Removable Wheel Cover Assembly for Aerodynamic Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep wheel wells in vehicles cause air turbulence, leading to decreased fuel efficiency and increased fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A wheel cover assembly with an interface support, cover support, and cover that aligns with the wheel rim, featuring a spring element and release handle for secure attachment and easy access to components, providing an aerodynamic surface and drainage features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a deep wheel well is used in the wheel assembly, then the wheel assembly structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but air turbulence increases causing decreased fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the aerodynamic cover components (cover support and cover) as separate removable parts from the wheel assembly, allowing the wheel well to maintain its simple deep structure while adding aerodynamic functionality through the detachable cover that reduces air turbulence
2Use of energy by moving object
If a cover is added to reduce air turbulence, then fuel efficiency improves, but access to wheel components becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into two functional segments: the cover support that attaches to the wheel assembly and provides aerodynamic benefits, and the removable cover that can be detached to access wheel components. This segmentation allows the aerodynamic function to remain while providing on-demand access to underlying components
Solution Approach 2:
The cover transitions from a static enclosed structure to a dynamic system where the cover portion can be moved between attached and detached states. The attachment mechanism with spring element and catch member enables easy transition between these states, allowing the system to adapt between aerodynamic operation and maintenance access modes
3Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is used to secure the cover, then the cover remains firmly attached during vehicle operation, but the complexity of the attachment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element provides automatic engagement force to secure the catch member to the mounting surface, creating a self-securing mechanism that maintains reliable attachment without requiring additional actuators or complex locking systems. The mechanism uses the spring's inherent elastic energy to maintain secure engagement
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
Improves aerodynamics, reduces turbulence, and enhances fuel economy by minimizing air resistance while allowing easy access to wheel components without tools.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element can be connected to the release handle and to the main body, and the spring element can bias the catch member to engage with the interface support or the cover support to secure the cover to the cover support
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a wheel cover assembly for a wheel assembly of a vehicle. The wheel cover assembly can include a bracket configured to be mounted onto the wheel assembly, an outer ring configured to be coupled with the bracket, and an inner cover removably couplable with the outer ring. The inner cover can comprise at least one attachment mechanism having a spring element, a catch and a handle, where the spring element can bias the catch to engage with the bracket or the outer ring to removably secure the inner cover to the outer ring.