Vehicle Wheel Cover Elements with Vibration Damper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle wheels with pivotally supported cover elements experience undesired movements due to vertical wheel deflections and accelerations, leading to mechanical stress and undesirable acoustic effects.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a hydraulic, pneumatic, or friction-based vibration damper connected to the pivot axis rod on the outside of the wheel rim to counteract acceleration forces and prevent unwanted movements of the cover elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the wheel rim is configured as closed disc to improve aerodynamics, then air resistance is reduced, but thermal dissipation capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel rim incorporates movable cover elements that can dynamically change position between open and closed states. During braking, covers remain open for thermal dissipation. During normal driving, covers close to improve aerodynamics. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between thermal dissipation and aerodynamic efficiency.
2Temperature
If cover elements are made movable to enable thermal management, then cooling capability is improved, but mechanical stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs centripetal force generated by wheel rotation as a counteracting force to balance the spring restoring force on cover elements. At sufficient rotational speeds, centripetal force overcomes the spring force, pushing covers outward to closed position. This force balancing mechanism provides stable cover positioning while maintaining mobility for thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of cover elements based on wheel rotation speed. At low speeds, springs dominate and covers remain open for cooling. At high speeds, centripetal force dominates and covers close for aerodynamics. This parameter-based control resolves the stability-mobility contradiction.
3Loss of energy
If cover elements are subjected to high centripetal forces to ensure closed position, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but force requirements on actuation elements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the wheel's own rotational motion to generate the centripetal force needed to close cover elements. The rotating wheel rim itself provides the necessary force through centrifugal effects, eliminating the need for external actuators or additional force-generating mechanisms. This self-service approach improves aerodynamics without increasing actuation complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If cover elements are pivotally supported for movement, then adaptability is improved, but susceptibility to vertical excitation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of vertical excitations and road irregularities into a beneficial force. Vertical movements and vibrations naturally push cover elements against the wheel rim, ensuring they remain in the closed position during rotation. This transforms potential instability into a self-locking mechanism that enhances both aerodynamic performance and mechanical stability.
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 vibration damper significantly reduces or eliminates undesired movements of the cover elements, maintaining their position during wheel deflections and rotations, thereby minimizing mechanical stress and acoustic issues.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic, pneumatic or friction-based vibration damper connected to the pivot axis rod on the outside of the wheel rim to counteract acceleration forces
Implementation Method 2
friction-based vibration damper
Implementation Method 3
restoring element, usually a spring which urges the respective cover element radially inwards
Implementation Method 4
The centripetal force acting on the cover elements increases with increasing rotational speed of the wheel which causes the cover elements to move outwardly
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle wheel includes a wheel rim on which is provided a plurality of plate-like covering elements, which are mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis, for temporarily closing off associated apertures in the wheel rim, wherein each covering element can be displaced along the pivot axis under centrifugal force counter to the force of a restoring element and is connected to the wheel rim by means of a coupling element, which imparts positive guidance during a displacement movement, in such a way that the covering element can be pivoted between a radially inner open position and a radially outer closed position, wherein a pivot axis rod arranged on the outer side of the wheel rim is connected to the covering element via a hydraulic or pneumatic vibration damper.