Wheel Rim Trim Slat Channels for Aerodynamics and Brake Ventilation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle wheels, particularly aluminum wheels, face a challenge in achieving advantageous aerodynamics while minimizing weight, as optimizing aerodynamics often leads to increased material accumulation and unsprung mass.
Innovation Solution
A directionally formed cover with slats that overlap to create a large closed surface, allowing air to flow diagonally through channels, thereby reducing turbulence and weight by using materials differently for the rim and cover, and incorporating features like negative pressure to ventilate the braking system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the rim is designed with a large closed surface to improve aerodynamics, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the wheel weight increases due to material accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple slats that are arranged to form a large closed surface. The slats are spaced apart to create channels that allow air flow, achieving aerodynamic benefits without requiring a solid, heavy surface. This segmentation allows the cover to maintain structural integrity while reducing material accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure incorporates channels formed between the slats, creating a porous-like structure that allows air to pass through. This enables the cover to maintain aerodynamic efficiency by guiding air flow while avoiding the need for a completely solid surface, thereby reducing weight compared to traditional solid rim designs.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover is designed to completely close the through opening to improve aerodynamics, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but ventilation of the braking system is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The cover structure implements local quality by creating specific channels between the slats that are oriented to allow air flow in the axial direction of the rim. These localized openings provide ventilation for the braking system while the overall structure maintains a large closed surface for aerodynamic efficiency. The channels are strategically positioned and oriented to serve the dual purpose of aerodynamics and ventilation.
Solution Approach 2:
The channels formed between the slats provide continuous air flow paths that extend through the cover structure in the axial direction. This ensures uninterrupted ventilation of the braking system while the cover rotates with the wheel, maintaining aerodynamic benefits throughout the rotation cycle.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional solid covers are used to close through openings, then aerodynamics are improved, but the wheel weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a traditional solid cover, the invention employs a segmented structure with multiple slats that create channels between them. This segmentation allows the cover to achieve aerodynamic efficiency through the large closed surface formed by the slats while significantly reducing material usage and weight compared to a solid cover design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is formed as a separate component from the rim, allowing for optimization of materials. The cover can be made from lightweight materials such as plastic or composite materials, while the rim maintains its structural function. This composite approach enables weight reduction while maintaining the aerodynamic benefits of the closed surface.
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 solution implements particularly advantageous aerodynamics while keeping the wheel's weight low, reducing unsprung mass and ensuring effective ventilation of the braking system, thus enhancing the vehicle's overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
the slats delimit at least one channel arranged between the slats, through which air can flow, in particular exclusively, diagonally to a plane extending perpendicularly to the axial direction of the rim
Implementation Method 2
incorporating features like negative pressure to ventilate the braking system
Data Source
AI summary
A cover for a rim of a wheel of a vehicle. The cover, with fastening of the cover on the rim, can be arranged in at least partially overlap with a through opening of the rim delimited in the circumferential direction of the rim by respective spokes of the rim, whereby the through opening can be at least partially covered by the cover. The cover is directionally formed and has at least two slats, which delimit at least one channel arranged between the slats, through which air can flow in the installed position of the cover diagonally to a plane extending perpendicularly to the axial direction of the rim. The slats at least partially mutually overlap with respect to the installed position of the cover in the circumferential direction of the rim and along the axial direction of the rim.