ATTACHMENT ARRANGEMENT FOR COMPOSITE WHEELS

Abstract

An attachment arrangement for attaching a composite wheel to a wheel mount, including an attachment aperture that receives an elongate fastener element. A fastening body, including or fastened to the elongate fastener element, has an engagement portion and an attachment insert including a bearing body, a fastening aperture, and an insert section extending axially away from the bearing body and into the attachment aperture. An engagement surface, located at least in part between the bearing body and a distal end of the insert section, extends from an inner surface of the insert section and is configured complementary to and engages the fastening body engagement portion. The insert section distal end extends into the attachment aperture and is spaced from the wheel mount, or from or in an element in, on, integral with, or adjacent to the wheel mount, without directly engaging the wheel mount and/or element.

Claims

1. An attachment arrangement configured to attach at least one composite wheel to a wheel mount, the composite wheel including at least one attachment aperture through which an elongate fastener element is inserted, the attachment arrangement including: (A) a fastening body which includes the elongate fastener element or is configured to be fastened onto the elongate fastener element, the fastening body having an engagement portion; and (B) an attachment insert that includes: a bearing body which includes a base configured to face a surface of the composite wheel about the attachment aperture; a fastening aperture through which the elongate fastener element is inserted when in use, the fastening aperture including a fastening axis; an insert section which extends axially away from the base of the bearing body relative to the fastening axis about the fastening aperture, the insert section being configured to extend into the attachment aperture of the composite wheel; and at least one engagement surface extending from an inner surface of the insert section, the at least one engagement surface having a substantially complementary configuration to the engagement portion of the fastening body and is configured to operatively engage the engagement portion of the fastening body when the fastening body fastens to the wheel mount through the elongate fastener element, wherein at least a portion of the at least one engagement surface is located below the base of the bearing body and between the base of the bearing body and a distal end of the insert section, and wherein the distal end of the insert section extends into the attachment aperture of the composite wheel and is spaced apart from the wheel mount, or from or in an element located in, on, integral with, or adjacent to the wheel mount such that the distal end of the insert section does not directly engage with the wheel mount and/or said element.

2. The attachment arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one engagement surface includes a distal end and said distal end of the engagement surface is located axially away from the base of the bearing body relative to the fastening axis and between the base of the bearing body and the distal end of the insert section.

3. The attachment arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one engagement surface is located axially away from the base of the bearing body, and axially through and below the fastening aperture, relative to the fastening axis.

4. The attachment arrangement according to claim 1, wherein at least part of the least one engagement surface is located axially above the base of the bearing body relative to the fastening axis.

5. The attachment arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one engagement surface is substantially located between the base of the bearing body and the distal end of the insert section.

6. The attachment arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the bearing body includes a body aperture sized to receive at least a portion of the fastening body, and the body aperture optionally extends into the insert section of the attachment insert.

7. (canceled)

8. The attachment arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the insert section includes a first section having a first internal diameter to receive the fastening body, and a second section having a second internal diameter sized to capture the fastening body, and through which the elongate fastener element can extend.

9. The attachment arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the base of the bearing body includes a substantially flat contact surface configured to abut the surface of the composite wheel about the attachment aperture.

10. The attachment arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the composite wheel includes at least two attachment apertures, and the bearing body extends over the surface of the composite wheel between and around each of the at least two attachment apertures.

11. The attachment arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the bearing body comprises a substantially planar body, optionally a plate, which extends between and around each attachment aperture.

12. The attachment arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the bearing body includes at least two fastening apertures and at least two insert sections corresponding to the number of attachment apertures in said composite wheel, each insert section extending into a respective attachment aperture of the composite wheel.

13. The attachment arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the bearing body has a contoured engagement face having a complementary configuration to the surface of the composite wheel on which the bearing body engages.

14. The attachment arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the fastening body comprises at least one of: a fastening bolt which includes a fastening head including the engagement portion and the elongate fastener, the elongate fastener being configured to be connected in the wheel mount; or a fastening nut which is assembled onto the elongate fastener element to operatively engage the engagement portion thereof with the at least one engagement surface.

