Motor Vehicle Wheel Spoke Area Cover Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle wheels with spokes face challenges in minimizing drag coefficient and air resistance, while also requiring a reliable and easy-to-maintain design that prevents abrasion and dirt ingress in the spoke space.
Innovation Solution
A wheel design featuring continuous claddings on both sides of the spoke space between the hub section and the rim, with secure gluing and exchangeable outer claddings, along with controlled ventilation openings and air filter elements to manage pressure and prevent dirt entry, while maintaining a streamlined surface for reduced air resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the spoke space is left open without cladding, then the wheel structure remains simple and lightweight, but air turbulence forms on the spokes during vehicle travel, increasing air resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using thin-walled cladding elements (innenverkleidung und außenverkleidung) that cover the spoke space. These thin film-like structures smooth the airflow over the wheel, reducing air resistance and turbulence while adding minimal weight and complexity to the wheel assembly.
2Reliability
If the spoke space is open, then the wheel design is simple, but brake dust and dirt particles can ingress into the spoke space, causing abrasion and requiring maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin-walled cladding elements that form a protective barrier against dirt ingress. The inner cladding covers the inner spoke surfaces while the outer cladding covers the outer spoke surfaces, creating a sealed environment that protects against brake dust and contaminants without complex sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the protective covering into separate inner and outer cladding elements. The inner cladding (innenverkleidung) protects the inner spoke surfaces, while the outer cladding (außenverkleidung) protects the outer surfaces. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function and enables independent replacement if damaged.
3Loss of energy
If cladding is added to cover the spoke space, then air resistance is reduced and protection against dirt is improved, but the wheel weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-walled cladding elements that provide aerodynamic benefits and protection while minimizing weight increase. The thin wall construction ensures that the mass added by the cladding is kept to a minimum, preserving the lightweight characteristics of the wheel.
4Ease of repair
If the outer cladding is made replaceable, then maintenance is easier and visual damage can be addressed, but the sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the inner and outer cladding elements, making the outer cladding replaceable while the inner cladding remains fixed. This segmentation allows the outer aesthetic element to be replaced for visual damage without affecting the functional inner cladding that provides the primary sealing and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer cladding is designed as a replaceable, potentially sacrificial element that can be easily replaced when visually damaged. This allows the maintenance of aesthetic appearance without compromising the permanent, functional inner cladding structure.
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 design effectively reduces air resistance, prevents abrasion and dirt ingress, and ensures reliable maintenance, enhancing the aerodynamics and durability of the wheel, especially at high speeds.
Implementation Method 1
wenn der innere, ringförmige Verkleidungsteil an dem Randbereich des Hubs und/oder einem Ringbereich des Felgens und/oder an den Innenflächen der Speichen aufgeklebt ist
Implementation Method 2
Luftströmungsturbulenzen, die sich sonst an den Speichen während des Fahrzeugvorbeifahrens ausbilden würden, werden vermieden, sodass der Luftwiderstand verringert wird
Implementation Method 3
um die Ausbildung von Über- und/oder Unterdrucken im Speichenraum [...] zu verhindern
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wheel of a motor vehicle, comprising a hub portion (1n), spokes (1s) extending radially outwards from the hub portion, a rim (1f) which is supported on the spokes, and a spoke area cover (8, 9) which is delimited by the rim. A respective cover (8, 9) is provided on both sides of the spokes, i.e. facing the interior side of the spokes and facing the exterior side of the spokes. The interior-side cover (8), which is annular when seen in a projection in the direction of the wheel rotational axis, is adhered to the edge of the hub portion and to an annular region of the rim and/or the interior side of the spokes. The exterior-side cover (9) is designed in an annular manner either over its entire surface or when seen in a projection in the direction of the wheel rotational axis and can be interchangeably inserted into a groove (11a, 11i) in an annular rim region and/or in an annular region of the rim and the hub portion with an intermediately positioned seal element (10).