Structural Vehicle Wheel With Removable Aerodynamic Inserts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle wheels lack optimal aerodynamic characteristics, impacting drag and cooling, while current aerodynamic hubcaps compromise on style and mechanical strength.

Innovation Solution

A structural vehicle wheel with removable inserts featuring aerodynamic blades and closing parts, strategically positioned to enhance airflow and control drag, allowing for customizable designs without compromising mechanical strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If traditional hubcaps are used for decoration, then stylistic appearance is improved, but aerodynamic characteristics deteriorate due to large cutouts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic characteristicsVSAvoidstylistic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: the structural wheel itself, removable aerodynamic inserts with blades, and closure parts. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the wheel for strength and cooling, the inserts for aerodynamics, and closure parts for sealing - while collectively achieving both stylistic appearance and aerodynamic performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The aerodynamic inserts are designed to be removable and interchangeable, allowing the wheel configuration to be dynamically adjusted. Different inserts can be installed based on whether priority is given to aerodynamic efficiency or brake cooling, providing adaptability to different driving conditions and customer preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Shape

If aerodynamic hubcaps with minimal perforations are used, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but brake cooling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic dragVSAvoidbrake cooling

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the wheel assembly are assigned different functional qualities: the aerodynamic inserts with blades are positioned to manage airflow and reduce drag on the outer surface, while the closure parts are selectively placed to seal specific openings. This local differentiation allows aerodynamic optimization in some areas while maintaining cooling pathways in others, resolving the contradiction between drag reduction and brake cooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Weight of moving object

If structural wheels with large openings are used, then mass is reduced and customization latitude is improved, but aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel massVSAvoidaerodynamic efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Aerodynamic inserts act as intermediary elements that bridge the structural wheel and the airflow environment. These inserts are positioned within the large openings of the structural wheel, modifying the airflow pattern without requiring the wheel itself to be redesigned. The inserts serve as mediators that provide aerodynamic efficiency while preserving the lightweight, customizable nature of the structural wheel design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Shape

If radial aerodynamic blades are added to openings, then aerodynamic efficiency is optimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic efficiencyVSAvoidwheel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aerodynamic blade functionality is extracted from the main wheel structure and placed into separate, removable inserts. This extraction allows the aerodynamic function to be added without permanently increasing the complexity of the wheel itself. The inserts can be independently manufactured and installed, simplifying the overall production process while achieving optimized aerodynamic efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 achieves a significant aerodynamic gain, reducing CO2 emissions by 1.5 g/km, while being economical and easily customizable, with interchangeable inserts simplifying production and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

comprising at least one aerodynamic blade configured to move air from one side of the wheel to the other side of the wheel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic effect: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentEP3768523B1Structural wheel of a vehicle having an aerodynamic effect, and vehicle comprising such a wheel

Publication Date: 2022.01.12 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA

Figure 1
Figure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a wheel (100) of a vehicle, preferably a structural wheel of a motor vehicle, the wheel (100) having a cylindrical rim (102), a hub (104) and a web (106) connecting the hub (104) to the cylindrical rim (102), the web (106) being provided with a plurality of openings (1081, 1082), the wheel (100) comprising at least one removable insert (200) having a first portion (202), referred to as aerodynamic, arranged in at least one opening (1081), and comprising at least one aerodynamic blade (204) configured to move air from one side of the wheel (100) to the other side of the wheel (100); at least one, in particular each, opening (1081, 1082) and the at least one blade (204) extend, radially, respectively along a first axis (A1) and a second axis (A2) respectively arranged at a first non-zero distance (d1) and at a second non-zero distance (d2) from the centre (c) of the hub.