32 ​​includes first spokes 38 and opposing second spokes 42. In a particular embodiment, the wheel 10 includes a plurality of first spokes 38 extending from a central hub 14 to an outer rim 20 and a plurality of second spokes 42 extending from the central hub 14 to the outer rim 20. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the first spoke 38 and the second spoke 42 are shaped to be mirror images (e.g., symmetrical) of each other with respect to a radius 39 equidistant between the two spokes 38, 42. As will be described in more detail below, when the wheel 10 absorbs sufficient force, one of the first spoke 38 and the second spoke 42 subsequently deforms toward the other spoke. When the first spoke 38 and / or the second spoke 42 are fully deformed, the inner surface 40 of the first spoke 38 abuts against the inner surface 44 of the second spoke 42, thus causing the spokes to support each other, requiring a greater amount of force to further deform the spokes.

[0033] Go to Figure 6 In a particular embodiment, the spokes 30 include a series of curves and inflections. In a particular embodiment, each spoke 30 includes an inner segment 46 extending from the center hub 14, an outer segment 58 extending from the outer rim 20, and a central segment 52 extending between the inner segment 46 and the outer segment 58.

[0034] In a particular embodiment, the center hub 14 and the outer rim 20 are separated by a radial distance 78. In a particular embodiment, the inner segment 46 extends from the center hub 14 and has a length between 5% and 50% of the radial distance 78 or the actual length 76, more specifically between 5% and 25%, and more specifically between 10% and 15%. In a particular embodiment, the middle segment 52 extends between 25% and 80% of the radial distance 78 or the actual length 76, more specifically between 30% and 70%, and more specifically between 35% and 55%. In a particular embodiment, the outer segment 58 extends from the outer rim 20 and has a length between 5% and 25% of the radial distance 78 or the actual length 76.

[0035] The inner segment 46 of the spoke 30 has a radius 48 from the center 50, the middle segment 52 has a radius 54 from the center 56, and the outer segment 58 has a radius 60 from the center 62. The centers 50 and 62 are located on a first side 64 of the spoke 30, while the center 56 is located on a second side 66 of the spoke 30. The inner bend segment 51 is the transition from the inner segment 46 to the middle segment 52, and the outer bend segment 57 is the transition from the middle segment 52 to the outer segment 58. In a particular embodiment, the middle segments 52 of the first spoke 38 and the second spoke 42 are convex relative to each other when the wheel 10 is not deformed. In a particular embodiment, the inner segments 46 of the first spoke 38 and the second spoke 42 are concave relative to each other when the wheel 10 is not deformed. In a particular embodiment, the outer portion 58 of the first spoke 38 and the outer portion 58 of the second spoke 42 are concave relative to each other when the wheel 10 is not deformed.

[0036] Go to Figure 7 This illustrates several different aspects of the wheel 10 deforming due to force 90 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the inner surface 40 of the first spoke 38 deforms toward the inner surface 44 of the second spoke 42. During periods when the load on the wheel 10 is sufficient to cause deformation, when the wheel 10 deforms by a first amount, one of the first spokes 38 engages against one of the second spokes 42, such engagement resisting further deformation of the wheel 10. When the first spoke 38 is fully deformed and abuts against the second spoke 42, the first spoke 38 is structurally supported by the second spoke 42, such that when the first spoke 38 and the second spoke 42 abut against each other, the first spoke 38 and the second spoke 42 are biased against each other without further deformation. Therefore, the abutment bias between the first spoke 38 and the second spoke 42 biases the wheel 10 to prevent further deformation, since further deformation of the first spoke 38 requires the second spoke 42 to also deform, and thus only occurs when the force 90 increases significantly. When force 90 is removed, the spokes 30 return to their initial shape.

[0037] In other words, for further deformation, before the first spoke 38 abuts against the second spoke 42, the first spoke 38 needs to be subjected to an additional force of a first amount X to the force 90 to undergo further deformation. After the first spoke 38 abuts against the second spoke 42, the first spoke needs to be subjected to an additional force of a second amount Y to the force 90 to undergo further deformation, where Y is greater than X, because both the first spoke 38 and the second spoke 42 are deformed.

[0038] In a particular embodiment, the wheel 10 has a diameter of 9 inches 80 and a width of 2.5 inches 82. In a particular embodiment, the wheel 10 includes a different number of spokes 30 groups 32, such as seven spokes 30 groups 32 or eight spokes 30 groups 32.

[0039] Reference Figures 8 to 9 The following exemplary embodiment illustrates several different aspects of a wheel, shown as a flexible wheel 110. Except for the differences described herein, wheel 110 is similar to wheel 10. Wheel 110 includes a plurality of ribs 192 extending between an inner wall 196 of an outer portion 120 and an outer wall 198 of the outer portion 120. In a particular embodiment, the ribs 192 extend radially relative to an axis of rotation 112 of wheel 110 and are spaced apart from each other by an angle 194 relative to the axis 112. In a particular embodiment, the ribs 192 are positioned symmetrically about wheel 110 with respect to the axis 112.

