An aerodynamically optimized drag-reduction appartus and method for optimal minimization of the drag-induced resistive forces upon a terrestrial vehicle, where the drag-induced resistive moments on wheel surfaces pivoting about the stationary 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 apparatus includes: a streamlined fairing or wind deflector 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; a wheel assembly with a streamlined tailfin rotatably attached to a wheel spoke; a wheel with a tapered spoke having a thin aerodynamic profile near the rim and tapering to a round profile toward the central hub; and a tire having streamlined tread blocks arranged in an aerodynamic pattern.

A lightweight wheel is provided, which includes a flange, a plurality of titanium alloy spokes and a carbon fiber rim, herein the flange is positioned at a middle part of the carbon fiber rim, the plurality of titanium alloy spokes are connected between the flange and the carbon fiber rim, and the plurality of titanium alloy spokes are uniformly distributed in pairs along the circumference; and one end of each of the titanium alloy spokes combined in pairs is fixed on the flange in a centralized mode, and another end is fixed separately at the carbon fiber rim, making the titanium alloy spokes combined in pairs a fan shape. An automobile is also provided.

A lightweight wheel with high strength flexible spokes of the present invention, includes a rim and hub, and a plurality of lightweight, flexible and resilient spokes between the rim and hub made of fibrous material that causes the spokes to be both lighter in weight and stronger than comparable steel spokes. The wheel includes a nipple within the rim that receives the high strength spoke and allows for flexibility in adapting the spoke to wheels having differing shapes and sizes.

The present invention discloses a carbon fiber spoke and a manufacturing method thereof. The carbon fiber spoke includes a spoke body made of carbon fiber, a screw bushing that is fit and connected with rim and a nut cap bushing that is fit and connected with the hub. Two end parts of the spoke body are provided with solid joints. The outside surface of the solid joint is provided with a first tapered section. The screw bushing and the nut cap bushing are provided with penetrable mounting holes. The hole wall surrounding the mounting hole is provided with a second tapered section. The mounting hole of the screw bushing and the mounting hole of the nut cap bushing are respectively fixed to the two solid joints; the second tapered section of the mounting hole and the first tapered section of the solid joint are fit and connected together.

An exemplary spoke for a non-pneumatic wheel. The spoke can be manufactured with a reinforcement structure having reinforcement elements and one or more layers of material. The spoke can also be provided in various shapes and configurations. The spoke includes anchors that allow the spoke to be more readily incorporated into, or removed from, a non-pneumatic wheel. More particularly, the anchors also allow the spoke to be joined as one-piece with the non-pneumatic wheel or releasably connected on one or both ends with the non-pneumatic wheel.

A wheel with flexible spokes, including a rim and hub, and spokes between the rim and hub made of fibrous material that causes the spokes to be both lighter in weight and stronger than comparable steel spokes. The spokes are also flexible and resilient such that they can bend while retaining their integrity and strength.

A tensile element connection, comprising first and second bracing elements and a tensile element having a first portion connected to the first bracing element and a second portion opposed to the first portion and connected to the second bracing element, and an applied tensile load along the tensile element. The tensile element includes a preformed rod that is comprised of reinforcement fibers in a matrix. At a temporarily elevated temperature greater than the service temperature, a localized region of the matrix is in a softened state of increased deformability such that a localized region of the rod is deformed under pressure to include a laterally outwardly projecting engagement surface. The tensile element is comprised of said rod with the engagement surface formed therein and is connected to one of the first and second bracing elements by means of an overlie engagement at the engagement surface to restrain the tension load.

A low-speed vehicle wheel assembly includes a rim, at least three spokes, connectors, a central bearing seat, and bearings. Outer ends of the spokes are fixedly connected to an inner side wall of the rim through the connectors, respectively. Inner ends of the spokes are fixedly connected to an outer wall of the central bearing seat. The bearings are fitted in bearing holes of the central bearing seat, respectively. Because the rim and the central bearing seat are independent components, each component can be made with an independent mold and assembled according to the diameter of the wheel. The cost of the mold is lower, and the components are more versatile.

A nonpneumatic tire includes a tread portion, an upper ring, and a plurality of spokes extending radially downward from the upper ring. Each spoke is configured to carry a load while in tension and while in compression. The upper ring and the plurality of spokes are part of a unitary component constructed of a single material. Each spoke terminates at a lower end having a spoke mount with an opening configured to engage a corresponding hub mount. Each spoke is under substantially no tension when the tread portion is not in contact with a ground surface and when each spoke mount is disengaged from its corresponding hub mount. Each spoke is under tension when the tread portion is not in contact with the ground surface and when each spoke mount is engaged with its corresponding hub mount.

A wheel with high strength flexible spokes of the present invention, including a rim and hub, and spokes between the rim and hub made of fibrous material that causes the spokes to be both lighter in weight and stronger than comparable steel spokes. The spokes are also flexible and resilient such that they can bend while retaining their integrity and strength. The wheel includes a nipple within the rim that receives the high strength spoke and allows for flexibility in adapting the spoke to wheels having differing shapes and sizes.