Wheel cover for a vehicle wheel

Abstract

Wheel cover (100) for a vehicle wheel, wherein the wheel cover (100) comprises: a plurality of rows of openings (202), wherein each row of openings (202) comprises at least two openings (202) arranged in a radial direction; a plurality of flaps (104) which are pivotably configured with each of the at least two openings (202) of each of the plurality of rows of openings (202), wherein each of the plurality of flaps (104) is biased to remain in a closed position to close the corresponding opening (202) and to ensure an aerodynamic profile of the wheel cover (100), and pivotably moves into an open position to allow air to flow through the corresponding opening (202) to cool one or more brake components located in the wheel; characterized in that the wheel cover (100) has a plurality of pinions (402) configured with each of the plurality of flaps (104) such that a rotation of the pinion (402) causes the corresponding flap (104) to move into the open position; a plurality of racks (406), wherein a rack (406) is configured with each of the plurality of rows of openings (202), wherein each of the plurality of racks (406) is configured for linear movement in the radial direction; a plurality of thermospring assemblies (410), each comprising one or more temperature-sensitive springs (504) arranged near the one or more brake components, wherein the one or more temperature-sensitive springs (504) are adapted to expand in the axial direction when the temperature of the one or more brake components increases, wherein each of the thermospring assemblies (410) is coupled to one of the plurality of racks (406) such that expansion of the thermospring assembly (402) results in a linear movement of the corresponding rack (406); wherein the pinions (402) of the at least two flaps (104) belonging to the at least two openings (202) of each of the plurality of rows of openings (202), and the corresponding rack (406) are configured such that when the rack (406) undergoes linear movement as a result of the expansion of the corresponding temperature-sensitive springs (504), the rack (406) gradually engages with the pinions (402), causing the corresponding flaps (104) to gradually open as the temperature of one or more brake components increases, a plurality of valve actuators (404), each having a proximal end (802) detachably attached to the valve (104) and a distal end (804) coupled to a spring-loaded element (806) of the corresponding pinion (402), and an actuator housing (808) with a recessed section (810) receiving the distal end (804) and a stepped section (812), the stepped section (812) having a smaller diameter than the distal end (804) to prevent movement of the distal end (804) into the stepped section (812), wherein each of the plurality of valve actuators (404) moves as a result of the linear movement of the rack (406) and the corresponding valve (104) reaches the open position when the distal end (804) reaches the stepped section (812), and wherein, when the distal end (804) reaches the stepped section (812), the spring-loaded element (806) moves into the stepped section (812) and the rack (406) engages with another pinion (402) to begin opening another flap (104) that is adjacent to the flap (104) in the open position.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of motor vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a wheel cover for a vehicle wheel with improved aerodynamic properties of the wheel while simultaneously providing sufficient cooling of the vehicle's brake components.

[0002] The air resistance of a vehicle traveling at high speed contributes significantly to energy consumption, for both electric vehicles and those with internal combustion engines. A major cause of air resistance can be the structure of the vehicle's wheels. A wheel generally consists of a hub and a number of spokes that connect the hub to the outer rim. Openings between the spokes provide a pathway for cooling air to reach the vehicle's braking components, such as the brakes, calipers, drums, discs, etc. As the number and size of openings in the wheel increase, the vehicle's air resistance also increases proportionally.

[0003] A wheel cover is typically mounted over a vehicle's wheel to improve the vehicle's aerodynamic properties while driving. The wheel cover generally reduces drag by minimizing the open areas between the wheel's spokes. However, such wheel covers obstruct airflow to the brake components, significantly impairing braking performance.

[0004] In the past, efforts have been made to develop wheel covers to improve the aerodynamic performance of vehicles. Patent document DE 10 2016 003 259 A1 discloses a covering device for a vehicle wheel rim. The covering device includes a plurality of passages arranged in a radial area between a rim well and a wheel hub. The covering device has a plurality of cover parts that are movable around the rim well to partially cover the passages by means of a centrifugal mechanism. The centrifugal mechanism has sliding elements coupled to the cover parts. Each sliding element is movable along a guide due to the rotation of the wheel under the influence of centrifugal force.

