Spoke Module Dovetail Mounting for Motor Vehicle Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle wheels with spokes and spoke modules face challenges in easy mounting and secure fixation, particularly under centrifugal forces during rotation, and require complex disassembly for module exchange.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dovetail profile on the spoke and corresponding dovetail encompassing regions on the spoke module, combined with a locking rib and pretension mechanism, provides a secure axial and radial hold, allowing for easy exchange and reduced assembly effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If spoke modules are secured to spokes using traditional catching mechanisms, then the connection is achieved, but the mounting process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two distinct segments: a dovetail profile on the spoke and a corresponding dovetail encompassing region on the spoke module. This segmentation allows for simple, tool-free installation by pushing the module onto the profile, eliminating complex mounting procedures while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The dovetail profile acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the spoke and spoke module. This intermediate structure enables easy push-on mounting while providing positive axial fixation, resolving the contradiction between mounting ease and connection security.
2Ease of operation
If spoke modules are allowed to be exchanged easily, then customer customization is enabled, but secure fixation under centrifugal forces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system separates radial and axial fixation functions: the dovetail profile provides axial security while the collar provides radial retention. This segmentation enables easy module exchange along the spoke axis while maintaining secure fixation under centrifugal forces during wheel rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the radial retention function to a different dimension by using the collar structure that extends radially outward. This allows the spoke module to be easily exchanged axially while the collar prevents radial displacement under centrifugal force, resolving the contradiction between ease of exchange and fixation security.
3Reliability
If the spoke module is pushed over the entire length of the spoke, then secure connection is achieved, but assembly effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into a localized dovetail profile region rather than requiring engagement along the entire spoke length. This allows the spoke module to be quickly pushed onto the spoke at a specific insertion point, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining secure connection through the dovetail interlock.
Solution Approach 2:
The dovetail profile is pre-formed on the spoke at the insertion location, eliminating the need to push the module over the entire spoke length. This preliminary preparation of the connection interface enables rapid assembly while ensuring stable connection through the pre-configured dovetail geometry.
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
This solution ensures a stable, positive connection between the spoke and spoke module, resisting centrifugal forces and enabling easy module exchange without dismounting the wheel, while minimizing mechanical stress and maintaining a high-quality fit.
Implementation Method 1
The dovetail profiles cooperate with the dovetail encompassing regions in the manner of a dovetail connection. The spoke modules are therefore held positively in the axial direction.
Implementation Method 2
During a rotation of the wheel, centrifugal forces act in the radial direction on the spoke module. Since the outer regions of the spoke modules are held in the radial direction by the projecting section of the wheel, the spoke modules cannot be moved outward from the latching position due to the centrifugal force.
Implementation Method 3
parallel to the dovetail encompassing regions an elongated web extends from the spoke module in the direction of the spoke and rests on the spoke
Implementation Method 4
an elevation is provided on the spoke where a locking rib is provided on the spoke module, which locks the spoke module in a latching position
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel for a motor vehicle is provided. The wheel includes at least one spoke, and a dovetail profile disposed on the spoke. The wheel also includes a spoke module with dovetail encompassing regions, which are configured to be pushed onto the dovetail profile.