Inboard Wheel Casing With Brake Duct for Drag and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheel casings detract from the aesthetic appearance of vehicles and hinder aerodynamic performance and brake cooling due to their solid construction and exterior application, failing to effectively reduce aerodynamic drag and improve brake cooling without compromising appearance.
Innovation Solution
A wheel casing system with a body portion positioned adjacent to the tire's inboard surface, incorporating a brake cooling window or duct for improved airflow to brake components, and a suspension arm undercover to reduce underbody airflow, designed to minimize drag and enhance cooling without affecting the vehicle's appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wheel casings are applied to the exterior side of the vehicle, then the wheel assembly is protected, but the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle is detracted
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel casing is inverted from conventional exterior placement to an interior position adjacent to the inboard surface of the tire. This repositioning allows the protective function to be maintained while eliminating the aesthetic drawback of exterior mounting, as the casing is no longer visible from the outside of the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel casing transitions from a two-dimensional exterior surface application to a three-dimensional interior component positioned in the wheel well. By moving the casing into the interior space adjacent to the tire's inboard surface, the design achieves protection without visual impact while creating space for additional features like brake cooling ducts.
2Strength
If conventional wheel casings are formed from substantially solid material, then structural strength is provided, but air flow over brake calipers and rotors is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel casing is segmented to include a brake cooling duct with an air inlet opening and an air outlet opening in fluid communication with brake system components. This segmentation creates dedicated airflow pathways through the casing structure, allowing solid material to provide strength while specific openings enable necessary air flow for brake cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel casing exhibits local quality by having different properties in different regions: the majority of the casing is formed from substantially solid material to provide structural strength, while specific localized areas contain air inlet and outlet openings that enable brake cooling airflow. This localized modification allows both strength and cooling functions to coexist.
3Loss of energy
If wheel liners and wheel casings are used to reduce space between wheel and wheel well, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but brake cooling airflow is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel casing is segmented to include a brake cooling duct with an air inlet opening and an air outlet opening in fluid communication with brake system components. This segmentation creates dedicated airflow pathways through the casing structure, allowing solid material to provide strength while specific openings enable necessary air flow for brake cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel casing exhibits local quality by having different properties in different regions: the majority of the casing is formed from substantially solid material to provide structural strength, while specific localized areas contain air inlet and outlet openings that enable brake cooling airflow. This localized modification allows both strength and cooling functions to coexist.
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 reduces aerodynamic drag, improves brake cooling performance, and maintains the vehicle's aesthetic appeal by directing airflow effectively around the wheel assembly and brake components, leading to enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced component wear.
Implementation Method 1
The air outlet opening is in fluid communication with a brake system component and the air inlet opening is positionable inboard of the body portion when the body portion is positioned adjacent the inboard surface of the tire, thereby providing cooling air flow through the brake cooling duct to the brake system component when the vehicle is in forward motion
Implementation Method 2
The wheel casings according to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure herein serve to reduce the amount of air flowing around the wheel assembly, thereby reducing the amount of drag caused by the rotating tires and improving the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel casing for a vehicle having a wheel assembly including a wheel and a tire. The wheel casing includes a body portion positionable adjacent an inboard surface of the tire, and a brake cooling duct defining an air inlet opening and an air outlet opening. The air outlet opening is in fluid communication with a brake system component and the air inlet opening is positionable inboard of the body portion when the body portion is positioned adjacent the inboard surface of the tire, thereby providing cooling air flow through the brake cooling duct to the brake system component when the vehicle is in forward motion. The wheel casing further includes a suspension arm undercover extending inboard of the body portion and configured to protect predetermined components of the vehicle.