Electrochromic Alloy Wheel Speed-Responsive Color Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Alloy wheels for vehicles lack diversity in appearance and design, as their paint cannot be changed after manufacturing, limiting aesthetic options.
Innovation Solution
A color-changeable alloy wheel is developed by depositing electrochromic paint on the wheel, which changes color based on the rotational speed of the vehicle, utilizing a power switch mechanism that supplies current from the vehicle's battery when the speed exceeds a predetermined threshold, incorporating a centrifugal force-activated spring to turn on the power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional paint is applied to the alloy wheel during manufacturing, then the wheel has a fixed appearance, but the wheel lacks diversity in appearance and design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrochromic paint that can dynamically change color based on rotational speed. The paint contains oxidation/reduction color-changeable materials that transition between different color states when electrical current is applied, transforming the static appearance into a dynamic one that adapts to driving conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (application of current) to trigger color changes in the electrochromic paint. By controlling the electrical current based on rotational speed thresholds, the wheel's appearance parameter (color) is changed without altering the physical structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic paint is deposited on the alloy wheel, then the wheel color can change with rotational speed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrochromic paint as a composite material containing multiple functional layers: ion storage layer, electrolyte, oxidation/reduction color-changeable material, and transparent electrode. This composite structure enables color changing functionality while maintaining a relatively simple application process
3Adaptability or versatility
If a power switch mechanism is added to supply current based on rotational speed, then the wheel can dynamically change color, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a centrifugal force-acting part that automatically activates the power switch based on rotational speed without requiring external control systems. The centrifugal force directly actuates the switch mechanism, creating a self-regulating system that responds to speed changes autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic speed sensing and control systems with a purely mechanical centrifugal force-actuated switch. This mechanical approach simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for electronic speed sensors, control units, and wiring while achieving the same speed-responsive functionality
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 alloy wheel's color changes in response to speed, enhancing visual feedback on speeding and allowing for dynamic two-dimensional expression, encouraging or preventing excessive speed, while maintaining the wheel's performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochromic paint deposited on an outer side surface of the alloy wheel... a current is supplied from a battery of the vehicle to the alloy wheel when a rotational speed of the alloy wheel is higher than a predetermined speed, to change a color of the alloy wheel
Implementation Method 2
a centrifugal force-acting part connected to an end portion of the spring placed outside the housing... The spring may be compressed toward an inside of the housing when a centrifugal force acts on the centrifugal force-acting part
Data Source
AI summary
A color-changeable alloy wheel of a vehicle has an electrochromic paint deposited on the alloy wheel, so that a color of the alloy wheel changes according to a rotational speed thereof. The color-changeable alloy wheel includes: the electrochromic paint deposited on an outer side surface of the alloy wheel, and a current supplied from a battery of the vehicle to the alloy wheel when the rotational speed of the alloy wheel is higher than a predetermined speed, in order to change the color of the alloy wheel.