Vehicle Wheel Multi-Gloss Coating for Non-Planar Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for achieving a distinctive wheel appearance with multiple gloss levels are limited by the need for impractical machining or milling of surfaces, which is technically and economically challenging, and result in surfaces with the same gloss rating despite visual differences.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle wheel with a face and rim portion featuring two distinct surfaces, each with a different paint finish gloss rating, achieved by applying a first polymeric clear coat with a specific gloss level and then masking and applying a second polymeric clear coat with a different gloss level, allowing for a multi-gloss appearance on non-planar surfaces without the need for machining or milling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If milling or turning is used to remove the first layer of paint to expose the wheel substrate, then a smooth shiny surface is created that appears glossier, but the actual gloss rating remains the same and the process is technically and economically challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of gloss rating by applying polymer coatings with different inherent gloss ratings (e.g., high gloss clear coat over a base coat, or combining different polymer formulations) rather than attempting to create gloss differences through mechanical removal. This directly addresses the contradiction by achieving the desired gloss differentiation without the complex and costly milling or turning operations.
2Illumination intensity
If milling or turning is used to create a smooth surface, then a visually shiny appearance is achieved, but the gloss rating is the same as the as-cast portions and significant machine operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the gloss rating parameter by selecting polymer coatings with different inherent gloss characteristics. For example, applying a high gloss clear polymer coating over a base coat creates a visually shiny appearance with an actual high gloss rating, eliminating the need for productivity-reducing milling operations while achieving both visual shine and genuine gloss differentiation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single gloss level is used for the entire wheel, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the wheel lacks distinguishing characteristics and does not meet consumer desires for varying gloss levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using masking techniques to apply different polymer coatings with different gloss ratings to specific portions of the wheel. For example, the face portion may receive a high gloss clear coat while the rim portion receives a satin or matte polymer coating, creating visually distinct regions with actual different gloss ratings while maintaining a manageable multi-step manufacturing process that balances simplicity with appearance variety.
4Manufacturing precision
If masking and applying a second polymeric clear coat with a different gloss level is used, then a true multi-gloss appearance is achieved on non-planar surfaces, but the coating process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by using masking to apply different polymer coatings with different gloss ratings to specific wheel portions. The process involves applying a base polymer coating, allowing it to cure, applying a mask to the portion that should maintain the base gloss, applying a second polymer coating with a different gloss rating to the exposed areas, and then removing the mask. This creates true multi-gloss differentiation on non-planar surfaces while organizing the complexity into manageable sequential steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides a unique, visually distinct multi-gloss paint finish on vehicle wheels, meeting consumer desires for varying gloss levels without the requirement for significant machine operations, enabling a durable and aesthetically enhanced wheel appearance.
Implementation Method 1
The gloss meter establishes a gloss rating by measuring specular reflection at a surface of the wheel
Implementation Method 2
a second polymeric clear coat that cures to provide a low gloss or matte appearance
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle wheel includes a face portion including a central portion defining a Wheel axis and a plurality of spokes extending radially outwardly from the face portion. A rim portion circumscribes the wheel axis and is interconnected to the face portion by the plurality of spokes. The face portion and the rim portion define a first surface and a second surface. The first surface includes a paint finish defining a first gloss rating and the second surface includes a paint finish. defining a second gloss rating that is different than the first gloss rating presenting a multi-gloss paint finish to the wheel.