Vehicle Wheel Arc Structure for Brake Access and Lower Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle wheels with openings in the circumferential edge portion lead to air resistance, deteriorating fuel economy due to air flow outward in the vehicle width direction.
Innovation Solution
A wheel device with a rim, hub, and spokes, featuring openings with arc portions that have recessed areas outward in the vehicle width direction, where the brake caliper or rotor overlaps with the arc portion, reducing the opening area and generating an air vortex to minimize air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If openings are formed between adjacent spokes for brake mechanism access, then ease of operation is improved, but air resistance increases and fuel economy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces arc portions that extend in the vehicle width direction (a new dimension) from the opening toward the circumferential edge. This dimensional extension reduces the effective opening area in the vehicle width direction while preserving the opening's function for brake mechanism access, thereby reducing air resistance without compromising ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If openings are formed between adjacent spokes, then brake mechanism access is improved, but air flow loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arc portions extend in the vehicle width direction to reduce the opening area, thereby minimizing air flow loss through the openings while maintaining sufficient access for the brake mechanism.
3Loss of energy
If arc portions extend in the opening, then air resistance is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arc portions are integrated with the wheel's spoke structure, merging the air resistance reduction function into the existing wheel design rather than adding separate components. This reduces device complexity while achieving the energy loss reduction benefit.
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 effectively reduces air resistance by minimizing air flow through the openings, leading to improved fuel efficiency by reducing energy loss.
Implementation Method 1
an arc portion extending in a circular direction in an opening of the openings and suspended between the adjacent spokes, wherein the arc portion comprises a recessed portion recessed outward in the vehicle width direction inside the arc portion in the vehicle width direction
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a wheel device for a vehicle including: a wheel having an opening formed between adjacent spokes; a brake mechanism located inside the wheel in a vehicle width direction and having a brake caliper and a brake rotor; and an arc portion extending in a circular direction in the opening and suspended between the adjacent spokes. The arc portion has a recessed portion recessed outward in the vehicle width direction inside thereof in the vehicle width direction, and the arc portion and the brake caliper are located at such positions that they overlap with each other in a state viewed in the vehicle width direction.