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. The attachment arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the engagement surface is angled or curved relative to the fastening axis, and optionally wherein the angled engagement surface has an angle of between 10 and 80 degrees relative to the fastening axis, optionally between 30 and 60 degrees.

18. (canceled)

19. The attachment arrangement according to claim 17, wherein the engagement surface comprises a substantially annular portion of an inner wall of the insert section.

20. The attachment arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the insert section is configured to extend into and through the attachment aperture of the composite wheel, and the element located adjacent the wheel mount comprises at least one backing element configured to be inserted between the wheel mount and the composite wheel, the at least one backing element including at least one section of the fastening aperture.

21. (canceled)

22. The attachment arrangement according to claim 20, wherein: the distal end of the insert section is configured to be received in an insert section aperture located in the wheel mount or the at least one backing element, and optionally the insert section aperture is sized to allow at least a portion of the insert section to move through the insert section aperture, optionally sized to provide a sliding fit between a portion of the distal end of the insert section and the at least one backing element.

23-28. (canceled)

29. The attachment arrangement according to claim 1, comprising one or more of the following: the distal end of the insert section is configured to be received in an insert section aperture located in the wheel mount or the at least one backing element, and the distal end of the insert section includes at least one retention feature which prevents withdrawal of the insert section through the insert section aperture; and/or the base of the bearing body includes a fixing feature which substantially prevents axial rotation of the insert section relative to the wheel mount, and wherein the fixing feature optionally comprises at least one projection, spigot, flange or embossment that is seated in at least one complementary groove, hole, aperture, detent, recess or depression in the surface of the composite wheel.

30. (canceled)

31. The attachment arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the composite wheel comprises a carbon fibre composite wheel.

32. A composite wheel including the attachment arrangement according to claim 1, optionally comprising a carbon fibre composite wheel.

33. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate particular preferred embodiments of the present invention, wherein:

[0068] FIG. 1 provides a perspective construction view of a carbon fibre wheel, wheel mount and wheel attachment arrangement which connects the wheel to the wheel mount according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] FIG. 2 provides an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the wheel attachment arrangement shown in FIG. 1.

[0070] FIG. 3 provides a front elevation cross-section of the attachment arrangement shown in FIG. 2.

[0071] FIG. 4 provides a further front elevation cross-section of the wheel attachment arrangement shown in FIG. 2 providing closer view of the sleeve of the arrangement.

[0072] FIG. 5 provides a further front elevation cross-section of the wheel attachment arrangement shown in FIG. 2 illustrating the transfer of forces within the arrangement.

[0073] FIG. 6 provides front elevation cross-section of a second wheel attachment arrangement in accordance with the present invention which uses a wheel bolt to attach the composite wheel to a wheel mount.

[0074] FIG. 7 provides front elevation cross-section of a third wheel attachment arrangement in accordance with the present invention in which part of the engagement surface is located above the surface of the composite wheel.

[0075] FIG. 8 provides a top perspective view of a fourth wheel attachment arrangement in accordance with the present invention that includes a shared bearing body comprising a single piece front plate.

[0076] FIG. 9 provides a cross-sectional perspective view of the wheel arrangement shown in FIG. 8 illustrating the stacking arrangement of the bearing body and backplate.

[0077] FIG. 10 provides a front elevation cross-section of the wheel attachment arrangement shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrating the transfer of forces within the arrangement.

[0078] FIG. 11 provides a cross-sectional perspective view of the wheel arrangement shown in FIG. 8 illustrating retention aperture for retaining the bearing body front plate and backing plate on the composite wheel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] FIG. 1 illustrates a carbon fibre composite wheel 10 which is attached to a wheel mount (or wheel hub) 12 through wheel studs 14 using an attachment arrangement 16 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated attachment arrangement 16 comprises fastening nuts 18 which can be fastened onto the wheel studs 14, attachment inserts 20 and a backing plate 22.

[0080] The illustrated composite wheel 10 is a one-piece carbon fibre wheel, for example as described in International Patent Publication WO2010/025495A1 and International Patent Publication No. WO2019/033169A1, the contents of which should be understood to be incorporated into this specification by this reference. The hub portion 23 of the illustrated composite wheel 10 includes six attachment apertures 24 through which the wheels studs 14 of the wheel mount 12 are inserted when the wheel 10 is mounted on the wheel mount 12. Each of the wheel studs 14 are an elongate externally threaded pin having a complementary thread to a threaded internal bore 25 (FIG. 3) of each of the fastening nuts 18.

