Abstract:
Application of carbon fiber reinforced polymer structures to metal vehicle wheels is effective in reducing the mass of the wheel while retaining suitable stiffness in the wheel structure. For maximum effect the reinforced polymer structure and the metal wheel must operate cooperatively. Because of the wide range of operating temperatures experienced by wheels and the large difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between metals and carbon fiber reinforced composites attachment of the polymer structure to the wheel by adhesive alone is problematical. However a wheel with an effective and durable reinforcement may be fabricated by confining, through mechanical interference, the reinforced polymer in a cavity in or on the spoke and by preheating the wheel before curing the polymer.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing an aluminum wheel for a vehicle includes preparing a low density material having particles pulverized. A binder is supplied to the low density material so that the low density material is mixed in a paste state. A wheel core manufacturing mold is heated to 200 to 350° C. and injected into the wheel core manufacturing mold. The wheel core manufacturing mold is closed, a pressure of about 5 to 20 bar is applied, the pressure is maintained for 1 to 5 minutes to solidify the low density material, and the wheel core is ejected. The ejected wheel core is mounted on an aluminum wheel casting mold. The aluminum wheel casting mold is closed, and a pressure of about 1 to 2 bar is applied, and an aluminum molten metal is injected. The aluminum wheel is then ejected from the aluminum wheel casting mold.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a wheel rim having a wheel disk (3) made of a fiber composite and having fastener for fastening the wheel disk (3) to a wheel hub (5) of a vehicle, wherein the wheel disk (3) has at least one opening (8) for receiving the wheel hub (5) and the opening (8) is designed to have a conical centring surface (9) for the corresponding seat of a fastener. According to the invention the reinforcing fibers of the fiber composite are arranged in planar layers (10) and at least a part of the fiber layers (10) is arranged in an edge region (12) of the opening (8) perpendicular to the centring surface (9) of the wheel disk (3).
Abstract:
A method of molding a fibre-reinforced composite wheel using a mold assembly. The mold assembly includes an annular rim mold portion for defining an outer surface of a rim of the wheel and a disc mold portion for defining a front surface of a disc portion of the wheel. The method comprises the steps of: locating at a first part of reinforcement fabric within the mold assembly around the rim mold portion; locating at a second part of reinforcement fabric within the mold assembly over the disc mold portion; sealing the mold assembly with a flexible mold element to form a substantially fluid tight mold cavity, the flexible mold element comprising a flexible polymer component for defining an inner surface of the rim of the wheel and a rear surface of the disc portion of the wheel; introducing a resin into the mold cavity by withdrawing air from the mold cavity through an inlet at a convenient location on the mold assembly; and curing the resin to form an integral fibre-reinforced composite wheel.
Abstract:
Wheel disc, comprising a radially outer circular assembling part, a radially inner fixing and centering part with a bearing region comprising a given number of fixing apertures and ending radially inwardly with a centering vent, and arms connecting the inner and outer parts, each arm being disposed substantially opposite to one of the fixing apertures and the radially inner free edges of the radially outer circular part defining with the lateral free edges of the arms perforations, in which, in order to reinforce each arm mechanically, a pocket is housed, set back axially inwards relative to the outer face of the disc and in which a yoke connects each arm to the centering vent.
Abstract:
Wheel for motor vehicles of the type which is cast or forged in one piece and composed of a light metal alloy and possessing a rim and a wheel disc with a radial clearance between the rim and the periphery of the wheel disc. Ventilation apertures are defined by the radial clearance and radially extending connecting webs bridging same. In order to provide an outer appearance which is aesthetically pleasing and to limit soiling of the wheel by brake friction material while facilitating a strong light weight construction the ventilation apertures extend radially so they are not visible as open windows from the front, a stiffening ring at the wheel disc forms a connection base for the connecting webs, which ring is severed at spaced locations during manufacture.
Abstract:
An axle and wheel assembly particularly adapted for railcar usage is disclosed as having a metal-foam construction that is light in weight but of a relatively high strength. The axle includes an elongated hollow steel outer axle member and an elongated hollow steel inner axle member received within the outer axle member with the foam injected therebetween so as to cure and bond to the members and function as a load bearing element therebetween. Adhesion between the axle members and the foam is increased by applying an adhesive to the members prior to the injection of the foam. An intermediate portion of the outer axle member between ends of the axle includes outwardly deformed ribs that increase the cross-sectional area thereof without increasing the weight to enhance the lightweight and high strength characteristics of the axle. The wheel includes an outer skin of steel members including a pair of discs and a central hub all of which are secured to each other to define a cavity in which the foam is received and bonded to the skin. Injection of the foam for curing within the cavity or preforming of the foam and positioning thereof between the skin members may be performed to construct the wheel and, in either case, adhesive applied to the skin members secures the foam in part or totally to the skin members. An axially extending rim mounting surface on one of the discs mounts a steel wheel rim which rolls over a rail on which the wheel travels. Annular ribs formed unitary with the rim are spaced along the wheel axle and have inner ends that engage the rim surface to mount the rim while limiting heat transfer from the rim to the skin. Radially extending ribs of the discs project axially and provide strengthening of the wheel. Mounting of the wheel hub on the axle is at a mounting surface of the axle end located inwardly from a distal axle end bearing surface.
Abstract:
A heavy duty wheel is made up of a disc wheel center and a rim, wherein the disc has a substantially flat central web portion surrounded by an annular outer portion, offset at an angle about 35* from the plane of said central web portion. The central web portion is reinforced by a reinforcing plate welded thereto. The central web portion is adapted to be bolted to the hub by studs. Both the central web portion and reinforcing plate have holes which match up to the studs, and the holes are surrounded by a coined boss. The outer portion of the disc preferably has openings therein, radially aligned with each hole in the central web portion, said openings having flanges projecting from their peripheries.