Vehicle Rim Assembly with Elastic Clamping Cover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rim assemblies for vehicles are not operationally reliable, aerodynamically optimized, and cost-effective in production and installation, as they often require complex and costly methods to prevent soiling and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A rim assembly featuring a disk-shaped covering with a first groove and elastic elements for secure, fluid-tight positioning, allowing for easy installation and removal, and an annular design that covers the rim to prevent soiling and corrosion, combined with a method involving cambering and vulcanization for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a covering is inserted into the rim to prevent soiling and corrosion, then protection against soiling and corrosion is improved, but the complexity of the installation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The covering is pre-assembled with the elastic clamping element attached to its radially outer edge before installation. This preliminary assembly simplifies the installation process as the covering can be directly inserted into the rim's groove without requiring separate attachment steps, while still achieving reliable protection against soiling and corrosion through the elastic element's clamping action.
2Shape
If the covering is positioned as far outside the rim as possible to cover the spokes, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the risk of damage during installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic clamping element provides flexible adjustment capability that allows the covering to be positioned optimally for aerodynamic performance while accommodating variations in installation conditions. The elasticity enables the covering to be securely held in place once installed, reducing the risk of damage during both installation and operation.
3Reliability
If a fluid-tight connection is created between the covering and rim, then corrosion protection is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic clamping element acts as a flexible sealing component that compensates for manufacturing tolerances and surface irregularities between the covering and rim. This flexible element creates a fluid-tight connection without requiring extremely high manufacturing precision, as its elasticity allows it to conform to slight variations in the mating surfaces.
4Ease of operation
If the covering is designed to be easily removable, then ease of operation is improved, but the secure connection during operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic clamping element provides a dynamic connection that is secure during normal operation but allows for easy removal when needed. The elasticity ensures the covering is firmly held in place during vehicle operation, while the same elastic property enables simple removal by releasing the clamping force, achieving both operational security and ease of maintenance.
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 provides an operationally reliable, aerodynamically optimized rim assembly with cost-effective production and installation, preventing soiling and corrosion while ensuring a secure and fluid-tight connection, enhancing the rim's aerodynamic performance and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The covering is clamped within the first groove with a first elastic element, preferably made of rubber
Implementation Method 2
By positioning the first groove on the rim flange or axially outside the rim flange, it is ensured that the covering is positioned as far on the outside of the rim as possible. As a result, it is possible to cover the rim, in particular in the region of the spokes, and therefore an aerodynamically optimum design of the rim assembly is produced. At the same time, soiling of the rim and possible corrosion are therefore also prevented.
Implementation Method 3
The first elastic element is vulcanized or adhesively bonded onto the radially outer edge of the covering
Implementation Method 4
The first elastic element is vulcanized or adhesively bonded onto the radially outer edge of the covering
Implementation Method 5
cambering a disk-shaped covering such that the outside diameter of the covering is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a rim assembly for a vehicle having a rim having an axial inside facing the vehicle and an axial outside facing away from the vehicle, a rim flange designed on the axial outside of the rim, and a first groove designed in the rim. The first groove is arranged in the rim flange or axially outside of the rim flange, and a disc-shaped cover, which covers the axial outside of the rim. The radially outer edge of the cover inserts in the first groove and a first elastic element in the first groove clamps the radial outside edge.