Elliptical Spoke Wheel Assembly for Controlled Impact Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-wheeled vehicles face challenges in managing deformation during certain vehicle impacts, particularly in controlling the deformation of the wheel assembly and vehicle frame to ensure occupant safety and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The wheel assembly features a unique design with alternating sets of elliptical and partial elliptical spokes that collapse and expand in controlled directions to manage deformation during impacts, utilizing a hub and rim configuration with spokes designed to collapse along their major axes and expand along minor axes under compressive forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid wheel spokes are used, then structural strength is maintained, but deformation control during impact is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spoke design transitions from static rigid structure to dynamic deformable structure. The elliptical and partial elliptical spoke shapes are engineered to deform in specific directions during impact, allowing the wheel assembly to adapt its structural response based on impact conditions while maintaining overall integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the spokes by using elliptical and partial elliptical shapes instead of traditional straight or circular cross-sections. These non-circular geometries create anisotropic mechanical properties that enable controlled deformation in specific directions while maintaining strength in other directions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If deformation is allowed to protect occupants, then impact force absorption improves, but vehicle structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: full elliptical spokes, partial elliptical spokes, and their alternating arrangement. This segmentation allows different parts to deform in different ways during impact, distributing the deformation control function across multiple elements rather than relying on a single structural feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of full elliptical spokes and partial elliptical spokes creates an asymmetric yet balanced structure. This asymmetry in spoke geometry enables the wheel to exhibit different deformation characteristics in different directions, allowing controlled energy absorption while maintaining structural stability through the alternating pattern.
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
This design effectively manages deformation in three-wheeled vehicles, enhancing occupant safety and structural integrity by absorbing and distributing impact forces, thereby reducing damage to the vehicle frame and improving overall stability.
Implementation Method 1
Each spoke of the first set of spokes and the second set of spokes may be designed to collapse along its major axis when a compressive force above a predetermined level is applied to the spoke along its major axis. Each spoke of the first set of spokes and the second set of spokes may be designed to expand along a minor axis perpendicular to its major axis during collapse along its major axis.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel assembly includes a rim and a hub concentric with the rim. The wheel assembly includes a first set of spokes spaced circumferentially about the hub between the rim and the hub. The spokes of the first set of spokes each has an elliptical shape elongated in a direction radially from the hub to the rim. The wheel assembly includes a second set of spokes spaced circumferentially about the hub between the first set of spokes and the rim. The spokes of the second set of spokes each has a partial elliptical shape elongated in a direction radially from the hub to the rim. The spokes of the first set of spokes are in an alternating arrangement with spokes of the second set of spokes circumferentially about the hub.