[0005] However, as can be seen, while the patent document in question does provide for a wheel cover that attempts to reconcile the cooling requirements of the brake components with aerodynamic requirements, it moves the cover in such a way that cooling air flows in based on the wheel's rotational speed rather than the cooling needs of the brake components. For example, the wheel may be rotating at high speed, but the brake components may not require cooling, thus unnecessarily impairing the vehicle's aerodynamics. Therefore, the solution provided in the document is inefficient.

[0006] Document US 4,593,953 A discloses a device that covers a disc wheel carrying a tire for a motor vehicle, comprising a wheel cover mounted on the disc wheel and covering one of its outer surfaces, and at least one vent in the wheel cover to connect the interior of the wheel cover to the atmosphere. The device is equipped with a closing plate to close the vent when the temperature inside the wheel cover is below a predetermined temperature and to open the vent when the temperature inside the wheel cover exceeds the predetermined temperature. A heat-sensing element, which may be made of a type of heat-storage alloy, is connected to the closing plate and deforms when the temperature inside the wheel cover exceeds the predetermined temperature, thus forcing the closing plate away from the vent to open it.

[0007] In another document, DE 10 2019 109 601 A1, it is disclosed that a vehicle wheel assembly includes a vehicle wheel with a wheel center and a center. The vehicle wheel defines a plurality of openings arranged in a ring around the center of the wheel housing. The vehicle wheel assembly also includes an autonomous system for closing the wheel openings, which is coupled to the vehicle wheel. The autonomous system for closing the wheel openings comprises a wheel disc, an annular rim arranged around the wheel disc, and a plurality of shutters. The shutters are movable relative to the vehicle wheel between extended and retracted positions. In the extended position, the shutters cover the openings of the vehicle wheel to prevent air from flowing through it. When most of the shutters are retracted, the openings are exposed, allowing air to flow through the openings of the vehicle wheel.

[0008] There is therefore a need in engineering to overcome the disadvantages, limitations and shortcomings associated with existing solutions by providing a more efficient solution that improves the aerodynamic properties of vehicle wheels without compromising the need to cool the vehicle's brake components.

[0009] One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a wheel cover that meets the need for improved aerodynamics and braking performance of a vehicle.

[0010] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a wheel cover that allows a flow of cooling air to the brakes in accordance with the cooling requirements.

[0011] Another objective of the present disclosure is to improve the fuel consumption of a vehicle by minimizing the air resistance generated by the vehicle wheels.

[0012] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a wheel cover that minimizes air resistance by allowing cooling air to flow to the brake components as required for cooling.

[0013] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an improved wheel cover for vehicles, which contributes to improving aerodynamic properties without affecting braking performance.

[0014] In one embodiment, the proposed wheel cover comprises a plurality of rows of openings, each row containing at least two radially arranged openings. A plurality of flaps is pivotably configured with each of the at least two openings of each plurality of rows of openings. Each flap is biased to remain in a closed position to close the corresponding opening and thus ensure an aerodynamic profile for the wheel cover. In the open position, the flaps allow air to flow through the corresponding opening to cool one or more brake components located in the wheel.

[0015] The wheel cover also includes a plurality of pinions configured with each of the plurality of flaps, such that rotation of the pinion causes the corresponding flap to move into the open position, as well as a plurality of racks. One rack is configured with each of the plurality of rows of openings, and each rack is configured for linear movement in the radial direction. A plurality of thermospring assemblies is provided, each comprising one or more temperature-sensitive springs located near the brake components within the wheel. The temperature-sensitive springs are adapted to expand axially when the temperature of the brake components increases. Each thermospring assemblies is coupled to one of the plurality of racks, such that expansion of the thermospring assembly results in linear movement of the corresponding rack.

[0016] In one embodiment, the pinions of the at least two flaps belonging to the at least two openings of each of the plurality of rows of openings, and the corresponding rack are configured such that, when the rack undergoes linear movement as a result of the expansion of the corresponding temperature-sensitive springs, the rack gradually engages with the pinions, causing the corresponding flaps to gradually open as the temperature of one or more brake components increases.

[0017] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of flaps can be pre-tensioned by a spring-loaded hinge so that it remains in the closed position.

