Wheel Cover Graphics With Brake Cooling Holes for Lower Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheel covers with concave structures enhance aesthetic appearance but hinder airflow, increasing aerodynamic drag and potentially reducing brake lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle wheel cover featuring a base with a printed layer formed from multiple image layers and brake cooling holes, allowing for a three-dimensional graphic image and improved airflow through vent holes, reducing drag and enhancing brake cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a substantially concave structure is used to improve aesthetic appearance, then styling is improved, but airflow movement is inhibited and aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a printed layer with multiple image layers to create a visual representation of a concave structure without actual physical depth. This optical illusion allows the wheel cover to display an aesthetically pleasing concave appearance while maintaining a substantially flat physical structure that permits airflow and reduces aerodynamic drag.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If brake cooling holes are added to improve airflow and brake cooling, then brake lifespan is extended, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel cover is divided into distinct functional zones: a first location for the printed aesthetic layer and a second location for brake cooling holes. This segmentation allows the cooling holes to be strategically positioned in areas where they provide maximum airflow benefit while minimizing their visual impact and structural complexity.
3Shape
If multiple image layers are used to create a three-dimensional graphic image, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical three-dimensional structures with a two-dimensional printed layer containing multiple image layers. This substitution allows the creation of realistic three-dimensional visual effects through optical principles rather than physical depth, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining 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 reduces aerodynamic drag and extends brake lifespan by enabling airflow through vent holes while providing a three-dimensional graphic image without the need for concave structures.
Implementation Method 1
Based on a movement and an illumination of the vehicle wheel cover, the printed layer may form a three-dimensional graphic image
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of brake cooling holes that may be formed as a pattern at a second location of the base
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle wheel cover is provided. The vehicle wheel cover includes a base, and a printed layer formed at a first location of the base. The printed layer is formed from a plurality of layers of images, such that, at least a first layer of the plurality of layers is located at a first depth from other layers of the plurality of layers. The vehicle wheel cover further includes a plurality of brake cooling holes that is formed as a pattern at a second location of the base. The second location is different from the first location. Based on a movement and an illumination of the vehicle wheel cover, the printed layer forms a three-dimensional graphic image.