A three-piece hybrid wheel assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a hybrid three-piece vehicle wheel assembly. The hybrid three-vehicle wheel assembly can comprise the following. A rim (101), a disc (103) including a hub portion (105), a plurality of spokes (107) and a circumferential surface (109), wherein the spokes (107) extend from the hub portion (105) to the circumferential surface (109), and an L-ring (201) is provided for connecting the disc (103) to the rim (101). The L-ring can include an annular surface (201a), and a peripheral surface (201b). The peripheral surface (201b) can be provided at an outer circumferential edge of the annular surface (201a), wherein the peripheral surface (201b) extending axially outwards relative to the annular surface (201a). The peripheral surface is joined to a radially inner surface of the rim (101). A plurality of fastening means (203) is provided for connecting the disc (103) to the annular surface (201a) of the L-ring (201).

Description

A THREE-PIECE HYBRID WHEEL ASSEMBLYFIELD

[0001] The embodiment herein generally relates to a hybrid three-piece vehicle wheel. Specifically, the embodiment herein relates to a light weight and improved hybrid three-piece vehicle wheel capable of reducing CO2 emissions during production.BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

[0002] Wheels for vehicles are manufactured in different types based on different requirements including the material, weight of the wheel, strength, and the type of vehicle. Broadly, they are manufactured in two types, a multi-piece rim and disc assembly or a single piece combined rim and disc.

[0003] A multi-piece rim assembly is preferably used in most of the heavy vehicles and trucks. The multi-piece rim assembly including a separate rim and disc enables easier and quick assembly and removal from the vehicle. Also, with different number of parts provided in a multi-piece rim, damage to one of the parts of the wheel assembly can be quickly managed by replacing the particular part without requiring the replacement of the complete wheel.

[0004] Generally, multi-piece rim can includes a hybrid three-piece rim and disc assembly having an outer rim and an inner rim, and a disc. All the hybrid three parts are made of the same material such as aluminium or magnesium alloy or steel. However, manufacturing a hybrid three-piece alloy rim is generally expensive. Further, such split rims are prone to air leaks, and requiring additional materials, process, and production time to prevent air leaks. Furthermore, these wheel rims are heavy due to their structure and utilization of a single material.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a light weight hybrid three-piece vehicle wheel assembly. Moreover, there is a need for an improved hybrid three-piece vehicle wheel assembly made of different materials.OBJECTS

[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure are described herein below:

[0007] A main object of the present disclosure is to provide a hybrid three-piece vehicle wheel assembly.

[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a hybrid three-piece vehicle wheel assembly made of different materials.

[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a hybrid three- piece vehicle wheel assembly eliminating air leaks.

[0010] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cost-effective and light weight hybrid three-piece vehicle wheel assembly.

[0011] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a customizable hybrid three-piece vehicle wheel assembly.

[0012] The other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated for illustration of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.SUMMARY

[0013] In view of the foregoing, embodiments herein provide a hybrid three- piece vehicle wheel assembly.

[0014] In accordance with an embodiment, the hybrid three-piece vehicle wheel assembly can comprise a rim, a disc and an L-ring. The disc can include a hub portion, a plurality of spokes or solid disc profile and a circumferential surface,wherein the spokes extend from the hub portion to the circumferential surface. The L-ring is provided for connecting the disc to the rim. The L-ring can include an annular surface, and a peripheral surface. The peripheral surface is provided at an outer circumferential edge of the annular surface, wherein the peripheral surface extends axially outwards relative to the annular surface. The peripheral surface is joined to a radially inner surface of the rim. A plurality of fastening means is provided for connecting the disc to the annular surface of the L-ring.

[0015] In an embodiment, the peripheral surface is joined to a well portion on the radially inner surface of the rim.

[0016] In an embodiment, a joining means for joining the peripheral surface of the L-ring to the radially inner surface of the rim is welding.

[0017] In an embodiment, the fastening means is provided for connecting the circumferential surface of the disc to the annular surface of the L-ring. The fastening means can include but not limited to one of a bolt and a nut, a rivet, a stud, and a set screw.

[0018] In an embodiment, a material of the disc is different from a material of the rim. The material of the disc can include but not limited to one of alloy, cast aluminum, forged aluminum, magnesium alloy, and composite alloy including carbon fiber, and the material of the rim and L ring can include but not limited to steel, light weight aluminum, magnesium or other composite materials like carbon fiber.