[0018] In one embodiment, the rack can be coupled to the one or more temperature-sensitive springs by a connector which is detachably attached to a movable end of the one or more temperature-sensitive springs.

[0019] The wheel cover further comprises a plurality of flap actuators, each having a proximal end detachably attached to the flap and a distal end coupled to a spring-loaded element of the corresponding pinion, as well as an actuator housing with a recessed section to receive the distal end and a stepped section, the stepped section having a smaller diameter than the distal end to prevent movement of the distal end into the stepped section.

[0020] Each of the multiple valve actuators moves as a result of the linear movement of the rack, and the corresponding valve reaches the open position when the distal end reaches the stepped section.

[0021] The spring-loaded element moves into the stepped section when the distal end reaches the stepped section, and the rack engages with another pinion to begin opening another flap located next to the flap in the open position.

[0022] In one embodiment, at least one outermost flap can have a radial projection which can be moved by the rack to gradually open the at least one outermost flap after all flaps except the at least one outermost flap are in the open position.

[0023] In one embodiment, the wheel cover can comprise a plurality of rails, each rail having a guide slot adapted to receive the rack in order to guide the linear movement of the rack in a radial direction.

[0024] In one embodiment, the wheel cover can also comprise a plurality of covers, each cover being attached to the rail and configured to accommodate at least the thermospring assembly and the rack.

[0025] In one embodiment, the multitude of thermospring assemblies can be detachably attached to the wheel cover.

[0026] Various tasks, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become clearer from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawing figures, in which the same reference numerals denote the same components.

[0027] The accompanying drawings serve to enhance understanding of the present disclosure. They are integrated into this patent specification and form part of it. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of the disclosed wheel cover for a vehicle wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figures 2A to 2C illustrate exemplary representations of a plurality of flaps provided in the wheel cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figures 3A to 3D illustrate various representations showing the gradual opening of the flaps according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4A and Fig. Figure 4B illustrates an exploded view or a side view of an actuating arrangement configured to gradually open the flaps in order to variably supply air to one or more brake components installed in the wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5A and Fig. Figure 5B illustrates exemplary views of a thermospring arrangement of the actuating arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a movable end of one or more temperature-sensitive springs of the thermospring arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a rack that is installed in a rail of the actuating arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figures 8A to 8E illustrate exemplary views of a pinion coupled to a flap actuator of the actuating arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The embodiments described here relate to a simple, efficient, and cost-effective wheel cover for a vehicle wheel, configured to improve the wheel's aerodynamic properties while simultaneously providing adequate cooling for one or more of the vehicle's brake components. The wheel cover can improve the vehicle's fuel consumption by reducing the drag generated by the wheel. The wheel cover enables gradual cooling of one or more of the vehicle's brake components based on their instantaneous temperature.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a wheel cover 100, which is detachably attached to a wheel 150 of a vehicle. The wheel cover 100 can be attached to the wheel 150 by snapping, fastening, or any other suitable attachment technique. The wheel cover 100 comprises a base 102 and a plurality of rows of openings formed in the base 102. The base 102 can be made of materials such as plastics, polymers, metals, alloys, ceramics, and the like, produced by casting, molding, 3D printing, sintering, or other manufacturing processes. Each row can have at least two openings arranged radially along the wheel cover 100. The at least two openings can be arranged to correspond to the open spaces 152 between the spokes 154 of the wheel 150. The wheel cover 100 also closes a plurality of flaps 104-1, 104-2, ...104-N (hereinafter also collectively referred to as "flaps 104") are pivotally connected to each opening in the series of openings. Each flap 104 can be made of materials such as plastics, polymers, metals, alloys, ceramics, and the like, manufactured by casting, molding, 3D printing, sintering, or other processes. Each flap 104 is pre-tensioned to remain in a closed position to close the corresponding opening and thus ensure an aerodynamic profile for the wheel cover 100. Each flap 104 is configured to move from the closed position to an open position to allow air to flow through the corresponding opening and thus cool one or more brake components, such as brakes, brake pads, brake calipers, drums, discs, and the like, located in the wheel 150.