[0081] Whilst the illustrated wheel has six attachment apertures 24, it should be appreciated that a composite wheel using the attachment arrangement of the present invention may have any number of attachment apertures, for example three, four, five, six or more.

[0082] As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each fastening nut 18 is a cylindrical cap including a top 26 and a base 28 which annularly extends around the internal bore 25. The internal bore 25 includes a central fastening axis X (FIG. 3). Each fastening nut 18 has an angled engagement portion 36 which extends from the edge of the internal bore 25 (FIG. 3) to the outer radial side 32 of the fastening nut 18. The engagement portion 36 has a substantially complementary angle ? (FIG. 4) relative to the fastening axis X to an engagement surface 30 of the attachment insert 20. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the engagement portion 36 and engagement surface 30 can be flat, being angled 90 degrees relative to the fastening axis X or have a substantially complementary concave or convex curve.

[0083] Typically, the angle ? can be between 10 and 80 degrees, and more preferably between 30 and 60 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle ? is 45 degrees. The angle ? can be between 10 and 80 degrees, and more preferably between 30 and 60 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle ? is 45 degrees.

[0084] As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the attachment insert 20 comprises two main sections: [0085] (A) A bearing body 21 which comprises a generally toroid shaped head 38similar to a fastening washer; and [0086] (B) an axially extending cylindrical insert section (sleeve) 40.

[0087] The bearing body 21 and insert section 40 are preferably integrally formed from a single piece of material, such as metal, which could be cast, forged or machined from billet.

[0088] A fastening aperture 42 extends axially through length of the attachment insert 20. The fastening aperture 42 also includes a central fastening axis X. The fastening axis X of the fastening aperture 42 and internal bore 25 of the fastening nut 18 are aligned when the bearing body 21 and nut are in use, as shown in FIG. 3. In use, the fastening aperture 42 receives a wheel stud 14 of the wheel mount 12 (FIG. 1).

[0089] The bearing body 21 is used to distribute clamping force F (FIGS. 4 and 5) across the surface 47 of the composite wheel 10 around the attachment aperture 24. To achieve this, the head 38 of the bearing body 21 includes a substantially flat base 44 configured to face and abut the surface of the composite wheel 10 about the attachment aperture 24. The head 38 of the bearing body 21 is therefore configured to provide an increased clamping contact area with the load transfer zone 45 of the surface 47 of the composite wheel 10 surrounding the attachment aperture 24 and thereby increase the area through which the clamping force is applied to that area.

[0090] Additionally, the bearing body 21 is configured to receive the fastening nut 18 in nut aperture 27 so that the engagement portion 36 of the fastening nut 21 engages with the engagement surface 30 in insert section 40. The nut aperture 27 comprises a circular or polygonal shaped recess sized to accommodate the fastening nut 18, with some clearance, to allow the fastening nut 18 to be manipulated in that recess. In some embodiments, that clearance is sufficient to also accommodate a portion of tool (not illustrated) used to manipulate the fastening nut 18, for example a socket wrench or spanner. As shown in FIG. 3, the nut aperture 27 forms a recess that then steps into the fastening aperture 42.

[0091] The insert section 40 of the bearing body 21 is designed to transfer the clamping force from the engagement surface 30 through to the bearing body 21 and base 44 thereof. The insert section 40 also functions to distribute the load away from the center of the fastening aperture 42 and away from the walls of fastening aperture 42.

[0092] The insert section 40 extends axially outwardly from the base 44 of the head 38 of the bearing body 21 about the fastening aperture 42. The insert section 40 is configured to extend into an attachment aperture 24 of the composite wheel 10. The radial cross-section of body 50 of the insert section 40 is circular. Furthermore, the radial width of the body 50 of the insert section 40 is smaller than the radial width of the attachment aperture 24. This forms a radial gap G (FIG. 4) between the outside of the body 50 of the insert section 40 and the internal sides of attachment aperture 24 in the composite wheel 10. This reduces the possibility of the insert section 40 transferring some of the clamping load to the walls of the attachment aperture 24 and also provides clearance for a degree of expansion of the insert section 40 within the attachment aperture 24.