[0040] The thickness (e.g., cross-sectional area) of the spokes 130 varies along their length in the radial direction relative to the axis of rotation. In a particular embodiment, the spokes 130 are thinner at the central portion 187 than the cross-sectional area 176 of the inner portion 186 (e.g., a smaller cross-sectional area 177), which is closer to the axis 112 than the central portion 187. The spokes 130 are thinner at the central portion 187 than the cross-sectional area 178 of the outer portion 188 (e.g., a smaller cross-sectional area 177), which is farther from the axis 112 than the central portion 187. Figure 9 A size comparison of cross-sectional regions 176, 177, and 178 stacked on top of each other according to an exemplary embodiment is depicted.

[0041] The varying thickness (e.g., cross-section) of the spokes 130 causes the spokes 130 to bend primarily at the center portion 187 when the wheel 110 deforms. Thus, when the spokes 130 deform, the center portions 187 of adjacent spokes 130 are adjacent to each other before the inner portions 186 or the outer portions 188 are adjacent to each other.

[0042] In certain embodiments, support structures (e.g., ribs 192 extending inward from the inner wall 196) may be added to region 189 to support spokes 130.

[0043] The stiffness of wheel 110 depends on several factors, including the elastic modulus of the materials forming wheel 110 and / or spokes 130, the geometry of wheel 110 (e.g., length, thickness, and / or number of ribs 192), and the spacing of spokes 130. For example, additional ribs 192 may be added to wheel 110 to increase the amount of force required to deform wheel 110.

[0044] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, and that this application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered restrictive.

[0045] In view of this specification, further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The constructions and arrangements shown in various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. While only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) of various different elements without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown in the integral molding may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be varied or altered. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be changed or reordered. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may also be made in terms of the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of various different exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0046] Unless otherwise expressly stated, no method described herein is intended to be construed as requiring its steps to be performed in a specified order. Accordingly, no particular order is intended to be inferred where the method claims do not actually enumerate the order in which the steps should be followed, or where the claims or description do not specifically state that the steps should be limited to a particular order. Furthermore, the article “a” used herein is intended to include one or more parts or elements, and is not intended to be construed as referring to only one. As used herein, “rigid connection” means two parts connected in such a way that they move together in a fixed positional relationship when subjected to force.

[0047] The various embodiments of this disclosure relate to any combination of any features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this application or a future application. Any feature, element, or component of any exemplary embodiment discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any feature, element, or component of any other embodiment discussed above.

Claims

1. A vehicle wheel comprising: an axis of rotation; a hub configured to rotate relative to the axis of rotation; a rim configured to rotate relative to the axis of rotation, the rim positioned radially further from the axis of rotation than the hub; a first spoke extending between the hub and the rim; a second spoke extending between the hub and the rim, the second spoke comprising: an inner section extending from the hub; an outer section extending from the rim; and an intermediate section extending between the inner section and the outer section; a third spoke extending between the hub and the rim, the third spoke comprising: an inner section extending from the hub; an outer section extending from the rim; and an intermediate section extending between the inner section and the outer section, wherein the intermediate section of the third spoke and the intermediate section of the second spoke are concave relative to one another when the vehicle wheel is undeformed; a first distance defined between a first portion of the inner section of the second spoke coupled to the hub and a second portion of the inner section of the third spoke coupled to the hub; and a second distance extending between a third portion of the outer section of the second spoke coupled to the rim and a fourth portion of the outer section of the third spoke coupled to the rim; wherein the first distance is less than the second distance; and wherein, during a load of the vehicle wheel sufficient to cause the vehicle wheel to deform, when the vehicle wheel deforms a first amount, the first spoke engages the second spoke such that the engagement resists further deformation of the vehicle wheel.

2. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein, The first spoke and the second spoke bias against one another to prevent further deformation when the first spoke and the second spoke abut against one another.

3. The vehicle wheel of claim 2, wherein, The abutment between the first spoke and the second spoke biases the vehicle wheel against further deformation.

4. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein, The first spoke comprises an inner section extending from the hub, wherein a fifth portion of the inner section of the first spoke is coupled to the hub, an outer section extending from the rim, wherein a sixth portion of the outer section of the first spoke is coupled to the rim, and an intermediate section extending between the inner section and the outer section, wherein the intermediate section of the first spoke and the intermediate section of the second spoke are convex relative to one another when the vehicle wheel is undeformed.

5. The wheel of claim 4, further comprising a third distance defined between a first portion of the interior section of the second spoke and a fifth portion of the interior section of the first spoke, wherein, The first distance is less than the third distance.

6. The wheel of claim 5, further comprising a fourth distance defined between a third portion of the outer section of the second spoke and a sixth portion of the outer section of the first spoke, wherein, The third distance is less than the fourth distance.

7. The vehicle wheel of claim 6, wherein, The second distance is less than the fourth distance.

8. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein, The second spoke is positioned between the first spoke and the third spoke.

