Wheel Cover Balance Ring for Drag-Reducing Dynamic Wheel Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wheel balance systems increase the number of interfaces in the wheel/axle joint, add mass, and require complex removal procedures, leading to inefficiencies in fuel mileage and aerodynamic drag.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic vehicle wheel balance apparatus comprising a vehicle wheel cover and a balance ring that attaches to the wheel flange, reducing interfaces and mass, and allowing for installation and removal without detaching from the axle, using a snap ring and clips for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing vehicle wheel balance systems are used, then wheel balancing function is achieved, but the number of interfaces in the wheel/axle joint increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wheel cover and balance ring into a single integrated apparatus that attaches to the wheel flange. The wheel cover serves both as an aerodynamic cover and as the mounting structure for the balance ring, eliminating the need for separate attachment interfaces and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining both aerodynamic and balancing functions.
2Reliability
If existing vehicle wheel balance systems are used, then wheel balancing function is achieved, but mass is added to the vehicle wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel cover is designed as a thin-walled aerodynamic shell that provides both aerodynamic benefits and serves as the mounting structure for the balance ring. This thin-film approach minimizes the additional mass added to the wheel while maintaining structural integrity and achieving the desired balancing function.
3Reliability
If existing vehicle wheel balance systems are used, then wheel balancing is achieved, but removal procedures become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The balance apparatus is segmented into the wheel cover and the balance ring, which are attached to each other but can be independently removed. This segmentation allows the balance ring to remain attached to the wheel cover even when the wheel is removed from the axle, enabling quick reinstallation on different wheels without complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated wheel cover and balance ring apparatus is designed to be universally applicable to multiple wheels. Once installed on one wheel, the entire assembly can be transferred to another wheel, providing universal functionality across the vehicle's wheel set and simplifying maintenance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic vehicle wheel balance apparatus, a vehicle wheel, a powered vehicle, and a related method for manufacture are provided. The dynamic vehicle wheel balance apparatus comprises a vehicle wheel cover and a dynamic vehicle wheel balance ring. The vehicle wheel cover comprises a first surface, a second surface, and a perimeter surface connecting the first surface to the second surface. The vehicle wheel cover is configured to removably attach to a flange of a vehicle wheel with the second surface opposing the vehicle wheel. The dynamic vehicle wheel balance ring is attached to the second surface of the vehicle wheel cover. The dynamic vehicle wheel balance apparatus dynamically balances the vehicle wheel during rotation of the vehicle wheel and reduces aerodynamic drag.