Lightweight Wheel Rim with a Metal Foam and Fiber Composite Sandwich Core

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a wheel rim that consists of an inner and outer rim flange and a wheel spider (hub). The unique aspect is that the wheel spider is constructed as a sandwich structure: a closed-cell metal foam core is placed between layers of thermoplastic fiber-reinforced plastics. This layered design combines the properties of metal and advanced composites for better performance.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Automotive wheels for cars or trucks
• Wheels for racing vehicles requiring lightweight and high-strength rims
• Specialty wheels for electric or hybrid vehicles to improve efficiency
• Aerospace landing gear or ground equipment where lightweight, strong wheels are needed
• Bicycle or motorcycle wheels seeking weight reduction and improved impact performance

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduces overall wheel weight without sacrificing strength
• Improves energy efficiency of vehicles due to lighter wheels
• Enhances impact resistance through the sandwich structure
• Potentially increases durability and lifespan of the wheel
• Merges the strengths of metal and fiber-reinforced plastics for optimized performance

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Rim with an inner rim flange, a rim web, and an outer rim flange, which are connected to one another, characterized in that the rim web (3) is a composite of a closed-cell metal foam body (5) between thermoplastic fiber-plastic composites (6), so that the rim web (3) has a fiber composite/metal foam/fiber composite sandwich structure.