Vehicle Wheel Web Thickness Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle wheels face challenges in reducing weight while maintaining performance due to the need to resist bending moments, which limits the reduction of wall thickness in the disc face.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle wheel design featuring a modified loading arrangement with a first region, a second region configured to mount to a vehicle axle, and a third region connecting the first and second regions, where the third region's thickness is reduced without compromising load capacity by optimizing the attachment point and offset distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the wall thickness of the disc face is reduced to decrease wheel mass, then the weight of the vehicle wheel decreases, but the ability to resist bending moments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel is divided into three distinct regions: a first region (rim), a second region (hub), and a third region (web) connecting them. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity. The web region specifically is designed with varying thickness to balance weight reduction with bending moment resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The third region (web) is designed with non-uniform thickness, being thickest at the attachment location on the first region and gradually thinning toward the second region. This local quality variation ensures that material is concentrated where bending moments are highest (near the rim attachment) while reducing mass in areas where less structural support is needed.
2Weight of moving object
If the wall thickness of the third region is reduced to reduce mass, then the vehicle wheel becomes lighter, but the load capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The design pre-positionsthe attachment location at a specific distance (at least 50% of the bead seat width) from the intersection point of the radius and bead seat angle. This preliminary positioning of the attachment point creates an optimized leverage arrangement that reduces bending moments before loads are transmitted through the web, allowing for thinner walls while maintaining load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the attachment point away from the traditional radial alignment, creating an offset arrangement in a different dimensional configuration. This dimensional change in the attachment geometry fundamentally alters the load path and moment arm, reducing the bending moments that the third region must resist.
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle wheels and methods of use are provided. The vehicle wheel comprises a first region, a second region, and a third region. The first region is generally annular and comprises a first flange, a second flange opposite the first flange, and a continuous wall comprising an inner surface and an outer surface. A first tire bead seat and a second tire bead seat are defined on the outer surface. The second region is configured to mount to a vehicle axle and is offset from the first flange by an offset distance. The third region connects the second region and the third region and extends inwardly towards the longitudinal axis from an attachment location on the first region to the second region. The third region comprises a first thickness and the second region comprises a second thickness. The first thickness is no greater than 75% of the second thickness.