Vehicle Wheel Assembly Resonator for Tire Cavity Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles experience noise due to tire vibrations caused by deformation over rough surfaces, leading to sound waves and vibrations that can be heard by occupants, which existing wheel assemblies fail to effectively attenuate.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly with a resonator that includes an insert mounted to the inner wall of the rim, creating an aperture in fluid communication with the tire cavity to attenuate sound, and featuring interchangeable inserts to accommodate different rim and tire configurations and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a resonator with a fixed insert is used to attenuate sound, then sound attenuation is achieved, but the wheel assembly cannot accommodate different rim and tire configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator is divided into two functional parts: a standardized housing that remains fixed in the wheel assembly, and an interchangeable insert that can be replaced based on different rim and tire configurations. This segmentation allows the resonator to adapt to various configurations without redesigning the entire component.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonator housing is designed with universal mounting features and a standardized aperture location that can accommodate multiple types of inserts. This universal design allows the same housing to work with different rim and tire configurations by simply changing the insert, making the resonator multi-functional.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If custom resonators are designed for each rim and tire configuration, then optimal sound attenuation is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the resonator into a standardized housing and configurable inserts, the manufacturer can produce housings in large quantities at low cost while only needing to manufacture different inserts for specific configurations. This reduces overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to creating entirely custom resonators for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert design allows for parameter changes (such as aperture size, shape, or positioning) to be made by swapping inserts rather than redesigning the entire resonator. This enables optimal sound attenuation for different configurations while maintaining a standardized manufacturing process for the housing component.
3Productivity
If the resonator is integrated into the rim manufacturing process, then assembly steps are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator housing is pre-integrated into the rim during rim manufacturing, with mounting features prepared in advance. The interchangeable inserts are also pre-configured with mounting mechanisms. This preliminary preparation allows for quick installation and removal without requiring complex precision alignment during final assembly, maintaining both productivity and manageable precision requirements.
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
The wheel assembly significantly reduces noise heard by vehicle occupants by suppressing sound waves within the tire cavity, while allowing for standardized manufacturing and cost reduction through interchangeable inserts.
Implementation Method 1
a resonator defining a hole such that the resonator presents an inner wall defining a boundary of the hole. The hole cooperates with the interior cavity. The resonator includes an insert mounted to the inner wall. The insert defines an aperture in fluid communication with the interior cavity for attenuating sound produced inside the interior cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel assembly for a vehicle and a method of manufacturing the wheel assembly for the vehicle are disclosed. The wheel assembly includes a rim and a tire. The tire includes a distal wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, with the first and second side walls extending from the distal wall and each of the side walls attached to the rim such that the distal wall is spaced from the rim to define an interior cavity between the tire and the rim. The wheel assembly also includes a resonator defining a hole such that the resonator presents an inner wall defining a boundary of the hole. The hole cooperates with the interior cavity. The resonator includes an insert mounted to the inner wall. The insert defines an aperture in fluid communication with the interior cavity for attenuating sound produced inside the interior cavity.