Vehicle Wheel Cover Fastening for Secure and Removable Spoke Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wheels face a challenge in achieving a stable and loss-proof connection of covering elements while allowing for easy mounting and removal, which is crucial for design variations and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A wheel design featuring a fastening device that attaches from the outside, with wing elements projecting into spoke intermediate spaces, allowing for secure and easy attachment and detachment of covering elements, utilizing a combination of form-fitting, force-fitting, and material bonding connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If covering elements are adhesively bonded or firmly screwed to the wheel, then a stable and loss-proof connection is achieved, but easy removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The covering element is divided into two separate parts: a first covering part and a second covering part. This segmentation allows each part to be independently attached and removed, resolving the contradiction between stable connection and easy removal by enabling modular assembly and disassembly without requiring strong bonding agents or screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering elements are designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable through a simple insertion and retention mechanism. The first covering part is inserted into the spoke intermediate space and held by the second covering part, allowing for easy mounting and removal while maintaining stability during operation. This dynamic design eliminates the need for permanent fixation methods.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a single disk-like covering element is used to cover clearances between spokes, then protection against brake abrasion is improved, but design flexibility and easy replacement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The single disk-like covering element is segmented into multiple separate covering parts that can be independently designed, attached, and removed. This allows for greater design flexibility while maintaining protection against brake abrasion, as each segment can be optimized for specific requirements and replaced individually without affecting the entire wheel cover system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows for changes in design parameters such as material composition, shape, and attachment method of individual covering parts. This enables adaptation to different design requirements and easy replacement when aesthetic preferences change or damage occurs, while still providing effective protection against brake abrasion through the combined coverage of multiple parts.
3Reliability
If covering elements are firmly attached to ensure loss-proof connection, then reliability is improved, but mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The covering system is segmented into modular parts that can be independently mounted using simple retention mechanisms rather than complex attachment systems. The first covering part inserts into the spoke intermediate space and is retained by the second covering part, creating a reliable connection without requiring complex mounting procedures, multiple fasteners, or specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The second covering part acts as an intermediary retention element that secures the first covering part in place. This intermediary mechanism provides reliable attachment while keeping the overall mounting process simple, as the retention function is separated from the primary covering function, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without compromising connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel of a vehicle has a rim, a hub section and at least two spokes which connect the hub section to the rim. At least one spoke intermediate space between the spokes is at least partially covered by a covering element mounted on the wheel from the outside of the wheel. The covering element is held in the installed position by a fastening device. The fastening device is mounted from the inside of the wheel and is connected to a wheel flange arranged in the inside of the wheel.