Adaptive Wheel Cover Venting for Drag and Brake Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel designs compromise between air resistance and cooling efficiency, with solutions involving power-driven mechanisms complicating the system and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A wheel cover with a thermally responsive elastic member and a centrifugal force mechanism that adjusts the open space based on temperature and wheel speed, utilizing a kirigami structure for airflow control without a power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the open space of the wheel is reduced to decrease air resistance, then fuel efficiency is improved, but cooling efficiency of the braking device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel cover incorporates a variable unit with flexible spokes that can dynamically change the open space between spokes based on operating conditions. The spokes are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing the structure to adapt between closed and open configurations to balance air resistance reduction and brake cooling requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the wheel cover from static to dynamic by introducing thermally responsive elastic members and centrifugal force mechanisms. These components cause the flexible spokes to change their position based on temperature and rotational speed parameters, automatically adjusting the open space to optimize both aerodynamic performance and thermal management
2Temperature
If a driving device is added to open or close the open space between spokes, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel cover system performs self-adjustment using passive physical mechanisms. The thermally responsive elastic members automatically expand or contract based on brake temperature, and the centrifugal force from wheel rotation automatically pushes the flexible spokes outward. No external power source, sensors, or control systems are needed - the system uses the natural physical conditions already present in the vehicle operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex powered mechanical systems with simpler passive mechanical mechanisms. Instead of using motors, sensors, and control electronics to adjust the spoke positions, the system uses thermally responsive materials and centrifugal force - fundamental physical phenomena that require no external power or control infrastructure
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 wheel cover dynamically manages airflow to reduce air resistance and cool the braking device effectively, enhancing fuel efficiency and performance without additional power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a first power unit configured to apply a first force acting on the variable unit, wherein the force changes depending on temperature
Implementation Method 2
The first power unit may include a thermally responsive elastic member of which elastic force changes depending on temperature
Implementation Method 3
a second power unit configured to apply a second force acting on the variable unit, wherein the second force changes depending on a wheel speed
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel cover includes a fixing unit fixed to a wheel of a vehicle, a variable unit coupled to and supported by the fixing unit and configured for being opened and closed, a first power unit configured to apply a first force acting on the variable unit, wherein the force changes depending on temperature, and a second power unit configured to apply a second force acting on the variable unit, wherein the second force changes depending on a wheel speed, wherein the variable unit is opened or closed depending on the first force generated by the first power unit and the second force generated by the second power unit.