Floating Wheel Cover Assembly for Steering-Compatible Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The space between vehicle wheels and fenders creates a discontinuity that increases drag, reducing fuel efficiency due to cross-talk between fast-moving outer body air flow and slower underbody air flow, making it challenging to provide a smooth sealed surface for improved aerodynamics while allowing wheel movement during steering.
Innovation Solution
A flexible wheel cover with integral portions and slits that bend and flex to mimic wheel movement, coupled with a mounting assembly allowing rotation in both directions, reducing drag by covering the gap between the wheel and fender while maintaining steering capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a wheel cover is provided to cover the space between the wheel and fender, then drag is reduced and fuel efficiency is improved, but the wheel cover must allow wheel movement during steering which creates challenges in maintaining a smooth sealed surface
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel cover is designed with dynamic characteristics, including a dynamic portion that can move relative to the static portion, allowing the cover to adapt to wheel movement during steering while maintaining aerodynamic sealing. The mounting assembly enables the wheel cover to articulate with the wheel, transforming the cover from a rigid to a dynamically adaptable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel cover is divided into multiple portions: a static portion and a dynamic portion that can move independently. This segmentation allows different parts of the wheel cover to serve different functions - the static portion maintains structural integrity and sealing, while the dynamic portion accommodates wheel movement during steering.
2Loss of energy
If the wheel cover is made rigid to maintain aerodynamic shape, then drag reduction is maximized, but the wheel cover cannot accommodate wheel movement during steering
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel cover transitions from a purely rigid structure to a dynamic structure where portions can move relative to each other. The dynamic portion is designed to move with wheel articulation during steering while the static portion maintains the aerodynamic profile, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for drag reduction and flexibility for steering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel cover utilizes flexible or movable components that can deform or shift position to accommodate wheel movement. The dynamic portion acts as a flexible element that maintains aerodynamic continuity while allowing the necessary range of motion for steering operations.
3Ease of operation
If the wheel cover is made flexible to allow wheel movement, then steering capability is maintained, but aerodynamic sealing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly creates a dynamic connection between the wheel cover and vehicle body, allowing the cover to articulate with the wheel during steering. This dynamic articulation maintains aerodynamic sealing by ensuring the wheel cover moves with the wheel rather than creating gaps or discontinuities during steering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the wheel and wheel cover, providing controlled movement while maintaining aerodynamic continuity. The bearing block and retainer assembly work together as intermediary components that enable wheel articulation while preserving the smooth sealed surface required for drag reduction.
4Loss of energy
If mounting components are added to prevent wheel cover rotation, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the complexity of the mounting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a bearing block for rotational support, a retainer assembly with first and second members for positioning, and a mounting member for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability and aerodynamic performance.
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 solution significantly reduces drag, enhancing fuel efficiency by minimizing pressure cross-talk and maintaining aerodynamic performance, allowing the wheel cover to articulate with the wheel during turns without rotating with the wheel's forward or backward motion.
Implementation Method 1
The first portion, the second portion, and the third portion are integral with each other and made a flexible unitary, continuous material... the second region bends to provide at least one degree of freedom such that the wheel cover flexes and bends when the wheel is turning
Implementation Method 2
This covering of the space between the wheel and the fender significantly reduces the drag along the discontinuity at this space between the wheel and the fender, which increases the fuel efficiency of the vehicle... The space between the inner surface of the fender and the wheel is a discontinuity along the length of the vehicle that increases drag
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a wheel cover that is coupled to a wheel of a vehicle utilizing a mounting assembly that has a bearing block. A retainer assembly in combination with the bearing block of the mounting assembly allows the wheel cover to be coupled to the wheel in a manner such that the wheel cover does not rotate with the forward and backward rotation of the wheel when the vehicle is being driven. The wheel cover covers the wheel and partially covers a gap or space between a tire of the wheel and a fender of the vehicle, which increases the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. The retainer assembly provides at least one degree of freedom such that the wheel cover may move with the wheel when steering the vehicle in a leftward direction and a rightward direction.