Split Wheel Fairing Structure for Low-Drag EV Tire Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The range of electric motor vehicles is limited by the energy storage capacity, and the use of downforce aerodynamic surfaces increases aerodynamic drag, necessitating a wheel design that reduces drag without compromising downforce and weight.
Innovation Solution
A wheel design featuring a fairing composed of two half-fairings that cover the tire, reducing aerodynamic drag while maintaining downforce and allowing easy tire removal or mounting, with a lightweight and stiff structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If downforce aerodynamic surfaces are used to increase vertical load on tyres, then grip and maximum travel speed in bends is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the fairing (aerodynamic surface), the wheel rim, and the tire. This segmentation allows the fairing to be optimized specifically for aerodynamic performance while the wheel-tire assembly maintains its structural and gripping functions, resolving the contradiction between generating downforce and minimizing drag.
Solution Approach 2:
The fairing is designed with specific local aerodynamic qualities (curved surfaces, optimized profiles) that generate downforce through pressure differentials, while the wheel and tire maintain different local properties optimized for mechanical grip. This local differentiation allows each component to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
2Use of energy by moving object
If aerodynamic drag of wheels is reduced to increase vehicle range, then energy consumption is improved, but downforce coefficient of aerodynamic surfaces may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the aerodynamic function into a dedicated fairing component separate from the wheel-tire assembly, the patent enables independent optimization of drag reduction while preserving downforce generation. The fairing's aerodynamic shape reduces overall drag, while its designed geometry maintains the necessary downforce coefficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The fairing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reduces aerodynamic drag to improve energy efficiency, maintains the downforce coefficient through its aerodynamic design, and provides a mounting structure for the tire. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between drag reduction and downforce preservation.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If wheel structure is optimized for aerodynamic performance, then drag coefficient is reduced, but ease of tire removal and mounting may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is segmented into the fairing, wheel rim, and tire as separate components. The fairing is designed with features that facilitate tire removal and mounting (such as openings or removable sections), while the overall aerodynamic shape is preserved. This segmentation allows the aerodynamic surface to be optimized for drag reduction while maintaining operational ease.
4Use of energy by moving object
If wheel design prioritizes aerodynamic drag reduction, then vehicle range is increased, but weight and stiffness of wheel structure may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing and wheel components are designed using composite material structures that provide high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios. This allows the aerodynamic surfaces to be optimized for drag reduction while maintaining necessary structural properties through efficient material usage rather than simply increasing component size or thickness.
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 fairing reduces the overall drag coefficient of the vehicle, enhancing range and performance without affecting downforce, enabling high-speed travel and easy tire access.
Implementation Method 1
The fairing reduces the aerodynamic drag of the wheel (1)
Implementation Method 2
downforce aerodynamic surfaces, namely shaped so as to generate an additional vertical downward thrust. Said vertical downward thrust, known as 'downforce'
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel for a motor vehicle, comprising a member capable of rotating around an axis; a tyre angularly integral to said member around the axis; a fairing arranged so as to cover said tyre and angularly fixed with respect to the axis; the fairing comprises, in turn, a first half-fairing and a second half-fairing connected to one another in a releasable manner, arranged so as to face one another along the axis and arranged so as to cover a first and a second portion of the tyre, respectively.