A vehicle wheel that is connectable to a brake system may include a wheel rim and a wheel disk. The wheel rim and/or the wheel disk may include a support structure comprised of fiber-reinforced plastic. The wheel rim and/or the wheel disk, at least on a side of the support structure that faces the brake system, may have a thermo-function structure that in thermal terms is configured so as to be more conductive than the support structure and is disposed so as to extend in such a manner that thermal energy generated by the brake system is discharged from a first region of the wheel rim and/or of the wheel disk that on account of said thermal energy is highly stressed in thermal terms into a second region of the wheel rim and/or of the wheel disk (3) that is less stressed in thermal terms.

The present disclosure provides a two (2) piece wheel comprising a first section and a second section wherein the wheel comprises areas of varying diameter across its width and the first section and second section are joined at the area of the wheel with the smallest diameter.

A composite wheel structure includes a single continuous fiber reinforcement layer extending axially between inner and outer ends of the wheel structure. The single fiber reinforcement layer is impregnated with different matrix materials at different axial portions of the reinforcement layer to account for specific locations where high strength or high temperature performance is needed, with other portions having different matrix materials where low temperature performance and/or low strength is sufficient. The matrix materials may be provided as separate resin films that are applied side-by-side on the single reinforcement layer, or they may be provided on a single resin film. The matrix materials may be applied to the reinforcement layer in a direct coating process. The reinforcement layer may be prepregged with the matrix materials prior to a wheel layup process, or the reinforcement layer and matrix materials may be consolidated by resin film infusion during the wheel layup process.

A composite article includes a first segment and a second segment spaced apart form the first segment. The composite article includes continuous fibers that extend from the first segment to the second segment. The composite article also includes discontinuous fiber distributed throughout the composite article.

A non-metallic rim for a wheel which may be used for motorised vehicles. The rim has a barrel, a first flange, a second flange, a first bead seat, a second beat seat and a primary structural component. The primary structural component extends into at least the first flange and the barrel, and the primary structural component is capable of bearing the majority of the radial and/or lateral load that is borne by the rim during usage. Additionally, the rim has at least a portion of the first bead seat spaced apart from the primary structural component and/or has a protective insert in between the outer face of the first flange and the primary structural component.

A composite wheel assembly and method of construction thereof is provided. The composite wheel assembly includes a wheel having an inwardly facing surface, an outwardly facing surface, a generally cylindrical barrel portion, and a plurality of apertures formed about a central hub aperture. At least one wheel cladding is fixedly bonded to at least one of the inwardly facing surface, the outwardly facing surface, and the generally cylindrical barrel portion. The wheel cladding increases the stiffness and/or strength of the wheel between about 2-16% or greater as compared to the wheel not having the at least one cladding.

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.

A wheel includes a spoke having a mounting hole that extends in a radial direction, and a blind hole that extends in an axial direction and that is in spatial communication with the mounting hole. The wheel includes a rim having a second through hole that is aligned with the mounting hole. The wheel further includes a connecting unit connecting the spoke with the rim. The connecting unit includes a rod extending through the through hole into the mounting hole and having an engaging hole that is aligned with the blind hole. The connecting unit further includes a fastener extending through the blind hole into the engaging hole and engaging with the engaging hole.

A hybrid rim of a wheel provided with a wheel hub motor of a motor vehicle includes a non-metal part and a metal part, wherein a rotor housing of the wheel hub motor at least partially forms the metal part of the hybrid rim.

A rim for a bicycle wheel includes a radially inner portion disposed along an inner circumference of the rim. The rim also includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall extend radially outward from the radially inner portion. The first sidewall includes a layer of a composite material. The layer of the composite material includes fabric plies of the composite material that are shaped as strips. The composite material includes a matrix of a polymer-based material and fibers of a reinforcing material. The strips include a first strip and a second strip. The second strip is adjacent to the first strip within the layer of the composite material. The second strip is nonparallel to the first strip.