Aerodynamic Wheel Cover Assembly with Non-Removal Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy duty vehicles experience increased aerodynamic drag and reduced gas mileage due to deep wheel openings, leading to higher transportation costs, and existing wheel cover installation methods are complex and require many tools.
Innovation Solution
A wheel cover assembly with a mounting system that attaches to the vehicle's studs without removing the lug nuts, featuring retainer members, a connecting member, adjustment, and locking mechanisms, allowing easy installation and access to tire air pressure, and includes air valve extensions for convenient tire pressure adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If wheel covers are added to heavy duty vehicles to reduce aerodynamic drag, then gas mileage is improved, but the installation process becomes complex requiring many tools
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: retainer members that attach to individual studs, a connecting member that spans multiple retainers, and a wheel cover assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be installed independently using simple tools, avoiding the need for complex multi-tool installation procedures while achieving the desired aerodynamic drag reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer members and connecting member serve as intermediary components between the vehicle's existing stud structure and the wheel cover. These intermediaries simplify installation by attaching to the already-present studs without requiring removal of lug nuts, thereby reducing installation complexity while enabling effective wheel cover attachment for drag reduction
2Loss of energy
If wheel covers are added to cover deep wheel openings, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but access to tire air pressure valves becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing air pressure valves inside the wheel cover where they would be hidden, the system inverts the approach by providing access pathways through the wheel cover structure itself. The retainer members and connecting member create openings and access points that allow service personnel to reach the air pressure valves without removing the wheel cover, thus maintaining aerodynamic performance while preserving operational accessibility
3Ease of manufacture
If existing wheel cover installation methods are used, then wheel covers can be attached, but the process requires removal of lug nuts and many tools
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses universal retainer members that can attach to standard vehicle studs without requiring removal of lug nuts. The connecting member spans multiple retainers to provide a unified attachment structure. This multi-functional design allows the same components to serve both attachment and structural purposes, simplifying installation while managing the number of parts through versatile component design
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 does not require the removal of the nuts retaining the wheel to the hub of the axle and allows the air pressure of tires on such wheels to be easily adjusted.