Wheel Cover Gap Layout for Low Drag and Brake Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wheel arrangements struggle to balance low drag coefficient, sufficient brake cooling, and effective water runoff/dirt egress, particularly in passenger cars.
Innovation Solution
A wheel design featuring a sheet-shaped covering element that partially covers the free space between spokes, creating a gap with a slight step, which deflects airflow twice to reduce drag while allowing water and dirt to exit, using a configuration that includes multiple gap portions to optimize airflow direction and obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a sheet-shaped covering element partially covers the free space between spokes, then the drag coefficient is reduced, but brake cooling and water runoff may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The covering element is designed with differentiated regions: a first region that covers the free space to reduce drag, and a second region with an opening that allows airflow for brake cooling. This local differentiation enables the same component to simultaneously reduce drag and maintain cooling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering element is segmented into functional regions: a first region for aerodynamic coverage and a second region with openings for cooling and drainage. This segmentation allows different parts of the same component to serve different functions, resolving the contradiction between drag reduction and cooling requirements.
2Loss of energy
If a sheet-shaped covering element partially covers the free space between spokes, then the drag coefficient is reduced, but water runoff and dirt egress may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The covering element incorporates a second region with openings specifically designed for water runoff and dirt egress, while the first region maintains coverage for aerodynamic efficiency. This local quality differentiation ensures both functions are fulfilled simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering element is divided into a first region for drag reduction and a second region with openings for water and dirt egress. This segmentation enables the component to address multiple functional requirements without compromising either aerodynamic performance or drainage capability.
3Loss of energy
If the gap causes two-fold deflection of airflow, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the complexity of the gap configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gap is configured to guide airflow through curved paths that achieve two-fold deflection. The curved geometry of the gap naturally directs airflow in a serpentine pattern, achieving aerodynamic benefits through geometric design rather than complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap acts as an intermediary flow path between the wheel interior and exterior, guiding airflow through a controlled two-fold deflection. This intermediary configuration optimizes aerodynamic performance by managing airflow transition without requiring additional active control mechanisms.
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
Significantly reduces the drag coefficient by approximately two Cx points while ensuring sufficient brake cooling and effective water and dirt egress, enhancing aerodynamic performance and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the gap resulting in the region of the step from the arrangement of the covering element relative to the rim causes an at least two-fold deflection of a flow passing through the gap from the inside of the vehicle toward the outside of the vehicle or from the outside of the vehicle toward the inside of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement includes a wheel and at least one sheet-shaped covering element. The wheel has a respective free space between at least two spokes that are adjacent in the circumferential direction. The covering element and rim are configured such that a gap is formed in the region of the step from the arrangement of the covering element relative to the rim creates an at least two-fold deflection of a flow passing through the gap from an inside of the vehicle toward an outside of the vehicle or from the outside of the vehicle toward the inside of the vehicle.