Vehicle Wheel Aperture Closure for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel assemblies with apertures for brake heat dissipation suffer from increased vehicle drag and reduced fuel efficiency due to turbulence, and existing solutions, such as actuator-connected shutting plates, pose risks to brake systems and aesthetic drawbacks.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly with a closure member and actuator controlled by a vehicle controller via wireless link, which adjusts aperture coverage based on driving conditions, including cruise control status, to optimize airflow and fuel efficiency while ensuring brake heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If apertures are provided in wheels for brake heat dissipation, then brake overheating is prevented, but vehicle drag increases and fuel efficiency reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is made movable between open and closed positions, allowing the aperture to dynamically adjust its state based on operating conditions. This enables the system to optimize between heat dissipation and fuel efficiency by switching between aperture open and closed states depending on brake temperature and vehicle operation mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a shutting plate connected to brake hydraulic system is used to control aperture coverage, then aperture coverage can be controlled, but brake system vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system for the closure member is extracted from the brake hydraulic system and implemented as a separate wireless control system. The closure member is controlled wirelessly via a controller that receives signals independent of the brake hydraulic system, thereby removing the vulnerability of connecting the closure control to the brake hydraulic system while maintaining aperture coverage control capability.
3Loss of energy
If shutting plate defaults to covering apertures, then fuel efficiency improves, but aesthetic appeal and wheel display are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member provides dynamic control over aperture coverage, allowing the system to switch between aesthetic display mode (closed position for fuel efficiency) and wheel display mode (open position for aesthetics). The wireless controller enables flexible switching between these states based on driver preference or operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between fuel efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
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 provides improved fuel efficiency by controlling aperture coverage during cruise control and ensures brake heat dissipation through wireless actuation, reducing the risk of brake system damage and maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator arranged to move the closure member relative to the wheel; wherein the controller is arranged to send a control signal to the actuator
Implementation Method 2
Wheels on vehicles typically include an arrangement of apertures to enable good air flow over the vehicle brakes. This facilitates heat transfer from the brakes to the environment by convection.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A vehicle (102) wheel assembly (100) includes a wheel (101, Fig. 1) having at least one aperture (107, Fig. 1); a closure member (110, Fig. 3) moveably mounted on the wheel; an actuator (115, Fig. 6) arranged to move the closure member (110) relative to the wheel (101); and a wireless receiver device (1 13) arranged to receive wireless control signals from a vehicle wireless transmitter (127), and to provide the control signal to the actuator (115); the actuator being arranged to move the closure member (110) to a first position wherein the closure member at least partially covers the aperture(s) (107) and/or to a second position wherein the apertures are not covered. The control signal is initiated by a vehicle cruise control system (125) being turned on (cover apertures) or off (open apertures); and, optionally, by brake (133), clutch (131), or vehicle speed (129) signals.