[0030] Now, attention will be turned to the Fig. Reference is made to Figures 2A to 2C, which show various representations of the coupling of the flaps 104 with the openings of the wheel cover 100. As shown, the flaps 104 are detachably coupled to the openings 202-1, 202-1 ... 202-N (hereinafter collectively referred to as "202"). Each of the flaps 104 is pivotably connected to the corresponding opening 202 by fastening, snapping, press fit, welding, bonding or other joining methods. In one example, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2B, the flap 104 is pivotally coupled to the opening 202 by a spring-loaded hinge 204 to position the flaps 104 in their normally closed position. For this purpose, the flaps 104 are biased into the closed position during normal vehicle operation to ensure a reduction in air resistance generated by the wheel 150. The flaps 104 are only actuated or moved into the open position when the temperature of the brake components located in the wheel 150 exceeds a threshold. At this stage, the flaps 104 begin to gradually open radially towards the wheel cover 100 to allow ambient air to pass through to the brake components and thereby effectively lower their operating temperature.The extent of the movement of the flaps 104 from the closed position to the open position depends on the operating temperature of the brake components to ensure sufficient cooling of the brake components during braking operations. Thus, the wheel cover 100 of this disclosure improves the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle by reducing the drag generated by the wheel 150 when the flaps 104 are in the closed position. Furthermore, by moving the flaps 104 from the closed position to the open position, the wheel cover 100 ensures adequate cooling of the brake components based on their operating temperature. As described in [reference]. Fig. As shown in Figure 2C, at least one outermost flap 104-3 can have a projection 206 in the radial direction of the wheel cover 100, which is movable so that the outermost flap 104-3 only opens when the other flaps 104-1, 104-2, except for the outermost flap 104-3, are in the corresponding open position. The spring-loaded hinge 204 can be selected based on the preload force required to position the flaps 104 in the normally closed position. The spring-loaded hinge 204 can be made of metals or alloys.

[0031] Fig. Figures 3A to 3D illustrate various diagrams showing the gradual opening of the flaps 104. During normal vehicle operation, the flaps 104 of the openings 202 in the multitude of rows are in the closed position, as shown in Fig. Figure 3A shows a way to significantly reduce the aerodynamic drag of wheel 150. When the driver of the vehicle applies the brake of wheel 150, the temperature of the brake components gradually increases. The movement of the flaps 104 from the corresponding closed position to the open position is a function of the temperature increase of the brake components. In one embodiment, with a slight temperature increase of the brake components, an innermost flap 104-1 gradually opens in the radial direction, as shown in Figure 3A. Fig. 3B is shown. With a further increase in the temperature of the brake components, another (intermediate) flap 104-2 may begin to gradually open, as shown in Fig. Figure 3C shows the innermost flap 104-1 fully open, i.e., in the open position. Furthermore, if there is a significant increase in the temperature of the brake components, an outermost flap 104-2 may gradually open radially, as shown in Figure 3C. Fig. The 3D view clearly shows the innermost flap 104-1 and the intermediate flap 104-2 in the open position. This configuration ensures sufficient cooling of the brake components by directing ambient air towards them, depending on the operating temperature of the brake components. The flaps 104 open gradually to ensure that the reduction in drag is not significantly compromised during brake component cooling. In this way, an optimal balance is maintained between the vehicle's aerodynamic properties and braking performance.

[0032] The wheel cover 100 is provided with an actuating arrangement 400 which is configured to gradually open the flaps 104 in order to regulate the supply of outside air to the brake components of the wheel 150. Fig. Figure 4A illustrates an exploded view of the actuating arrangement 400, which includes a plurality of pinions 402 configured such that rotation of the pinion 402 causes the corresponding flap 104 to move into the open position. Each of the pinions 402 can be integrated into a flap actuator 404 coupled to the corresponding flap 104 to move the flap 104 from the closed to the open position. The pinions 402 and the flap actuators 404 can be made of materials such as plastics, polymers, metals, alloys, ceramics, and the like. The pinions 402 and the flap actuators 404 can be manufactured by casting, molding, 3D printing, sintering, or other manufacturing processes.

