Vehicle Wheel Glossy Surface Design via Asymmetric Milling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing glossy surfaces on vehicle wheels are limited in flexibility, as they are typically rotationally symmetrical and do not allow for angular elevations, leading to a lack of aesthetic and functional diversity.
Innovation Solution
The glossy surfaces are aligned such that their surface normals do not cross or run parallel to the central axis, allowing for partial inclination and varying angles, enabling more flexible and aesthetically pleasing designs through machining, particularly using milling processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If turning process is used to produce glossy surfaces, then production efficiency is improved, but design flexibility is worsened due to rotational symmetry constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from rotationally symmetrical turning surfaces to asymmetrical milling surfaces. The glossy surfaces are now created through milling processes that allow non-uniform, non-symmetrical geometries, enabling elevations and varied surface profiles that were impossible with traditional turning methods while maintaining production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental machining parameters by switching from turning (rotational cutting) to milling (reciprocating cutting). This parameter change enables the creation of glossy surfaces with varying orientations and angles, including surfaces with normals that do not cross the central axis, thereby achieving both high productivity and design flexibility.
2Shape
If chrome plating is used to produce shiny surfaces, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical process of chrome plating with a mechanical machining process (milling). Instead of applying a chrome coating to achieve shine, the invention directly machines the metal surface to create glossy finishes, eliminating the need for additional chemical coating processes and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards the chrome plating process entirely in favor of direct mechanical finishing. By removing the intermediate coating step and achieving the aesthetic appearance directly through precision milling, the manufacturing process becomes simpler and more integrated.
3Shape
If polishing is used to create shiny surfaces, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but labor intensity and effectiveness on cast parts are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual or semi-automatic polishing process with an automated milling process. The milling operation uses controlled cutting tools to create glossy surfaces, substituting labor-intensive polishing with programmable, automated machining that is particularly effective for cast base bodies with inclusions.
4Productivity
If traditional turning process is used, then production efficiency is maintained, but ability to create non-symmetrical designs is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the machining methodology from turning to milling, which allows for precise control of surface geometry in three dimensions. This parameter change enables the creation of complex, non-symmetrical glossy surfaces with precise angular relationships and varied orientations while maintaining high production efficiency through automated milling processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The wheel or wheel center has a base body made of cast or forged metal i.e. aluminum, that has a non-machinable surface section and a surface section that is formed as uneven glossy surfaces (322a, 322b) by a machining process. The glossy surfaces are arranged in a sectional manner such that a surface normal to the glossy surfaces non-intersects a central axis of the wheel or the wheel center and does not run parallel to the central axis. The glossy surfaces are relocated against surface sections of the base body that are turned away from a vehicle and arranged equidistant to the central axis. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a vehicle wheel or a wheel center for the vehicle wheel.