Adjustable Wheel Openings for Aerodynamics and Brake Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel designs face challenges in efficiently balancing aerodynamic performance and brake cooling, as reducing aperture ratio for lower air resistance hinders effective heat dissipation from brake discs, and existing spoke opening and closing devices are structurally inefficient and unstable at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle wheel with a hub, spokes, and a wheel rim, featuring sliders that adjust openings using a driving unit with a pusher and shape memory alloy push ring, along with an elastic member to control opening and closing, enhancing aerodynamics and cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the aperture ratio of wheel spokes is reduced to improve aerodynamic performance, then air resistance decreases, but brake disc cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel spoke openings are equipped with movable shutters that can dynamically adjust their opening area based on driving conditions. When braking is required, the shutters open to allow air flow for cooling the brake disc. When braking is not required, the shutters close to reduce air resistance and improve aerodynamic performance. This dynamic adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction between aerodynamic efficiency and brake cooling requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a device is installed inside the wheel to actively open or close spoke openings, then both braking and aerodynamic performance can be satisfied, but device complexity and power supply stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical driving devices with a shape memory alloy-based actuating mechanism. The shape memory alloy elements can change their shape in response to temperature changes or electrical stimulation, directly driving the shutter openings and closings without requiring complex mechanical linkages, motors, or control systems inside the wheel. This significantly simplifies the device structure while maintaining the ability to actively control spoke openings.
3Loss of energy
If a driving device is installed inside the wheel to control spoke openings, then aerodynamic performance can be improved, but power supply stability and installation feasibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy actuating mechanism requires minimal power input compared to traditional motors or mechanical systems. The shape memory alloy elements can be activated by small electrical currents or temperature changes, making them highly suitable for wheel installations where power supply is limited and reliability is critical. This substitution eliminates the need for complex power transmission systems inside the rotating wheel.
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 allows for efficient opening and closing of wheel openings, improving aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency while ensuring stable power supply and effective brake cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a push ring formed of a shape memory alloy material which is linked to the pusher to provide a driving force for pushing the pusher in a thickness direction
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member returning the sliders moved by the push ring to their original positions
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle wheel includes a wheel disk including a hub configured to be coupled to an axle, spokes extending radially from the hub, and a wheel rim provided on a radially outward side of the spokes. The vehicle wheel further includes a plurality of sliders provided on the spokes and moving in a radial direction to adjust opening and closing of openings. Additionally, the vehicle wheel includes a driving unit moving the sliders in a radial direction. The driving unit includes a pusher moving in a thickness direction of the wheel disk, perpendicular to the radial direction, a moving direction of the sliders.