Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Reinforced composite hybrid wheel construction
-
Application No.: US15725958Application Date: 2017-10-05
-
Publication No.: US10661602B2Publication Date: 2020-05-26
- Inventor: David Douglas Friske , John Jeffrey Pfeiffer
- Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
- Applicant Address: US MI Dearborn
- Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
- Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
- Current Assignee Address: US MI Dearborn
- Main IPC: B60B7/14
- IPC: B60B7/14 ; B60B7/06 ; B60B7/04 ; B60B5/02 ; B60B7/01 ; B60B1/08 ; B60B5/00

Abstract:
A method and system for improving the strength, functionality and wear-resistance of a composite hybrid wheel is disclosed. Each spoke may define an airfoil shape and have a secondary wing-like extension attached thereto to generate airflow past the vehicle brakes during vehicle operation. Alternatively, the spokes may be shaped in cross-section as either an I-beam or an H-beam configuration. Customer-interchangeable wheel inserts formed from a reinforced polymerized material, such as a long carbon fiber reinforced composite, are strategically attached to one or more of the spokes. The inserts are used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the wheel, increase its structural integrity and provide easy interchangeability in the event of damage. A faux bead composite lock ring also formed of a reinforced polymerized material such as a long carbon fiber reinforced composite can be attached to the wheel spokes to cover the composite rim flange.
Public/Granted literature
- US20190105943A1 REINFORCED COMPOSITE HYBRID WHEEL CONSTRUCTION Public/Granted day:2019-04-11
Information query