[0093] The thickness and radial width of the insert section 40 is sufficient to connect to the nut aperture 27 of the bearing body 21, accommodate the fastening aperture 42 and the engagement surface 36, as well as provide sufficient material to enable force transfer from the engagement surface 30 to the base 44 of the bearing body 21. This can result is a significant outer diameter for the insert section 40. The distal end 52 of the insert section 40 therefore includes a smaller diameter extension section 53 which is axially aligned with the fastening axis X and fastening aperture 42 which is specifically configured to be received within the insert section aperture 54 of the backing plate 22 (see below). The extension section 53 effectively provides a step in the distal end 52 of the insert section 40 where the radial size of the insert section 40 reduces in size to match the size of the insert section aperture 54 of the backing plate 22. Additionally, it should be noted that the distal end 52 of the insert section 40 at a spaced apart location from the surface of the wheel mount 12.

[0094] The insert section 40 includes an angled annular engagement surface 30 formed in an inner/internal surface of the insert section 40. As noted above, the engagement surface 30 has a complementary angle (?) relative to the fastening axis X to the base engagement portion 36 of the fastening nut 18. In use, the engagement portion 36 of the fastening nut 18 engages with the engagement surface 30 of the bearing body 21 when the fastening nut 18 is assembled on a wheel stud 14 to fasten the composite wheel 10 between the bearing body 21 and the wheel mount 12.

[0095] As previously noted, the positioning of the engagement surface 30 in the insert section 40 (formed in the inner wall thereof) enables the fastening nut 18 to be recessed through the bearing body 21 and into the insert section 40. This configuration positions the fastening nut in a lower position than if the engagement surface 30 was located within the bearing body 21. The engagement portion 36 of the fastening nut 18 and the engagement surface 30 of the insert section 40 are positioned below the base 44 of the bearing body 21 and below the top surface level 47 of the composite wheel. This positioning enables the attachment arrangement to accommodate shorter elongate fasteners (wheel studs) compared to the arrangement taught in WO2013/000009A1, therefore accommodating a smaller stack height H (FIG. 3) than possible in the arrangement taught in WO2013/000009A1. This provides the advantage of retaining standard vehicle wheel stud lengths and wheel nut designs when attaching a composite wheel 10 to the wheel mount 12 of a vehicle (not illustrated).

[0096] The arrangement of the engagement surface 30 within the insert section 40 locates the clamping engagement force between the engagement portion 36 of the fastening nut 18 and the engagement surface 30 of the insert section 40 below the base 44 of the bearing body 21 and the surface 47 of the composite wheel 10 around the attachment aperture 24. The attachment insert 20 is configured to project the compressive force from that clamping engagement outwards from the engagement surface 30 and axially (relative to fastening axis X) back up the insert section 40, and to the base 44 of the bearing body 21. As best shown in FIG. 5, this indirectly creates a compression force JC between the base 44 of the bearing body 21 and the backing plate 22, sandwiching the material of the composite wheel 10 together between the base 44 of the bearing body 21 and the backing plate 22 thereby securely fastening the wheel 10 onto the wheel mount 12.

[0097] As shown best in FIG. 5, the transfer of forces results from the fastening nut 18 being is fastened onto the end of the wheel stud 14 (creating tension BT in the wheel stud 14). Tightening of the fastening nut 18 on the wheel stud 14 engages the engagement portion 36 of the fastening nut 18 onto the engagement surface 30 creating a compression force SC on the engagement surface 36, which is transferred into the adjoining portion of the insert section 40. This in turn creates a tension force ST between the engagement surface 30 and the bearing body 21, which in turn applies a compression force JC from the base 44 of the bearing body 21 onto the surface 47 of the composite wheel 10 around the attachment aperture 24.

[0098] Finally, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the transfer of forces from the engagement surface 30 through the insert section to the bearing body 21 ensures that the force F is distributed away from the edge of the attachment aperture 24 and is more evenly distributed across the composite surface in a load transfer zone 45 and then on and through the composite structure around the attachment aperture 24.

