A wheel (1) for a vehicle and a related method for manufacturing the wheel includes a rim (2) and a wheel center (3). The wheel center includes several spokes (4) extending from a hub (5), with a center opening (6), radially outwards to the rim (2). The hub (5) is made from a fiber-reinforced plastic material and is covered on the outboard side from a three-dimensionally shaped support cover (7) made from metallic material.

A modular wheel assembly for a power drive unit (PDU) may comprise a hub and a disc stack coupled to the hub. The hub may be a splined hub defining a plurality of spline recesses. The disc stack may comprise a plurality of discs. Each disc of the plurality of discs may comprise a ring having a plurality of splines that are complementary to the spline recesses, and that are configured to interlock with the spline recesses. Each disc may further comprise an annular segment made of one of a first material and second material. The annular segment may be a tire. In the event of damage or wear, each disc in the plurality of discs may be removed and repaired or replaced.

A modular wheel assembly for a power drive unit (PDU) may comprise a hub and a disc stack coupled to the hub. The hub may be a splined hub defining a plurality of spline recesses. The disc stack may comprise a plurality of discs. Each disc of the plurality of discs may comprise a ring having a plurality of splines that are complementary to the spline recesses, and that are configured to interlock with the spline recesses. Each disc may further comprise an annular segment made of one of a first material and second material. The annular segment may be a tire. In the event of damage or wear, each disc in the plurality of discs may be removed and repaired or replaced.

A bicycle disc wheel comprises a first disc panel and a second disc panel. The first disc panel has a first side outer surface and a first side inner surface and the second disc panel has a second side outer surface and a second side inner surface. The first side outer surface radially extends from a first disc panel outer perimeter to a center opening and the second side outer surface radially extends from a second disc panel outer perimeter to the center opening. The second side inner surface faces the first side inner surface. A brace is coupled to the first side inner surface and the second side inner surface that provide radial and axial structural support to the disc panels.

A bicycle disc wheel comprises a first disc panel and a second disc panel. The first disc panel has a first side outer surface and a first side inner surface and the second disc panel has a second side outer surface and a second side inner surface. The first side outer surface radially extends from a first disc panel outer perimeter to a center opening and the second side outer surface radially extends from a second disc panel outer perimeter to the center opening. The second side inner surface faces the first side inner surface. A brace is coupled to the first side inner surface and the second side inner surface that provide radial and axial structural support to the disc panels.

An idler wheel for a tracked machine can comprise a cylindrical hub defining a central axis, an annular tread disposed concentrically about the cylindrical hub, a pair of side plates connecting the cylindrical hub and the annular tread, and a webbing connecting the cylindrical hub and the annular tread between the pair of side plates. A method for manufacturing an idler wheel comprises assembling a cylindrical hub, an annular tread, first and second side plates and at least one web.

A wheel assembly includes a plurality of discreet, axially extending curved friction plates for engaging a first side of a spoke structure of a tire assembly, a first annular rim piece for engaging a rotatable axle, and a second annular rim piece for engaging the first rim piece. The first rim piece and the second rim piece each have axially extending lugs for engaging opposite ends of the friction plates.

A streamlined tailfin pivotably attached to a shaft-shaped member disposed on a vehicle provides for reduced drag in winds varying in direction impinging thereon.

An aerodynamically optimized drag-reduction means and method for optimal minimization of the drag-induced resistive forces upon a terrestrial vehicle wheel, where the drag-induced resistive moments on wheel surfaces pivoting about the point of ground contact are reduced, and the vehicle propulsive forces needed to countervail the resistive forces on the wheel are reduced. The drag reduction means includes: a streamlined wheel cover positioned on a vehicle to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds; a streamlined wind-deflecting fairing positioned on a vehicle to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds; an engine exhaust pipe disposed on a vehicle whereby exhaust gases deflect headwinds to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces of an automotive wheel; an automotive spoked wheel having streamlined oval-shaped wheel spokes arranged in one or more rows for greater axial strength; a streamlined tailfin rotatably attached to a wheel spoke, which thereby may pivot about the spoke in response to varying crosswinds; and a tire having streamlined tread blocks arranged in an aerodynamic pattern.

A system and method control magnetic adhesion of a wheel to a surface using internal cancellation magnets. An inner annular disc of the wheel comprises a non-magnetic material and has first and second apertures which retain magnets while an outer annular disc comprises a ferromagnetic material and is disposed on a side of the inner annular disc and has a non-magnetic isolator ring which extends in a serpentine manner. In one configuration, the curves of the serpentine isolator ring isolate the first magnets from the second magnets. In another configuration, the outer annular disc rotates relative to the inner annular disc to dispose the curves of the serpentine isolator ring in a second position to allow magnetic interaction between the first and second magnets to generate a second magnetic flux between the second magnets and the ferromagnetic surface to thereby decrease the adhesion of the wheel to the ferromagnetic surface.