Wheel Spoke Connection Structure for Hidden Nipple Transitions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spoke/nipple/rim arrangements in vehicle and bicycle wheels, particularly those using carbon fiber composite spokes, result in unsightly transitions and increased aerodynamic drag due to exposed steps in geometry, affecting aesthetics and aerodynamics.
Innovation Solution
The spoke design features a longitudinally outward portion with a smaller lateral dimension, positioned to pass through the rim/hub, with the transition step shielded to improve aesthetics and reduce exposed geometric steps, enhancing aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spoke is necked down to expose the first portion for threadable adjustment, then the nipple can be assembled and adjusted, but the aesthetics are poor and the transition is visually objectionable
Solution Approach 1:
The first portion of the spoke is nested within the spoke hole of the rim, concealing the threaded adjustment portion and the unsightly transition between the spoke and nipple. The spoke hole acts as a cavity that hides the internal components while maintaining external aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The spoke hole serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the threaded first portion of the spoke and the external environment. It provides access for nipple assembly and adjustment while concealing the unsightly transition zone from external view.
2Ease of manufacture
If the spoke has a stepped transition between first and second portions, then the nipple can be threadably assembled, but the aerodynamic drag increases due to exposed steps in geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The stepped transition and threaded first portion are nested within the spoke hole, removing the geometric discontinuities from the external aerodynamic flow path. This eliminates the exposed steps that would otherwise create turbulence and increase drag.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition from a two-dimensional external surface to a three-dimensional internal cavity (spoke hole) allows the unsightly and aerodynamically harmful stepped transition to be concealed, separating the functional requirements from the external aesthetic and aerodynamic surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle wheel having a rim, a hub, a plurality of spokes extending between said rim and said hub, rim and/or hub includes a spoke bed wall with an outboard bed surface, an inboard bed surface, and a spoke hole therethrough having a longitudinally inboard entrance. The spoke includes: a first spoke portion and a second spoke portion longitudinally inboard of the first spoke portion and laterally outboard of the first spoke portion, including a transition surface therebetween. The spoke extends through the spoke hole and at least a portion of the transition surface is longitudinally outboard of the inboard entrance and the spoke is connected to the rim and/or hub at the first spoke portion.