[0099] As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the backing plate 22 is designed to be inserted between the wheel mount 12 and the composite wheel 10. The illustrated backing plate 22 is a flat toroid plate which includes six annularly spaced apart insert section apertures 54. The backing plate 22 provides a large surface on the opposite side of the attachment aperture 24 to the bearing body 21 against which the composite wheel 10 can be clamped by compression force JC (FIG. 5). The illustrated insert section apertures 54 have a generally circular shape designed to receive but not interlock with the distal end 52 of the insert section 40 section of the bearing body 21. Rotation of the bearing body 21 is prevented by an insert rod 143 inserted within a recess 146 in the base 44 of the head 38 of the bearing body 21, and projecting axially out therefrom, which is received and seated in a complementary recess 147 in the surface of the composite wheel 10.

[0100] In alternate embodiments (not illustrated), the distal end 52 of each insert section 40 can be configured to be received in a complementary shaped insert section aperture 54 formed in the backing plate 22, for example a complementary hexagonal shape. This complementary shape substantially prevents axial rotation of the insert section 40 relative to the wheel mount 12.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rear side 41 of the backing plate 22 includes a series of recesses 56 which are concentrically arranged with each of the insert section apertures 54. The recesses 56 shorten the length of insert section apertures 54 in the backing plate 22, enabling the insert a shorter insert section 40.

[0102] The insert section 40 of the bearing body 21 is preferably not bonded to the composite wheel 10 in any way. This allows the insert section 40 to slide relative to the attachment aperture 24 in the composite wheel 10.

[0103] The insert section aperture 54 is sized to allow at least a portion of the distal end 52 of the insert section 40 to move through the insert section aperture 54. In some arrangements, the clearance can be tailored to produce a sliding fit between the insert section 40 and the backing plate 22 allowing the distal end 52 of the insert section 40 to slide through the insert section aperture 54 when the attachment arrangement 16 is compressed. This reduces the possibility of the insert section 40 contacting the mount 12 and transferring some of the clamping load to the mount 12 or radially within the attachment aperture 24 or insert section aperture 54. However, it should be understood that the distal end 52 of the insert section 40 does not directly engage or contact (radially or axially relative to axis X-X) any part of the wheel mount 12 (FIG. 1) or the backing plate 22.

[0104] The distal end 52 of the insert section 40 is inserted through the insert section aperture 54 and then the end is fixed in place using a circlip or other fixing clip 151, fitted into a groove or trench 153 included in a portion of this distal end 52 of the insert section 40 which extends through the attachment aperture 24. The outer diameter of the fixing clip 151 has a greater size than the insert section aperture 54. It should be appreciated that this retention formation can be in any suitable such as a circlip (as illustrated), press fit washer or a deformation feature on end of the insert section 40. The fixing clip 151 can be seated in a complementary annular groove 55 (FIG. 4) provided in the base of the backing plate 22.

[0105] In other embodiments (not illustrated), the retention formation can be formed at the distal end 52 of the insert section 40 through deformation of the distal end 52 for example to form a rolled edge after the distal end 52 of the insert section 40 is inserted through the insert section aperture 54, so that it has a greater size than the insert section aperture 54. The rolled edge can be seated in a complementary annular groove 55 provided in the base of the backing plate 22. The arrangement still allows the insert section 140 to slide through the insert section aperture 154 relative to the backing plate 122 in one direction but prevents the whole attachment arrangement 116 from falling apart when the fastener element is removed.

[0106] As noted above, clearance can also be provided between this distal end 52 of the insert section 40 and backing plate 22 to ensure clamping load is transmitted from the engagement surface 30 through the carbon composite laminate 11 of composite wheel 10 and backing plate 22, and into the vehicle wheel mount (not illustrated).

[0107] The arrangement allows the insert section 40 to slide through the insert section aperture 54 relative to the backing plate 22 in one direction as well as preventing the whole attachment arrangement 16 from falling apart when the fastener element is removed.

[0108] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the attachment arrangement 216 according to the present invention that uses a wheel bolt 218 to mount the composite wheel 10 onto a wheel mount 12. Whilst not illustrated, it should be appreciated that the wheel bolt 218 includes a threaded elongate fastener section 214 and a bolt head 218A. The elongate fastener section 214 is inserted through the attachment aperture 224 of the composite wheel 10, which is then fastened into a complementary threaded aperture in the wheel mount 12 to attach or otherwise fix the composite wheel 10 to the wheel mount 12.

