Pivoting Wheel Covers for Brake Cooling and Low Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel designs with multiple covers and actuators are structurally complex and costly due to the need for individual actuation of each cover, leading to high flow resistance at high speeds and inadequate cooling during braking.
Innovation Solution
A wheel design where covers pivot about a radially aligned axis and the actuator rotates around the wheel axis, using a connecting rod for mechanical translation, allowing for simultaneous movement of multiple covers and reducing structural complexity and cost, with energy generation from the wheel's rotation and remote control capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each cover is assigned an individual actuator, then the covers can be controlled independently, but the structural complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple actuators are merged into a single actuator unit that rotates about the wheel axis. This single actuator controls multiple covers simultaneously through connecting rods, eliminating the need for individual actuators for each cover and significantly reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator serves multiple functions by controlling all covers through the connecting rod mechanism. The actuator can open or close all covers simultaneously, providing a universal control solution that replaces multiple individual actuators
2Ease of operation
If covers are moved translationally or require significant space for movement, then the covers can be positioned accurately, but the wheel structure becomes more complex and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cover movement mechanism is made dynamic by allowing the cover to pivot about a radially aligned axis rather than requiring linear translation. The connecting rod translates the rotational movement of the actuator into the pivoting motion of the cover, enabling accurate positioning within a compact space
Solution Approach 2:
The cover movement is changed from linear translation to rotational pivoting about a radially aligned axis. This dimensional change allows the cover to move into the gap space between wheel spokes, utilizing the existing wheel geometry for movement space rather than requiring additional linear space
3Temperature
If gaps between wheel spokes are exposed, then brake cooling is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates at high speeds due to increased flow resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The cover position is made dynamic and adjustable based on operating conditions. The actuator can move the cover between open and closed positions, allowing the system to adapt to different speed and cooling requirements, optimizing both aerodynamic performance and brake cooling as needed
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 design simplifies the wheel structure, reduces air flow resistance at high speeds, enhances brake cooling, and provides a cost-effective solution with improved aerodynamics and remote control functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic energy generator arranged in the cylindrical hub of the wheel, by means of which electrical energy can be generated, preferably by induction, particularly when the wheel rotates
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a wheel with at least two spokes, a hub, a power generator, and at least one actuator electrically connected to the power generator. A cover is positioned in the space between two adjacent spokes. The actuator can move the cover into an open and a closed position. In the open position, the cover at least partially exposes the space, and in the closed position, the cover at least partially covers the space.