Aerodynamic Wheel Cover Assembly with Retainer Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy duty vehicles face increased drag and reduced gas mileage due to wheel assemblies, which also make installation of aerodynamic wheel covers complex and require removal of nuts, hindering quick assembly and tire pressure adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A wheel cover assembly with a retainer member and connecting members that attach to parallel spaced studs without removing lug nuts, allowing easy installation and maintenance, reducing drag, and enabling quick assembly and tire pressure checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wheel covers are installed using traditional methods requiring nut removal, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation time increases and tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is divided into separate components: a retainer member that attaches to the wheel studs, and a wheel cover that attaches to the retainer member. This segmentation allows the retainer to be pre-installed on the wheel without removing lug nuts, while the wheel cover can be quickly attached separately, reducing overall installation time while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer member acts as an intermediary component between the wheel studs and the wheel cover. It provides a mounting interface that doesn't require removing the lug nuts, thereby mediating between the need for secure attachment and the desire for quick installation.
2Reliability
If wheel covers are installed using complex mounting mechanisms, then attachment security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer member serves multiple functions: it attaches to the wheel studs without removing lug nuts, provides a mounting surface for the wheel cover, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex components while ensuring secure attachment.
3Loss of energy
If wheel covers are designed to fully cover the wheel, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but access to tire pressure valves becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel cover design incorporates openings or access points that segment the coverage, allowing access to tire pressure valves while maintaining overall aerodynamic coverage. This segmentation enables both aerodynamic performance and ease of operation.
4Reliability
If traditional wheel cover installation methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer member and wheel cover are designed to work together as an integrated system, where the retainer member combines the functions of a mounting bracket and a fastening mechanism. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts needed compared to traditional methods while maintaining secure attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to attaching aerodynamic wheel covers to the wheel of a truck or other heavy duty vehicle, and to a method of installation that requires less tooling for installation while substantially completely covering the wheel.