Vehicle Wheel Mounting with Internal Fixing Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Designing a mounting wheel for motor vehicles that maintains aesthetic unity between the tire and trim surfaces while ensuring proper alignment and hiding fixing elements for improved appearance and security.

Innovation Solution

A mounting wheel design with fixing elements positioned on the internal surface, allowing an even, aerodynamically advantageous external surface without visible fasteners, which also enhances theft resistance by requiring internal access for removal and allows for additional features like contactless signal transmission or lighting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If fixing elements are positioned on the external surface of the mounting wheel, then the wheel can be securely attached to the motor vehicle, but the external surface appearance is compromised with visible fasteners and discontinuities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexternal surface appearanceVSAvoidattachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing elements are relocated from the external surface to the internal surface of the mounting wheel, utilizing a different spatial dimension (inside vs outside) to resolve the conflict between aesthetic appearance and attachment functionality. This allows the external surface to remain smooth and continuous while maintaining secure attachment through internally positioned fixing elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If fixing elements are placed on the internal surface of the mounting wheel, then the external surface remains smooth and aerodynamic, but access to fixing elements becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic surface qualityVSAvoidfixing element accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting wheel is designed with pre-positioned fixing elements on the internal surface that are accessible through the hub opening. The preliminary design ensures that during assembly, the fixing elements can be easily accessed and operated through the naturally open hub area, eliminating the need for additional access mechanisms while maintaining aerodynamic external surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Shape

If the external surface of the mounting wheel is made completely smooth without fixing elements, then aesthetic unity with tire and trim patterns is improved, but the wheel becomes more vulnerable to theft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic unityVSAvoidtheft vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing elements are positioned on the internal surface of the mounting wheel, utilizing the internal dimension rather than the external surface. This spatial relocation maintains the smooth external aesthetic appearance while preserving attachment security, as the fixing elements remain functional but hidden from external view, thereby preventing both aesthetic disruption and theft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11472225B2Mounting wheel for motor vehicle and mounted assembly comprising such a mounting wheel

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

AI summary

A mounting wheel (3) for a motor vehicle comprising an internal surface (2) and an external surface (4), the internal surface (2) not being visible when the mounting wheel (3) is mounted on the motor vehicle, and at least one fixing element (7) configured to attach the mounting wheel (3) to the motor vehicle. The fixing element (7) is arranged on the internal surface (2) of the mounting wheel (3) so that the fixing element (7) is not visible when the mounting wheel (3) is mounted on the motor vehicle.