A method and system for improving the strength, functionality and wear-resistance of a composite hybrid wheel is disclosed. Each spoke may define an airfoil shape and have a secondary wing-like extension attached thereto to generate airflow past the vehicle brakes during vehicle operation. Alternatively, the spokes may be shaped in cross-section as either an I-beam or an H-beam configuration. Customer-interchangeable wheel inserts formed from a reinforced polymerized material, such as a long carbon fiber reinforced composite, are strategically attached to one or more of the spokes. The inserts are used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the wheel, increase its structural integrity and provide easy interchangeability in the event of damage. A faux bead composite lock ring also formed of a reinforced polymerized material such as a long carbon fiber reinforced composite can be attached to the wheel spokes to cover the composite rim flange.

The invention relates to a rim assembly for a vehicle having a rim having an axial inside facing the vehicle and an axial outside facing away from the vehicle, a rim flange designed on the axial outside of the rim, and a first groove designed in the rim. The first groove is arranged in the rim flange or axially outside of the rim flange, and a disc-shaped cover, which covers the axial outside of the rim. The radially outer edge of the cover inserts in the first groove and a first elastic element in the first groove clamps the radial outside edge.

A wheel cover includes a fixing unit fixed to a wheel of a vehicle, a variable unit coupled to and supported by the fixing unit and configured for being opened and closed, a first power unit configured to apply a first force acting on the variable unit, wherein the force changes depending on temperature, and a second power unit configured to apply a second force acting on the variable unit, wherein the second force changes depending on a wheel speed, wherein the variable unit is opened or closed depending on the first force generated by the first power unit and the second force generated by the second power unit.

A wheel assembly including a cover portion permanently attached to a wheel. The wheel includes a wheel central hub portion, a wheel outer peripheral rim portion, a plurality of wheel spoke portions extending between the wheel central hub portion and the wheel outer peripheral rim portion, and a plurality of wheel turbine openings disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of wheel spoke portions. A cover portion is configured to overlie a portion of the wheel portion. The cover portion is configured to overlie one or more of the wheel central hub portion; the plurality of wheel spoke portions, and the plurality of turbine openings or the wheel outer periphery. An adhesive is disposed between an outboard surface of the wheel and the inboard surface of the cover portion to permanently secure the cover portion to the wheel portion. When the cover portion is secured to the wheel, substantial portions of the plurality of wheel spokes, the wheel central hub, or wheel outer periphery remain exposed.

Disclosed is a method of forming a wheel assembly consisting of a wheel portion and a cover portion. The method includes handling the wheel portion from dunnage to a work cell with an outboard face of the wheel portion facing away from a supporting surface. Next, determining a planar position and a rotational position of wheel portion and retrieving the cover portion. The method proceeds with applying an adhesive to at least one of the back side of the cover portion and the outboard face of the wheel portion. Then, aligning the cover portion with the wheel portion utilizing the planar position and the rotational position. The next step is engaging the cover portion and the wheel portion with one another and maintaining the wheel portion in engagement with the cover portion for a predetermined amount of time with a predetermined amount of pressure to form the wheel assembly.

A vehicle wheel has spokes, on which cover elements are provided for a space between the spokes. The cover elements deform according to the temperature in such a way that, at higher temperatures, a passage of air through a region of the space between the spokes is possible, which is covered by the cover element at lower temperatures. In this way, the cover elements do not entirely cover the respective spaces between the spokes, and a rigid cap element is provided per intermediate space in addition to a cover element deforming according to the temperature. Alternatively, two cover elements are provided in each space between the spokes, next to one another in the circumferential direction of the wheel, wherein in the deformed state, one of the cover elements is curved outwards and the other cover element is curved inwards towards the vehicle.

A cycle wheel having a rim adapted to receive a tire. The wheel is equipped with a fairing attached on the rim. The fairing is at least partially made from a material having a density less than 120 kg/m.sup.3 and a compression set at 25% compression of less than 14%. The material can be an expanded polypropylene foam, for example.

A wheel assembly including a cover portion permanently attached to a wheel. The wheel includes a wheel central hub portion, a wheel outer peripheral rim portion, a plurality of wheel spoke portions extending between the wheel central hub portion and the wheel outer peripheral rim portion, and a plurality of wheel turbine openings disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of wheel spoke portions. A cover portion is configured to overlie a portion of the wheel portion. The cover portion is configured to overlie one or more of the wheel central hub portion; the plurality of wheel spoke portions, and the plurality of turbine openings or the wheel outer periphery. An adhesive is disposed between an outboard surface of the wheel and the inboard surface of the cover portion to permanently secure the cover portion to the wheel portion. When the cover portion is secured to the wheel, substantial portions of the plurality of wheel spokes, the wheel central hub, or wheel outer periphery remain exposed.

Embodiments of wheel spoking systems and methods of manufacturing and installing. An electrically motorized wheel can include a wheel rim, a wheel hub, and a plurality of wheel spokes connecting the wheel rim to the wheel hub wherein first and second ends of each of the plurality of wheel spokes are connected to the wheel rim and a curved portion of each of the plurality of wheel spokes interface with curved spoke pockets of the wheel hub.