Cast Motorcycle Wheel with Differently Dimensioned Spokes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spoke wheels for motorcycles have a high production cost and complexity due to numerous components and assembly processes, which complicates achieving desired rigidity and design properties.

Innovation Solution

A cast motorcycle wheel with integrally formed rim, hub, and spokes, featuring differently dimensioned first and second spoke pieces that provide unique visual appeal and enhanced rigidity, while maintaining a reduced number of components and simplified production processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a spoke wheel is formed by connecting hub and rim by wire-like spokes with multiple components, then design property can be enhanced, but production cost increases and rigidity becomes difficult to ensure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign propertyVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the hub, rim, and spokes into a single integrally formed wheel component. This eliminates the need for separate spokes and nipples, reducing the number of components while maintaining design flexibility through the monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrally formed wheel serves multiple functions simultaneously: the hub portion supports the axle, the rim portion mounts the tire, and the spoke portions provide structural connection and design aesthetic, all within a single component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Shape

If a spoke wheel is formed by connecting hub and rim by wire-like spokes with multiple components, then design property can be enhanced, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign propertyVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrally formed wheel structure provides its own structural integrity and aesthetic design without requiring additional assembly steps or fastening components, eliminating the need for nipples and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Shape

If a spoke wheel is formed by connecting hub and rim by wire-like spokes with multiple components, then design property can be enhanced, but rigidity becomes difficult to ensure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign propertyVSAvoidrigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs curved or arc-shaped spoke portions that provide structural strength while maintaining aesthetic design. The curved geometry distributes stress more effectively than straight wire-like spokes, enhancing rigidity while preserving design property.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Shape

If first spoke pieces have larger dimension in axial direction than second spoke pieces, then unique three-dimensional appearance can be obtained, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional appearanceVSAvoiddimensional consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different dimensional characteristics to different spoke pieces: first spoke pieces have larger dimensions in the axial direction while second spoke pieces have smaller dimensions. This local variation creates visual depth and three-dimensional appearance while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through the integral casting process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3456549B1Motorcycle wheel

Publication Date: 2021.07.28 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK

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AI summary

A rim (4) on which a tire (2) is mounted, a hub (8) that supports a wheel axle (6), and a plurality of spokes (10) that connect the rim (4) and the hub (8) are integrally formed. The plurality of spokes (10) include first spokes (16) and second spokes (18), which spokes (16, 18) are disposed adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction (D1) of a wheel (1). First spoke pieces (20) forming the first spokes (16) each have a larger dimension in the axial direction of the wheel (1) than second spoke pieces (22) forming the second spokes (18).