Aerodynamic Vehicle Wheel Spoke Design for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle wheels do not effectively optimize aerodynamics, leading to suboptimal fuel economy and increased drag coefficient, despite efforts to reduce weight and improve aesthetics, as the design of wheel spokes and covers often prioritizes cost over aerodynamic considerations.
Innovation Solution
A wheel design featuring a unique configuration of wheel spokes with an inboard side that minimizes air resistance by creating an efficient surface, including convex or concave shapes and weight reduction pockets, and a wheel cover that aligns with the spoke geometry to enhance aerodynamics, reducing the drag coefficient and improving fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If material is removed from the back side of wheel spokes to reduce weight, then weight is reduced and cost is lowered, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to increased air resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The spoke design applies different geometric characteristics to different regions of the spoke. The inboard side features a convex shape that minimizes air resistance, while the outboard side maintains structural integrity. This localized optimization of geometry allows the spoke to simultaneously achieve weight reduction and aerodynamic efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The spoke employs curved surfaces, specifically a convex shape on the inboard side, to streamline air flow. This curvature allows air to flow smoothly over the spoke surface, reducing turbulence and drag, thereby minimizing the power required to rotate the wheel assembly.
2Shape
If wheel covers are added to enhance aesthetics, then appearance is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to additional air resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel cover is designed with specific geometric features that differ from conventional covers. The inboard side of the wheel cover incorporates a convex shape that aligns with the spoke geometry, creating a streamlined surface that reduces air resistance while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel cover and spoke are designed to work together as an integrated aerodynamic unit. The convex shape on the inboard side of the wheel cover complements the spoke geometry, creating a unified surface that minimizes air resistance while achieving the desired aesthetic appearance.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional wheel designs are used, then manufacturing is simpler and cost is lower, but aerodynamic performance and fuel economy are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the geometric parameters of the wheel assembly, specifically the spoke and wheel cover shapes, to optimize aerodynamic performance. The convex shape on the inboard side and the specific orientation angles are carefully selected parameters that minimize air resistance while maintaining manufacturability and structural integrity.
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 proposed wheel design significantly reduces power usage and enhances fuel economy by minimizing air resistance, resulting in improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, particularly in city and highway driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a design of a wheel spoke that yields minimal power usage from the pumping of air during rotation to provide improved aerodynamics
Implementation Method 2
a design of a wheel spoke that optimizes the air pressure gradients under and around the vehicle affecting overall vehicle coefficient of drag
Data Source
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AI summary
A wheel for a vehicle includes an inner hub portion that is configured to receive an axle therethrough and which defines an axis of rotation at a center thereof. The wheel includes an outer rim portion. A plurality of wheel spoke portions extend generally between the inner hub portion and the outer rim portion. The inner hub portion, the outer rim portion, and the plurality of spoke portions cooperate to form a wheel outer surface having a plurality of turbine openings. The outer surface of the wheel defines a wheel reference plane that is oriented generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The wheel outer surface is the side that face away from a vehicle. Each of the plurality of wheel spoke portions has an outer side adjacent the wheel outer surface, an inner side opposite the outer side, a leading side surface and a trailing side surface. The inner side of each of the plurality of spoke portions has a first edge adjacent the leading side surface that is spaced a first distance (Die) apart from the wheel reference plane (P) and a second edge adjacent the trailing side surface that is spaced a second distance (Dte) apart from the wheel reference plane (P). The inner side of the spoke is configured such that the first distance is less than the second distance.