Removable Wheel Cover with Push Button Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel covers are difficult to install and release, particularly in electric vehicles where improved aerodynamics are crucial for range and aesthetics are important, leading to a need for an easily removable aerodynamic wheel cover.
Innovation Solution
A removable wheel cover design featuring a disc and shaft assembly with a push button mechanism, contact ring spring, and ball bearings that allows for easy locking and unlocking without tools, utilizing a walled outer shaft and button spring for secure attachment and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional wheel covers are used, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but installation and removal difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel cover is divided into a disc component and a shaft assembly that can be separately installed and removed. The shaft assembly itself is segmented into outer shaft, contact ring spring, push button mechanism, and contact ring, allowing modular installation and removal without tools
Solution Approach 2:
The push button mechanism enables the wheel cover to be locked and unlocked through a simple self-contained action. Pressing the button automatically releases the ball bearings from the locking position, allowing tool-free removal while maintaining secure attachment during use
2Reliability
If secure locking mechanism is implemented, then reliability of attachment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Ball bearings serve as intermediary elements between the shaft assembly and wheel hub, providing reliable locking through a simple mechanical interface. The contact ring spring acts as an intermediary force element that maintains constant pressure on the ball bearings, ensuring secure attachment without complex locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical locking system is replaced with a spring-loaded ball bearing mechanism that uses elastic force from the contact ring spring rather than threaded fasteners or multi-component locking systems. This simplifies the overall device while maintaining reliability
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
Enables efficient installation and removal of the wheel cover, improving aerodynamics and aesthetics while ensuring secure attachment and easy operation, enhancing vehicle performance and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The contact ring spring biases the contact ring in a direction away from the top surface of the push button mechanism. The contact ring spring further biases the push button mechanism in a direction opposite of the contact ring.
Implementation Method 2
The shaft assembly further includes a plurality of ball bearings. The plurality of ball bearings assists in locking and unlocking the removable wheel cover and the wheel.
Implementation Method 3
The push button mechanism is configured to move to assist in unlocking the removable wheel cover and a wheel.
Data Source
AI summary
A removable wheel cover includes a disc and a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly is attached to the disc. The shaft assembly includes an outer shaft, a contact ring spring, a push button mechanism, and a contact ring. The outer shaft includes a walled structure. The push button mechanism further includes a body including a top surface. The walled structure of the outer shaft surrounds at least a portion of the body of the push button mechanism. The contact ring spring biases the contact ring in a direction away from the top surface of the push button mechanism. The contact ring spring further biases the push button mechanism in a direction opposite of the contact ring. The push button mechanism moves to assist in unlocking the removable wheel cover and a wheel.