[0019] In an embodiment, a plurality of holes is provided on the circumferential surface of the disc, and a plurality of holes is provided on the annular surface of the L-ring. The holes on the circumferential surface of the disc is aligned to the holes on the annular surface of the L-ring, and the fastening means is inserted through the holes on the disc and the L-ring for connecting the disc to the L-ring.

[0020] In an embodiment, the disc can include an axially outer surface and an axially inner surface, and the axially inner surface of the circumferential surface facing the annular surface at a side away from the peripheral surface.

[0021] In an embodiment, the rim can include a single piece rim, thereby being independent of air leaks.

[0022] In an embodiment, the peripheral surface can extend perpendicular relative to the annular surface.

[0023] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

[0025] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a hybrid three-piece wheelassembly, according to an embodiment herein;

[0026] Fig. 2a illustrates a sectional view of the hybrid three-piece wheelassembly, according to a first embodiment herein; and

[0027] Fig. 2b illustrates a sectional view of the hybrid three-piece wheelassembly, according to a second embodiment herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well- known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0029] As mentioned above, there is a need for a light weight hybrid three-piece vehicle wheel assembly. In particular, there is a need for an improved hybrid three-piece vehicle wheel assembly made of different materials. The embodiments herein achieve this by providing “A hybrid three-piece vehicle wheel assembly”. Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 through 2b, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.

[0030] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a hybrid three-piece vehicle wheelassembly. In an embodiment, the hybrid three-piece wheel assemblycan include a rim 101, a disc 103, and an L-ring.

[0031] In an embodiment, the rim 101 can include a well portion 101a. The rim 101 can be provided as a single piece rim thereby eliminating air leaks.

[0032] In an embodiment, the disc 103 can include but not limited to a hub portion 105, a plurality of spokes 107, and a circumferential surface 109. The spokes 107 can extend from the hub portion 105 to the circumferential surface 109. The circumferential surface 109 can extend along an ends of the spokes 107.

[0033] In an embodiment, the L-ring can be provided to connect the disc 103 to the rim 101.

[0034] In an embodiment, a material of the rim 101 can be different from a material of the disc 103. The material of the disc 103 can include but not limited to one of an alloy, cast aluminum, forged aluminum, magnesium alloy, and composite alloy including carbon fiber. The material of the rim 101 can include but not limited to steel.

[0035] Fig. 2a illustrates a sectional view of the hybrid three-piece wheel, according to a first embodiment. The rim 101 can include a radially inner surface 101a and a radially outer surface 101b. The L-ring 201 can be joined to a radially inner surface 101a of the rim 101 through a joining means.

[0036] In an embodiment, the L-ring 201 can include an annular surface 201a and a peripheral surface 201b. The peripheral surface 201b can extend axially outwards from an outer circumferential end of the annular surface 201a. In an embodiment, the peripheral surface 201b can extend perpendicular relative to the annular surface 201a.

[0037] In an embodiment, the peripheral surface 201b of the L-ring 201 can be joined to the well portion 103 at the radially inner surface of the rim 101 using the joining means. A position of the annular surface 201a of the L-ring 201 on the well portion 101a of the rim 101 can be based on parameters including but not limited to aesthetics, wheel offset, manufacturing feasibility, and manufacturing cost. In an embodiment, the joining means can include but not limited to welding.

[0038] In an embodiment, the disc 103 can include an axially outer surface 103a and an axially inner surface 103b. A plurality of holes can be provided on the circumferential surface 109 of the disc 103 extending from the axially outersurface 103a to the axially inner surface 103b. The holes can be distributed uniformly in a circular manner on the circumferential surface 109 of the disc 103.

[0039] In an embodiment, a plurality of holes can be provided on the annular surface 201a of the L-ring 201. The holes can be distributed uniformly in a circular manner on the annular surface 201a of the L-ring 201.

[0040] The disc 103 can be positioned relative to the L-ring 201. In an embodiment, the axially inner surface 103b of the circumferential surface 109 can be provided facing a side of the annular surface 201a, wherein the side of the annular surface 201a is away from the peripheral surface 201b. The holes of the circumferential surface 109 of the disc 103 are aligned to the holes on annular surface 201a of the L-ring 201.

