Active Aerodynamic Wheel Cover with Speed-Adaptive Flaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle wheel assemblies with decorative windows on wheel covers create drag and wind resistance at higher speeds, reducing fuel economy while failing to maintain styling features.
Innovation Solution
An active aerodynamic vehicle wheel cover assembly with moveable flaps in the windows, secured by a hinge mechanism and return mechanism, that automatically adjusts to a closed position at higher speeds to reduce drag and opens at lower speeds for optimal styling and brake cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If decorative windows are provided on the wheel cover for styling purposes, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases at higher speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by providing moveable flaps within the wheel cover windows that can automatically change position based on vehicle speed. At lower speeds, the flaps remain open to maintain styling appearance and allow brake cooling. At higher speeds, the flaps close automatically to reduce aerodynamic drag, thus dynamically adapting the wheel cover configuration to different operating conditions and resolving the contradiction between aesthetics and aerodynamics.
2Loss of energy
If windows are closed at higher speeds to reduce drag, then fuel economy is improved, but brake cooling capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable flaps dynamically adjust based on vehicle speed, remaining open during low-speed operation to allow brake cooling airflow and closing during high-speed operation when drag reduction is prioritized for fuel economy, thus dynamically balancing thermal management and aerodynamic efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps periodically open and close based on varying vehicle speed conditions, allowing brake cooling during low-speed periods and drag reduction during high-speed periods, thus achieving periodic alternation between cooling and fuel efficiency modes
3Adaptability or versatility
If moveable flaps are added to the wheel cover, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable flaps are designed to operate automatically using natural aerodynamic forces and pressure differentials generated during vehicle operation, eliminating the need for electronic sensors, motors, or complex control systems. The flaps self-adjust based on airflow conditions, providing aerodynamic adaptability while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses airflow pressure differentials as an intermediary mechanism to actuate the moveable flaps. The aerodynamic pressure generated during vehicle operation naturally drives the flap movement, serving as a passive mediator that translates speed conditions into appropriate flap positions without requiring active control systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces aerodynamic drag at higher speeds while maintaining styling and brake cooling functionality, improving fuel efficiency without driver intervention or electronic controls.
Implementation Method 1
the flap is configured to be movable between an opened position, when an associated speed of a vehicle is at or below a threshold speed, and a closed position, when the associated speed of the vehicle is above the threshold speed
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle wheel assembly comprises a vehicle wheel having an outboard face with a plurality of windows formed therein and a vehicle wheel cover assembly secured to the vehicle wheel. The wheel cover has a plurality windows formed therein which are configured to be generally aligned with windows of the vehicle wheel. The vehicle wheel cover assembly further including a flap moveably secured in at least one of the windows of the wheel cover. The flap is configured to be movable between an opened position, when an associated speed of a vehicle is at or below a threshold speed, and a closed position, when the associated speed of the vehicle is above the threshold speed.