Adjustable Wheel Lighting Ring for Multi-Diameter Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for mounting decorative lighting in vehicle wheels face challenges due to the need for multiple sizes of mounting rings to accommodate various wheel and hub combinations, and the impracticality of attaching lighting to rotating or thick steel components like the hub assembly and caliper.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable mounting ring system composed of two linked segments with overlapping extensions, allowing for adjustment of the diameter to fit different wheel sizes without requiring multiple ring sizes, using L-shaped or other interlocking sections and fasteners for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sizes of mounting rings are used to accommodate various wheel and hub combinations, then compatibility with diverse vehicle configurations is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with diverse vehicle configurationsVSAvoidinventory requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting ring is divided into two separate adjustable segments that can be independently positioned and connected. Each segment contains adjustment mechanisms that allow the ring to be configured in multiple diameters, eliminating the need for multiple pre-manufactured ring sizes while maintaining compatibility across different wheel configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting ring incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow it to dynamically adapt to different wheel diameters. The ring can be modified in the field by adjusting segment positions or adding/removing connection elements, transforming a static single-size ring into a dynamic multi-size solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If decorative lighting is attached to rotating components like the hub assembly, then mounting stability is improved, but the ability to install lighting without removing brake components worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidinstallation accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting ring serves as an intermediary component that attaches to stationary brake components (caliper, rotor, or dust shield) rather than rotating hub elements. This intermediary structure provides stable mounting for lighting while avoiding the need to attach directly to rotating parts, and allows installation without removing brake components since the ring connects to stationary elements already present in the wheel assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If mounting hardware is attached to thick steel components like caliper assembly or steering knuckle, then mounting strength is improved, but drilling and attachment difficulty worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting strengthVSAvoiddrilling and attachment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of attaching mounting hardware directly to thick steel components requiring drilling and welding, the mounting ring is designed to attach to thinner, more accessible brake components (caliper, rotor, or dust shield) using simple mechanical fasteners. The ring then provides the structural strength for lighting mounting, inverting the traditional approach of directly bolting to heavy steel parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Device complexity

If a single fixed-size mounting ring is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different wheel sizes worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvering design simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with various wheel diameters

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting ring is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple wheel sizes and configurations through its adjustable segments. The same basic ring design with adjustment mechanisms can accommodate various diameters, making a single ring type suitable for multiple applications without requiring different fixed-size rings for different wheel types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230391252A1Adjustable Lighting Mounting Ring for Vehicle Wheels

Publication Date: 2023.12.07 JONES JR WILLIAM H

AI summary

A decorative lighting system for a vehicle wheel incorporating a mounting ring with an adjustable diameter. The adjustable mounting ring is made as two separate segments. The two segments include cooperative overlapping extensions that allow them to be linked together into a circle having a desired diameter.