[0033] The actuating arrangement 400 also includes a plurality of racks 406, wherein at least one rack 406 is configured with each of the plurality of rows of openings 202 formed in the base 102 of the wheel cover 100. Each of the racks 406 is configured for linear movement in the radial direction. The actuating arrangement 400 comprises a plurality of rails 408 connected to each row of openings 202. The rack 406 is slidably coupled to the rail 408. The rail 408 can be fastened to the base 102 by means of fasteners such as screws, bolts, nails, rivets, rods, and the like. The rails 408 can be made of materials such as plastics, polymers, metals, alloys, ceramics, and the like. The rails 408 can be manufactured by casting, molding, 3D printing, sintering, or other manufacturing processes.

[0034] The actuating arrangement 400 also includes a plurality of thermospring arrangements 410, each comprising one or more temperature-sensitive springs, as shown in Fig. Figure 5B clearly shows the temperature-sensitive springs, which are located near the brake components. The temperature-sensitive springs are designed to expand axially when the temperature of the brake components increases. The thermospring assemblies 410 are coupled to the rack 406, so that the expansion of the thermospring assembly 410 results in a linear movement of the corresponding rack 406. In one embodiment, the rack 406 is connected to the temperature-sensitive springs of the thermospring assemblies 410 by a connector 412, which is detachably attached to a movable end of the temperature-sensitive springs. The connector 412 can be made of materials such as plastics, polymers, metals, alloys, ceramics, and the like. The connector 412 can be manufactured by casting, molding, 3D printing, sintering, or other manufacturing processes.The thermospring assembly 410 is attached to the rail 408 using fasteners such as screws, bolts, nails, rivets, rods, and the like. At least part of the thermospring assembly 410 can be attached to the base 102.

[0035] Now, reference is made to Fig. Figure 4B shows a side view of the actuating arrangement 400. The pinions 402 of the at least two flaps 104-1, 104-2, which belong to the at least two openings 202-1, 202-2 of each of the plurality of rows of openings 202, and the corresponding rack 406 are configured such that, when the rack 406 undergoes linear movement as a result of the expansion of the corresponding temperature-sensitive springs, the rack 406 gradually engages with the pinions 402, causing the corresponding flaps 104-1, 104-2 to gradually open as the temperature of the components increases. The actuating arrangement 400 can also include a plurality of covers 414, each cover 414 being attached to the rail 408 and configured to accommodate at least the rack 406 and the thermospring arrangement 410 and to prevent the ingress of dust or foreign particles into the actuating arrangement 400.The cover 414 can be made of materials such as plastics, polymers, metals, alloys, ceramics, and the like. The cover 414 can be manufactured by casting, molding, 3D printing, sintering, or other processes.

[0036] Fig. Figure 5A illustrates a perspective view of the thermospring assembly 410. The thermospring assembly 410 includes a housing 502 for receiving the temperature-sensitive spring 504, while supporting the axial movement of the temperature-sensitive spring 504. The housing 502 may include at least one slot 506 to expose the temperature-sensitive spring 504 to the heat generated by the vehicle's brake components. The thermospring assembly 410 may include a threaded section 508 for fitting with the rail 408 and a screw hole 510 for connecting the thermospring assembly 410 to the base 102. The thermospring assembly 410 may be detachably attached to the base 102 of the wheel cover 100. The base 102 may also include one or more projections for engaging in a bottom hole (not shown) of the housing 502.The thermospring assembly 410 is mounted on the base 102 such that the slot 506 faces the vehicle's brake components. The thermospring assemblies 410 can be made of materials such as plastics, polymers, metals, alloys, ceramics, and the like. The thermospring assemblies 410 can be manufactured by casting, molding, 3D printing, sintering, or other manufacturing processes.

[0037] Fig. Figure 5B shows a perspective view of a temperature-sensitive spring 504 arranged in the housing 502 of the thermospring assembly 410. The temperature-sensitive spring 504 includes a fixed end 552, which is rigidly connected to a base of the housing 502, and a movable end 554, which is configured to move axially as the temperature-sensitive spring 504 expands in response to a temperature increase in the brake components. The temperature-sensitive spring 504 can be in the form of a helical spring positioned around a core shaft 556, which is made of a suitable material such as plastic, polymers, metals, alloys, ceramics, and the like. The core shaft 556 can be manufactured using a suitable manufacturing process, including casting, molding, 3D printing, sintering, or other methods.An upper section of the core shaft 556 can be provided with a screw head 558 for engaging internal threads formed in an upper section of the housing 502.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the movable end 554 of the temperature-sensitive spring 504 can have the form of an extension attached to the coil spring. The movable end 554 can include a concentric ring 602 for engaging the connector 412, which is used to couple the thermospring assembly 410 and the rack 406, such that the rack 406 moves linearly in the radial direction when the movable end 554 moves axially based on the expansion of the temperature-sensitive spring 504 as a result of an increase in the operating temperature of the brake components.

