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

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This patent describes a wheel rim that includes an inner rim flange, a wheel center (spider), and an outer rim flange, all interconnected. The unique feature is the wheel center, which is constructed as a sandwich layer: a closed-cell metal foam core is placed between layers of thermoplastic fiber-reinforced composites, resulting in a lightweight yet robust structure.

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

• Automobile wheels for passenger cars and trucks
• Lightweight wheels for electric or hybrid vehicles
• Wheels for high-performance or motorsport applications
• Bicycle or motorcycle rims requiring weight reduction
• Aerospace applications where strong but lightweight wheels are necessary

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly reduced weight of the wheel rim, improving vehicle efficiency
• Enhanced structural strength and durability due to the composite sandwich structure
• Potential for better energy absorption and improved safety in crashes
• Improved vehicle handling and performance due to reduced unsprung mass
• Corrosion resistance thanks to use of thermoplastic composites

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to rims with an inner rim flange, a rim disc, and an outer rim flange, which are connected to one another. The rims are distinguished in particular by their low mass. For this purpose, the rim disc is a composite of a closed-cell metal foam body between thermoplastic fiber-plastic composites, so that the rim disc has a fiber composite/metal foam/fiber composite sandwich structure.