Center Lock Simulated Cap Assembly for Automotive Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Exposed lug holes or lug nuts on automotive wheels are aesthetically unpleasing and disrupt the wheel design's contours.
Innovation Solution
A cap assembly comprising a base component with an outer threaded surface, a lug hole cover, and a center cap that removably attaches to the wheel hub to conceal the lug holes, providing a aesthetically pleasing solution by covering the recessed outer surface of the hub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a cap assembly is added to cover the lug holes, then the aesthetic appearance of the wheel is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly is divided into three separate components: a base component that attaches to the wheel hub, a lug hole cover that fits over the base component to conceal the lug holes, and a center cap that attaches to the base component to cover the center hub opening. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while collectively achieving the aesthetic improvement of concealing unsightly wheel elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lug hole cover is designed to fit over the base component, creating a nested arrangement where the cover encapsulates the base. The center cap then attaches to the base component, forming another nested layer. This nested structure efficiently conceals multiple wheel features (lug holes and center hub) within a compact, multi-layered assembly that minimizes overall complexity.
2Shape
If a removable cap assembly is used to conceal the lug holes, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the reliability of wheel attachment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly is segmented into removable components that can be easily installed and removed by consumers without requiring specialized tools or expertise. The base component features a simple attachment mechanism that secures to the wheel hub, while the lug hole cover and center cap can be independently attached and removed, providing aesthetic improvement while maintaining wheel attachment reliability through proper mechanical fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly is designed for consumer self-service installation and removal. The base component includes attachment features that allow users to securely fasten the assembly to their wheels without professional assistance, and the removable nature enables easy removal when wheel maintenance is needed. This self-service design maintains reliability by ensuring proper installation while providing aesthetic benefits.
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 cap assembly effectively conceals the lug holes, enhancing the wheel's appearance and maintaining functionality while securing the wheel to the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The center cap has an inner threaded surface configured to threadably couple to the base component so that the inner threaded surface threads onto the outer threaded surface of the base component to thereby retain the lug hole cover against the hub
Data Source
AI summary
An automobile wheel having a hub and a cap assembly configured to removably attach to the hub is provided herein. The cap assembly includes a base component, a lug hole cover, and a center cap. The base component is removably coupled to the hub, and includes a cylindrical portion with an outer threaded surface that extends outward from the hub when the base component is coupled to the hub. The lug hole cover removably fits over the cylindrical portion of the base component to cover the plurality of lug hole openings of the hub. Additionally, the center cap is removably coupled to the base component and retain the lug hole cover against the hub.