[0039] Fig. Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the rack 406 slidably coupled to the rail 408. The rack 406 is configured to be slidably mounted to the rail 408 via a guide slot 702 in the rail 408. The rack 406 may include a threaded section to which the connector 412 can be attached. The connector 412 is also coupled to movable ends 554 of one or more temperature-sensitive springs 504 to allow linear movement of the rack 406 along the guide slot 702 when the movable ends 554 move axially. The rail 408 may include a first set of mounting holes 704 for coupling the thermospring assemblies 410 to the rail 408. Rail 408 can include a second set of mounting holes 706 for coupling the flap actuators 404 to rail 408.The rail 408 may also include a third set of mounting holes 708 for attaching the rail 408 to the base 102 of the wheel cover 100. The rail 408 is installed with the base 102 such that the rack 406 engages in threaded engagement with the corresponding pinions 402. At least one rear side of the rail 408 may include a threaded section for attaching the cover 414 to it by passing a threaded fastener through the threaded section.

[0040] With reference to Fig. In sections 8A to 8E, the wheel cover 100 includes several flap actuators 404, each flap actuator 404 having a proximal end 802 that is detachably attached to a corresponding flap 104, and a distal end 804 that is coupled to a spring-loaded element 806 of the corresponding pinion 402. The proximal end 802 is detachably attached to the flap 104 by snapping or any suitable non-permanent attachment method. Each valve actuator 404 is housed in an actuator housing 808, which has a recessed section 810 that receives the distal end 804, and a stepped section 812. The stepped section 812 has a smaller diameter than the distal end 804 in order to prevent movement of the distal end 804 into the stepped section 812.The valve actuator 404 is configured such that, as a result of a linear movement of the rack 406, which is coupled to the pinion 402 via a thread, it moves such that the corresponding valve 104, to which the proximal end 802 of the valve actuator 404 is attached, reaches its open position when the distal end 804 of the valve actuator 404 reaches the stepped section 812. At this stage, the spring-loaded element 806, due to the preload provided by a spring, moves away from the distal end 804 and into the stepped section 812. At this moment, the rack 406 engages with another pinion 402, as shown in [reference missing]. Fig. 4B shows how to initiate the opening of another flap 104 next to the flap in the open position. In this way, the actuating arrangement 400 ensures that the flaps 104 are opened gradually / sequentially in the radial direction of the wheel cover 100. At least the outermost flap 104-3 in the radial direction encloses the projection 206, as shown in Fig. 2C shown, which is movable by the rack 406 to gradually open the outermost flap 104-3 after the flaps 104-1, 104-2 except the outermost flap 104-3 are in corresponding open positions.

[0041] The actuating arrangement 400 ensures that the flaps 104 of the wheel cover 100 are in the closed position during normal vehicle driving conditions to guarantee a sufficient reduction of the air resistance generated by the wheel 150. The actuating arrangement 400 moves the flaps 104 to the corresponding open positions only when the temperature of the brake components located in the wheel 150 exceeds a predetermined threshold. At this moment, the flaps 104 gradually begin to open radially to allow outside air to flow through the corresponding openings 202 towards the brake components, thereby effectively lowering the operating temperature of the brake components.The extent of the movement of the flaps 104 from the closed position to the open position depends on the operating temperature of the brake components, in order to ensure sufficient cooling of the brake components during braking operations. Thus, the wheel cover 100 significantly improves the vehicle's fuel consumption by effectively reducing the air resistance generated by the wheel 150 and simultaneously providing cooling for the brake components to improve the vehicle's braking performance.

[0042] The present disclosure provides a wheel cover configured to improve the aerodynamics and braking performance of a vehicle.