[0041] In an embodiment, a plurality of fastening means 203 can connect the disc 103 to the L-ring 201. The fastening means can be inserted and extended through the holes on the circumferential surface 109 of the disc 103 and the holes on the annular surface 201a of the L-ring 201. The fastening means 203 can facilitate removal of the disc 103 from the rim 101, thereby facilitating faster removal of the wheel assembly. Also, it facilitates the replacement of any wheel component in case of failure, eliminating the need to replace the entire wheel. Additionally, it provides customization options for future component changes, such as disc. In an embodiment, the fastening means 203 can include but not limited to a bolt and a nut, a rivet, a stud, and a set screw.

[0042] In an embodiment, a number of the fastening means 203 can vary based on size and design of the wheel and load requirement. In an exemplary embodiment, the number of holes and number of fasteners on the disc 103 and the L-ring can include a range of 6 to 24 and can be customized up to 50 nos.

[0043] In an embodiment, the fastening means 203 can include the bolt 205a and the nut 205b. The bolt 205a can be inserted through the holes on the circumferential surface 109 of the disc 103, and through the holes on the annular surface 201a of the L-ring 201. The nut 205b can be engaged to the bolt 205a at the annular surface 201a of the L-ring 201.

[0044] Fig. 2b illustrates a sectional view of the hybrid three-piece wheel, according to a second embodiment.

[0045] In an embodiment, the fastening means 203 is a rivet 205. The rivet 205 can connect the disc 103 to the annular surface 201a of the L-ring 201. The rivet 205 can extend through the holes on the disc 103, and through the holes on the annular surface 201a of the L-ring 201.

[0046] A main advantage of the present disclosure is that the hybrid three-piece vehicle wheel assembly is light in weight with necessary strength.

[0047] Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the hybrid three-piece vehicle wheel assembly can include the rim and disc being made of different materials.

[0048] Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is that the hybrid three- piece vehicle wheel assembly is cost-effective.

[0049] Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the hybrid three- piece vehicle wheel assembly is independent of split rims thereby eliminating air leak.

[0050] Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is that the hybrid three- piece vehicle wheel assembly is capable of being customized by changing position of the disc and replacing the disc and the rim separately.

[0051] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applyingcurrent knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on October 28, 2025 (28.10.2025)We claim:

1. A hybrid three-piece vehicle wheel assembly, comprising: a rim (101); a disc (103) including a hub portion (105), a plurality of spokes (107) and a circumferential surface (109), wherein the spokes (107) extending from the hub portion (105) to the circumferential surface (109); an L-ring (201) provided for connecting the disc (103) to the rim (101), wherein the L-ring (201) including: an annular surface (201a), and a peripheral surface (20 lb) at an outer circumferential edge of the annular surface (201a), wherein the peripheral surface (201b) extending axially outwards relative to the annular surface (201a); wherein the peripheral surface (201b) joined to a radially inner surface of the rim (101); and a plurality of fastening means (203) connecting the disc (103) to the annular surface (201a) of the L-ring (201); the rim (101) including a single piece rim, thereby being independent of air leaks; and a joining means for joining the peripheral surface (201b) of the L-ring (201) to the radially inner surface of the rim (101) is welding, wherein the peripheral surface (201b) joined to a well portion (101a) on the radially inner surface of the rim (101).. The wheel assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastening means (203) connecting the circumferential surface (109) of the disc (103) to the annular surface (201a) of the L-ring (201), and wherein the fastening means (203) selected from a group consisting of a bolt (205a) and a nut (205b), a rivet (207), a stud, and a set screw.

3. The wheel assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a material of the disc (103) same or different from a material of the rim (101).

4. The wheel assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the material of the disc (103) including one of alloy, cast aluminum, forged aluminum, magnesium alloy, and composite alloy including carbon fiber, and wherein the material of the rim (101) including steel.

5. The wheel assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a plurality of holes provided on the circumferential surface (109) of the disc (103), a plurality of holes provided on the annular surface (201a) of the L-ring (201), wherein the holes on the circumferential surface (109) of the disc (103) aligned to the holes on the annular surface (201a) of the L-ring (201), and wherein the fastening means (203) inserted through the holes on the disc (103) and the L-ring (201) for connecting the disc (103) to the L-ring (201).

6. The wheel assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the disc (103) including an axially outer surface (103a) and an axially inner surface (103b), and wherein the axially inner surface (103b) of the circumferential surface (109) facing the annular surface (201a) at a side away from the peripheral surface (201b).

7. The wheel assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the peripheral surface (201b) extending perpendicular relative to the annular surface (201a).

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