Vehicle Wheel Flange Structure for Lightweight Rim Rigidity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Reducing the thickness of vehicle wheels to decrease weight poses challenges in maintaining rigidity and securely attaching components.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle wheel design featuring a first region with reduced thickness, a second region for mounting to the axle, and a flange extension with varying thickness to enhance rigidity and facilitate secure attachment of components using mounting clips and fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the thickness of the vehicle wheel is reduced to decrease weight, then the weight is reduced, but the rigidity and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel features variable thickness distribution with thicker regions at the flange extension and axle mounting area providing rigidity, while thinner regions in the rim provide weight reduction. This localized quality variation resolves the contradiction by optimizing material distribution to different functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel may incorporate composite materials combining different material properties in specific regions to achieve both weight reduction and maintained rigidity, allowing thin sections to remain strong through material selection rather than just geometric thickness.
2Weight of moving object
If the thickness of the vehicle wheel is reduced, then the weight is reduced, but the ability to securely attach external components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flange extension features localized thickening at specific attachment points where external components need to be secured, while other regions maintain reduced thickness for weight savings. This resolves the contradiction by concentrating material where attachment reliability is critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange extension protrudes axially from the wheel rim, creating a third dimensional space for component mounting that is separate from the rim thickness. This allows secure attachment of components without requiring the rim itself to be thick, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and attachment capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the flange extension has uniform thickness, then manufacturing is simpler, but the load-bearing capacity and rigidity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flange extension features variable thickness with thicker sections at the outer end and mounting surfaces where load-bearing capacity is critical, while inner sections maintain thinner profiles. This resolves the contradiction by optimizing material distribution to match the actual stress distribution and functional requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Vehicle wheels and methods of making vehicle wheels are provided. A vehicle wheel comprises a generally annular first region, a second region, and a flange extension. The first region comprises an inner surface and an outer surface comprising a tire bead seat. The second region extends radially inwardly from the first region. The second region is configured to mount to a vehicle axle. The flange extension extends from the first region in a direction away from the second region. The flange extension comprises a first extension end integral with the first region, a second extension end, and an elongate portion intermediate the first extension end and the second extension end. The elongate portion comprising a first portion with a thickness less than a thickness of the second extension end.