[0043] The present disclosure provides an extremely reliable and efficient wheel cover that allows the temperature of one or more brake components of the vehicle to be easily regulated while simultaneously improving their aerodynamic properties.

[0044] The present disclosure provides a wheel cover for improving the fuel efficiency of a vehicle by reducing the air resistance generated by the vehicle wheels.

[0045] The present disclosure provides a cost-effective wheel cover that can be easily retrofitted to existing vehicles.

Claims

[1] Wheel cover (100) for a vehicle wheel, wherein the wheel cover (100) comprises: a plurality of rows of openings (202), wherein each row of openings (202) comprises at least two openings (202) arranged in a radial direction; a plurality of flaps (104) which are pivotably configured with each of the at least two openings (202) of each of the plurality of rows of openings (202), wherein each of the plurality of flaps (104) is biased to remain in a closed position to close the corresponding opening (202) and to ensure an aerodynamic profile of the wheel cover (100), and pivotably moves into an open position to allow air to flow through the corresponding opening (202) to cool one or more brake components located in the wheel; characterized by, that the wheel cover (100) has a plurality of pinions (402) configured with each of the plurality of flaps (104) such that a rotation of the pinion (402) causes the corresponding flap (104) to move into the open position; a plurality of racks (406), wherein a rack (406) is configured with each of the plurality of rows of openings (202), wherein each of the plurality of racks (406) is configured for linear movement in the radial direction; a plurality of thermospring assemblies (410), each comprising one or more temperature-sensitive springs (504) arranged near the one or more brake components, wherein the one or more temperature-sensitive springs (504) are adapted to expand in the axial direction when the temperature of the one or more brake components increases, wherein each of the thermospring assemblies (410) is coupled to one of the plurality of racks (406) such that expansion of the thermospring assembly (402) results in a linear movement of the corresponding rack (406); wherein the pinions (402) of the at least two flaps (104) belonging to the at least two openings (202) of each of the plurality of rows of openings (202), and the corresponding rack (406) are configured such that when the rack (406) undergoes linear movement as a result of the expansion of the corresponding temperature-sensitive springs (504), the rack (406) gradually engages with the pinions (402), causing the corresponding flaps (104) to gradually open as the temperature of one or more brake components increases, a plurality of valve actuators (404), each having a proximal end (802) detachably attached to the valve (104) and a distal end (804) coupled to a spring-loaded element (806) of the corresponding pinion (402), and an actuator housing (808) with a recessed section (810) receiving the distal end (804) and a stepped section (812), the stepped section (812) having a smaller diameter than the distal end (804) to prevent movement of the distal end (804) into the stepped section (812), wherein each of the plurality of valve actuators (404) moves as a result of the linear movement of the rack (406) and the corresponding valve (104) reaches the open position when the distal end (804) reaches the stepped section (812), and wherein, when the distal end (804) reaches the stepped section (812), the spring-loaded element (806) moves into the stepped section (812) and the rack (406) engages with another pinion (402) to begin opening another flap (104) that is adjacent to the flap (104) in the open position. [2] Wheel cover (100) according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of flaps (104) is pre-tensioned by a spring-loaded hinge (204) such that it remains in the closed position. [3] Wheel cover (100) according to claim 1, wherein the rack (406) is coupled to the one or more temperature-sensitive springs (504) by a connector (412) which is detachably attached to a movable end (554) of the one or more temperature-sensitive springs (504). [4] Wheel cover (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least one outermost flap (104-3) has a radial projection (206) which can be moved by the rack (406) to gradually open the at least one outermost flap (104-3) after the flaps (104-1, 104-2) except for the at least one outermost flap (104-3) are in the open position. [5] Wheel cover (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of rails (408), each rail (408) having a guide slot (702) adapted to accommodate the rack (406) and to guide a linear movement of the rack (406) in a radial direction. [6] Wheel cover (100) according to claim 5, further comprising a plurality of covers (414), wherein each cover (414) is attached to the rail (408) and is configured to accommodate at least the thermospring assembly (410) and the rack (406). [7] Wheel cover (100) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of thermospring arrangements (410) is detachably attached to the wheel cover (100).

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