9. A vehicle wheel comprising: an axis of rotation; a hub configured to rotate about the axis of rotation; a rim configured to rotate about the axis of rotation and positioned further from the axis of rotation than the hub; a first set of spokes comprising: a first spoke extending between the hub and the rim, the first spoke comprising an inner section extending from the hub, an outer section extending from the rim, and an intermediate section extending between the inner section and the outer section; and a second spoke extending between the hub and the rim, the second spoke comprising: an inner section extending from the hub; an outer section extending from the rim; and an intermediate section extending between the inner section and the outer section. a second spoke extending between the hub and the rim, the second spoke including an inner section extending from the hub, an outer section extending from the rim, and an intermediate section extending between the inner section and the outer section, wherein the intermediate section of the first spoke and the intermediate section of the second spoke are convex relative to one another when the wheel is undeformed; and a second set of spokes adjacent to the first set of spokes, the second set of spokes including: a third spoke extending between the hub and the rim, the third spoke including an inner section extending from the hub, an outer section extending from the rim, and an intermediate section extending between the inner section and the outer section; and a fourth spoke extending between the hub and the rim, the fourth spoke including an inner section extending from the hub, an outer section extending from the rim, and an intermediate section extending between the inner section and the outer section, wherein the intermediate section of the third spoke and the intermediate section of the fourth spoke are convex relative to one another when the wheel is undeformed; a first distance between the inner section of the second spoke and the inner section of the third spoke when the wheel is undeformed; and a second distance between the outer section of the second spoke and the outer section of the third spoke when the wheel is undeformed, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

10. The vehicle wheel of claim 9, wherein, the intermediate section of the second spoke and the intermediate section of the third spoke are concave relative to one another when the wheel is undeformed.

11. The vehicle wheel of claim 9, wherein, the intermediate section of the second spoke and the intermediate section of the third spoke are concave relative to one another when the wheel is undeformed.

12. The wheel of claim 9, wherein, the intermediate section of the second spoke and the intermediate section of the third spoke are concave relative to one another when the wheel is undeformed.

13. The vehicle wheel of claim 9, wherein, the intermediate section of the second spoke and the intermediate section of the third spoke are concave relative to one another when the wheel is undeformed.

14. The vehicle wheel of claim 13, wherein, the intermediate section of the second spoke and the intermediate section of the third spoke are concave relative to one another when the wheel is undeformed.

15. The vehicle wheel of claim 9, wherein, the intermediate section of the second spoke and the intermediate section of the third spoke are concave relative to one another when the wheel is undeformed.

16. The vehicle wheel of claim 9, wherein, the intermediate section of the second spoke and the intermediate section of the third spoke are concave relative to one another when the wheel is undeformed. the intermediate section of the second spoke and the intermediate section of the third spoke are concave relative to one another when the wheel is undeformed. the intermediate section of the first spoke extends between 25% and 80% of a length of the first spoke from the hub to the rim. the first spoke includes a thickness that varies along a length of the first spoke in a radial direction relative to the rotational axis.

17. A wheel, comprising: a rotational axis; a hub configured to rotate relative to the rotational axis; a rim configured to rotate relative to the rotational axis, the rim positioned radially further from the rotational axis than the hub; a first spoke extending between the hub and the rim, the first spoke including: an intermediate section; an inner section extending from the hub to the intermediate section; and an outer section extending from the rim to the intermediate section; a second spoke extending between the hub and the rim, the second spoke including: an intermediate section; an inner section extending from the hub to the intermediate section; and an outer section extending from the rim to the intermediate section; an outer section extending from the rim to the intermediate section; a third spoke extending between the hub and the rim, the third spoke comprising: an intermediate section; an inner section extending from the hub to the intermediate section; and an outer section extending from the rim to the intermediate section; wherein the second spoke is positioned between the first spoke and the third spoke; wherein a minimum distance between the second spoke and the third spoke measured in an arc relative to the rotational axis is between the inner section of the second spoke and the inner section of the third spoke; wherein the minimum distance between the second spoke and the third spoke is less than a first distance measured between the outer section of the second spoke and the outer section of the third spoke when the wheel is undeformed; wherein the minimum distance between the second spoke and the third spoke is less than a second distance measured between the inner section of the first spoke and the inner section of the second spoke when the wheel is undeformed; and wherein the first spoke engages the second spoke when the wheel is deformed a first amount during loading of the wheel sufficient to cause the wheel to deform, such that the engagement resists further deformation of the wheel.

18. The vehicle wheel of claim 17, wherein, The intermediate section of the first spoke and the intermediate section of the second spoke are convex relative to each other when the wheel is undeformed.

19. The vehicle wheel of claim 18, wherein, The intermediate section of the second spoke and the intermediate section of the third spoke are concave relative to each other when the wheel is undeformed.

20. The wheel of claim 17, wherein, A minimum distance between the first spoke and the second spoke measured in an arc relative to the rotational axis is between the intermediate section of the first spoke and the intermediate section of the second spoke when the wheel is undeformed.

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