Wire-Spoke Wheel Hub Layout for Longer Spokes and Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wire-spoke wheels face limitations in enhancing shock absorption due to the fixed rim diameter, which restricts the lengthening of wire spokes and thus the energy absorption capacity.
Innovation Solution
The wire-spoke wheel design allows wire spokes to extend beyond a specific imaginary line dividing the hub into two regions, making them longer than conventional, with the second end connected in the outer region of the hub, increasing energy absorption and shock absorption capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the rim diameter is kept the same, then the wheel size remains compact, but the wire spoke length cannot be increased to improve shock absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the connection position of wire spokes from the traditional outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface of the hub. This dimensional change allows wire spokes to extend through the hub body, effectively increasing their length without increasing the rim diameter, thereby resolving the contradiction between compact wheel size and improved shock absorption
2Loss of energy
If wire spokes are made longer to increase energy absorption, then shock absorption improves, but the rim diameter must be increased which is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
By connecting wire spokes to the inner peripheral surface of the hub rather than the outer surface, the patent enables longer wire spokes that extend through the hub body. This increases the path length for energy absorption during deformation without requiring an increase in rim diameter, thus resolving the contradiction between energy absorption and wheel size
Solution Approach 2:
The wire spokes are nested through the hub structure, passing from the outer peripheral surface through the hub body to connect at the inner peripheral surface. This nesting approach allows the wire spokes to utilize the hub's internal space, effectively increasing their functional length within the existing rim diameter constraints
Data Source
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AI summary
A wire-spoke wheel (100) includes: an annular rim (10); a hub (20, 20') having a hole (20a) in which a wheel shaft is inserted; a plurality of wire spokes (30) linking the rim (10) and the hub (20) together, the plurality of wire spokes (30) each including a first end (30a) that is connected to the rim and a second end (30b) that is connected to the hub (20); in a plan view as viewed along a wheel axis direction (D1), regarding each wire spoke (30), an imaginary line (L1) connecting the first end (30a) of the wire spoke (30) and a center of the hole (20a) defines a first imaginary line (L1); an imaginary line (L2) being orthogonal to the first imaginary line (L1) and passing through a center of the hole (20a) defines a second imaginary line (L2); and when the hub (20) is divided into two regions (R1, R2) by the second imaginary line (L2), one (R1) of the two regions (R1, R2) that is located closer to the first end (30a) of the wire spoke (30) defines a first region (R1) and the other (R2) of the two regions (R1, R2) defines a second region (R2); wherein the second end (30b) of the wire spoke (30) is connected to the hub (20, 20') in the second region (R2) of the hub (20, 20').