Wheel Disc Insert Assembly With Grit-Retaining Edge Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gravel entering openings in a wheel web assembly with inserts causes damage and corrosion as it travels along the covering parts, making it difficult to remove without risking damage to the wheel web or insert.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating retaining means, such as parallel walls or a flexible seal, positioned at the edge of the openings between the insert and wheel web to prevent gravel access, ensuring effective closure and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the insert covers the opening in the wheel web, then the structural integrity and appearance are improved, but gravel can enter through the spacing between the insert and web causing damage and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is divided into functional zones: a covering part that covers the opening for structural integrity, and a retaining part with retaining means (such as lips or barriers) that segments the spacing to prevent gravel from reaching the covering parts. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining means act as an intermediary element between the insert and the wheel web. These retaining means (such as lips extending into the spacing) mediate the interaction by blocking gravel while maintaining the necessary spacing for drainage and thermal expansion, thus preventing damage without compromising the cover's structural role.
2Reliability
If gravel is removed from the wheel assembly, then the damage risk is reduced, but the gravel is difficult to remove without risking damage to the wheel disc or insert
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means are pre-configured to prevent gravel from reaching the covering parts in the first place. By creating a barrier zone, the system performs a preliminary protective action that stops gravel accumulation in critical areas, making subsequent removal easier and safer.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful function of gravel is extracted by isolating it in a specific zone defined by the retaining means. Gravel is prevented from entering the critical spacing between the insert and web, effectively taking out the damage risk from the system while allowing gravel to be safely contained and removed later.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the insert completely covers the opening, then the protection against external factors is improved, but the spacing needed for thermal expansion and drainage is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed with different local qualities: the covering part provides protection against external factors, while the retaining part with its retaining means creates a controlled local environment that maintains spacing for thermal expansion and drainage. Each local zone performs its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining means are nested within the structure of the insert, extending from the insert body into the spacing. This nested configuration allows the retaining function to be integrated within the covering structure without compromising the external protection or the necessary spacing for thermal and drainage functions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly consisting of a wheel disc (2) and at least one insert (3), the disc (2) comprising at least one opening (20), the opening (20) being at least partially covered by the insert (3), the insert (3) comprising at least one covering part which extends from the opening (20) by covering a covering part of the disc (2), at least one gap being present between the covering parts of the insert (3) and of the disc (2), characterised in that retaining means are interposed along the covering parts of the insert (3) and the disc (2), the retaining means being positioned and sized so as to at least partially close the access for grit from the opening (20) to the covering parts.