U-Fold Heat Shield Panel Retainer for Wheel Abrasion Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat shields for vehicle wheels, particularly those with carbon disc brakes, are prone to deformation and deflection, leading to potential contact with the wheel tube well and resulting in abrasion due to insufficient stiffness and strength at the seams of conventional retainers.
Innovation Solution
A retainer design featuring U-shaped folds between the central and side panels, enhancing stiffness and strength while maintaining a minimal profile, preventing deformation and deflection of heat shield panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional retainers with engaging hook parts are used to join heat shield panels, then the heat shield can be assembled, but the seams become thicker and more prone to contact with the wheel tube well during deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer features U-shaped folds (curved geometry) instead of straight seams, creating a rounded profile that reduces the likelihood of contact with the wheel tube well during deflection. The U-shaped folds provide a minimal profile that eliminates the protruding seam issue of conventional hook-based retainers.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer geometry is changed from a flat panel with straight edges to a three-dimensional structure with U-shaped folds, altering the spatial parameters of the seam. This geometric transformation reduces the protrusion distance of the seam from the heat shield panel surface, minimizing contact risk with the wheel tube well.
2Weight of moving object
If thin metal panels are used for heat shields to minimize weight, then the wheel assembly weight is reduced, but the heat shield becomes more prone to deformation and deflection under high temperature and centrifugal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is constructed from thin metal sheets (0.5mm to 2mm thickness) that maintain flexibility while providing sufficient structural support. The thin panel design minimizes weight while the U-shaped folds provide the necessary stiffness to prevent excessive deflection under thermal and centrifugal loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer transitions from a two-dimensional flat panel to a three-dimensional structure with U-shaped folds, adding structural dimensionality that increases stiffness without proportionally increasing weight. The folded geometry creates a more rigid structure that resists deformation while maintaining lightweight characteristics.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the retainer is made with a minimal profile to reduce contact risk, then wheel abrasion is reduced, but the structural strength at the seams may be insufficient to prevent deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped folds create a curved, minimal-profile structure that reduces contact with the wheel tube well while the folded geometry inherently provides structural strength. The curvature distributes stresses more effectively than straight seams, maintaining seam strength despite the reduced profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer combines thin metal panels with folded geometric structures to create a composite-like system where the geometry provides structural reinforcement. The U-shaped folds act as structural elements that enhance seam strength without requiring additional material thickness, maintaining both minimal profile and adequate strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A retainer for connecting two panels of a heat shield assembly, the retainer comprising: a central elongate panel having a length l and a width w, a top end, a bottom end and first and second long sides extending from the top end to the bottom end; a first side panel extending along the first long side of the central elongate panel and a second side panel extending along the second long side of the central elongate panel; a first U-shaped fold joining the central elongate panel first long side to the first side panel, and a second U-shaped fold joining the second long side to the second side panel.