A connection (110) between a rim portion (102) and a face portion (104) of a composite wheel (100). The rim portion (102) comprises a first set of fibers (122). The face portion (104) comprises a second set of fibers (124). The connection (110) comprises a transition zone (120) in which the first set of fibers (122) and the second set of fibers (124) are arranged in a layered structure. Each layer (125A, 125B, 125C) of the layer structure includes a first section (127) including an arrangement of the first set of fibers (122), and a first connection end (128), and a second section (129) including an arrangement of the second set of fibers (124), and a second connection end (130). The first connection end (128) is arranged adjacent to or abutting the second connection end (130) forming a layer joint (132A, 132B, 132C). The layer joint (132A, 32B, 132C) of each adjoining layer (125A, 125B, 125C) is spaced apart in a stepped configuration.

A connection (110) between a rim portion (102) and a face portion (104) of a composite wheel (100). The rim portion (102) comprises a first set of fibers (122). The face portion (104) comprises a second set of fibers (124). The connection (110) comprises a transition zone (120) in which the first set of fibers (122) and the second set of fibers (124) are arranged in a layered structure. Each layer (125A, 125B, 125C) of the layer structure includes a first section (127) including an arrangement of the first set of fibers (122), and a first connection end (128), and a second section (129) including an arrangement of the second set of fibers (124), and a second connection end (130). The first connection end (128) is arranged adjacent to or abutting the second connection end (130) forming a layer joint (132A, 132B, 132C). The layer joint (132A, 32B, 132C) of each adjoining layer (125A, 125B, 125C) is spaced apart in a stepped configuration.

A wheel with an intelligent suspension system that includes a hub, a rim and a set of spokes with dynamically adjustable spoke lengths. Further included is one or more sensors associated with at least the hub and the rim and a microcontroller unit (MCU) that receives sensory signals from the one or more sensors, and transmits control signals to the set of spokes to dynamically control spoke lengths of the set of spokes.

A wheel with an intelligent suspension system that includes a hub, a rim and a set of spokes with dynamically adjustable spoke lengths. Further included is one or more sensors associated with at least the hub and the rim and a microcontroller unit (MCU) that receives sensory signals from the one or more sensors, and transmits control signals to the set of spokes to dynamically control spoke lengths of the set of spokes.

A vehicle wheel having a rim, a hub, a plurality of spokes with at least one of the spokes having a first portion connected the rim and a second portion connected to the hub. The rim includes a spoke bed wall with a radially outboard surface and a spoke hole having a radially outboard entrance and perimeter edge. The spoke extends through the spoke hole and is engaged to the spoke bed wall by an overlie engagement at a bearing interface between a bearing surface of the spoke and the radially outboard surface to limit longitudinally inward displacement between the spoke and spoke bed wall. At least a portion of the bearing interface is laterally outwardly spaced from the first perimeter edge by a lateral distance of at least 0.7 millimeters.

A vehicle wheel having a rim, a hub, a plurality of spokes with at least one of the spokes having a first portion connected the rim and a second portion connected to the hub. The rim includes a spoke bed wall with a radially outboard surface and a spoke hole having a radially outboard entrance and perimeter edge. The spoke extends through the spoke hole and is engaged to the spoke bed wall by an overlie engagement at a bearing interface between a bearing surface of the spoke and the radially outboard surface to limit longitudinally inward displacement between the spoke and spoke bed wall. At least a portion of the bearing interface is laterally outwardly spaced from the first perimeter edge by a lateral distance of at least 0.7 millimeters.

A wheel includes a rim having a rim well and rim flanges, a hub, and at least three spoke elements. Each spoke element forms at least one spoke between the hub and the rim. The spoke elements are fastened to an inside of the rim in a form-closed manner or a form-closed and bonded manner. In the hub region, the spoke elements are supported on each other in a circumferential direction at abutting surfaces designed therefor. A method for producing the wheel is provided.

A fiber-reinforced composite wheel for a road vehicle includes a rim and a mount integrally joined to the barrel by spokes, wherein the wheel includes a continuous ply of reinforcing fiber fabric extending through a first spoke, through at least a portion of the mount, and through another spoke of the wheel to provide improved strength, durability and integrity to the wheel.

A wheel assembly includes a collapsible wheel and an airless flexible tire mounted on the wheel. The wheel includes a central portion and a plurality of circumferentially spaced mounting elements attached to the central portion. Each of the mounting elements is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and may be pivotally attached to the central portion of the wheel and configured to pivot between the retracted position and the extended position. The tire may be positioned on the wheel when one or more of the mounting elements is in the retracted position, and the one or more mounting elements are moved to the extended position wherein the mounting elements engage and support the tire.

A wheel assembly includes a collapsible wheel and an airless flexible tire mounted on the wheel. The wheel includes a central portion and a plurality of circumferentially spaced mounting elements attached to the central portion. Each of the mounting elements is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and may be pivotally attached to the central portion of the wheel and configured to pivot between the retracted position and the extended position. The tire may be positioned on the wheel when one or more of the mounting elements is in the retracted position, and the one or more mounting elements are moved to the extended position wherein the mounting elements engage and support the tire.