Wheel Casing Segmentation for Aerodynamic Drag Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wheel casings interfere with vehicle styling and add weight, while failing to effectively reduce aerodynamic drag without compromising aesthetics or increasing weight.

Innovation Solution

A wheel casing system positioned beneath the wheel axis, with a continuous body portion along the inboard tire surface and a front strake covering the tire tread, designed to minimize airflow contact and reduce drag without extending to the exterior, incorporating drainage and ventilation features to maintain aesthetics and reduce weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional wheel casings are applied to reduce aerodynamic drag, then drag reduction is achieved, but vehicle exterior styling is compromised and weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic dragVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel casing is divided into multiple functional segments: a main body portion positioned beneath the wheel axis, a front strake extending over the tire tread, and a rear strake extending over the rear tire surface. This segmentation allows each portion to address specific airflow issues while minimizing overall material usage and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the wheel casing are designed with localized functions - the body portion shields the inboard tire surface, the front strake addresses airflow over the tread, and the rear strake manages airflow over the rear surface. This local specialization reduces the need for a complete shield, thereby reducing weight while maintaining aerodynamic benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If conventional wheel casings are applied to reduce aerodynamic drag, then drag reduction is achieved, but exterior styling is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic dragVSAvoidexterior styling

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of extending the wheel casing to the exterior side of the vehicle where it would be visible, the design inverts the approach by positioning the casing beneath the wheel axis. This inversion allows the casing to shield the inboard tire surface and reduce aerodynamic drag while keeping the outboard side completely visible, thus preserving exterior styling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The wheel casing is positioned in a different spatial dimension - beneath the wheel axis rather than extending outward. This dimensional repositioning allows the casing to perform its aerodynamic function without interfering with the visible exterior appearance of the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of energy

If conventional wheel casings are applied to reduce aerodynamic drag, then drag reduction is achieved, but interference with other vehicle components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic dragVSAvoidinterference with vehicle components

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel casing is segmented into distinct portions (body, front strake, rear strake) that can be independently positioned and sized. This segmentation allows optimization of each portion to reduce interference with specific components like suspension elements while maintaining overall aerodynamic effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of providing a complete shield that would maximize drag reduction, the design applies partial coverage with strategically positioned strakes and body portions. This partial action approach reduces the overall size and interference potential while still achieving meaningful aerodynamic benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 improves aerodynamic performance by minimizing drag on rotating tires, maintaining vehicle aesthetics, and reducing overall weight, while accommodating suspension components and airflow management.

Implementation Method 1

the pressure difference between the forward facing surfaces and the backward facing surfaces create a net rearward resultant force, often referred to as aerodynamic drag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic drag: Drag

Data Source

PatentUS11753082B2Wheel casing for vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A wheel casing including a body portion configured to be positioned along an inboard sidewall of a tire having an axis of rotation and at least a front strake positionable over tread of the tire. The front strake having a first edge adjacent the body portion and extending outwardly to a second edge of the front strake that terminates at or inboard of an outboard side of the tire, the front strake defining a lower edge and an upper edge, the lower edge and the upper edge both configured to be positioned forward of the axis of rotation, and tread of the tire positioned rearward of the upper edge is uncovered by the wheel casing.