[0109] In this embodiment, the bolthead 218A of wheel bolt 218 includes all the features of each fastening nut 18 of the previous embodiment, with the exception that the wheel bolt 218 is integrally formed with the threaded elongate fastener section 214. Accordingly, the function and force transfer of this embodiment is exactly the same as described above for the preceding embodiment, with the exception that an angled engagement portion 236 is located in the bolt head 218 of the wheel bolt, and that engagement portion 236 is configured to engage with the engagement surface 230 of the attachment insert 220. A number of features of the attachment insert 220 shown in FIG. 6 are the same as those shown and described in relation to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. Like features in FIG. 6 have therefore been provided with the same reference numerals as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 PLUS 200. It should be understood that the above description of the operation of the attachment arrangement 16 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 equally applies to this embodiment, with the exception that the attachment arrangement 216 is tightened by engagement of the wheel bolt 218A in an aperture in the wheel mount 12 as opposed to fastening the fastening nut 18 on wheel stud 18. Thus, attachment insert 220 is formed from bearing body 221 and insert section 240 as previously described for the embodiment shown and describe in relation to FIGS. 1 to 5 and has the same features and function as previously described which interact with the wheel bolt 218.

[0110] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the attachment arrangement 316 according to the present invention where an upper portion of the engagement surface 330 is located above the top-level surface 322 of the composite wheel 310. A number of the features of the attachment arrangement 316 shown in FIG. 7 are the same as those shown and described in relation to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. Like features in FIG. 7 have therefore been provided with the same reference numerals as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 PLUS 300. It should be understood that the above description of the operation of the attachment arrangement 16 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 equally applies to this embodiment, with the exception of the positioning of the engagement surface 330 in the insert section 340. In this embodiment, the engagement surface 330 is still formed in the inner wall of the insert section. However, the location of the engagement surface 330 is higher relative to the surface 347 of the composite wheel 310, with a portion of the engagement surface 330 located axially above the surface 347 of the composite wheel 310 relative to axis X-X. The distal end 352 of the insert section 340 is at a spaced apart location from the surface of the wheel mount 12 (FIG. 1). In this sense, the distal end 352 of the insert section 340 does not directly engage or contact (radially or axially relative to axis X-X) any part of the wheel mount 12 (FIG. 1) or the backing plate 322.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 7, this positioning enables the attachment arrangement to accommodate shorter elongate fasteners (wheel studs or bolts) compared to the arrangement taught in WO2013/000009A1, therefore accommodating a smaller stack height H2 (FIG. 7) than possible in the arrangement taught in WO2013/000009A1. However, in this case, the stack height of this embodiment is much greater than the stack height H (FIG. 3) of the previous embodiment.

[0112] Fastening nut 318 is still received and recessed into the insert section 340 of bearing body 321 within nut aperture 327. In this embodiment, the fastening nut sits axially higher compared to the previous embodiment, this still enables the fastening nut 318 to be recessed through the bearing body 321, but not completely into the insert section 340.

[0113] FIGS. 8 to 11 illustrate an embodiment of the attachment arrangement 416 according to the present invention that includes a shared bearing body 421.

[0114] A number of the features of the attachment arrangement 416 shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 are the same as those shown and described in relation to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. Like features in FIGS. 8 to 11 have therefore been provided with the same reference numerals as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 PLUS 400. It should be understood that the above description of the operation of the attachment arrangement 16 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 equally applies to this embodiment, with the exception of the configuration of the bearing body 421 and insert section (sleeve) 440.

[0115] As best illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the attachment insert 420 comprises two main sections: [0116] (A) the bearing body 421 which comprises a single piece front plate extending over and around each of the attachment apertures 424 of the composite wheel 410; and [0117] (B) a plurality of axially extending cylindrical insert sections 440 which are configured to extend into each attachment aperture 424.

[0118] The attachment insert 420 also includes fastening apertures 442 for each attachment aperture 424 in the composite wheel 410.

[0119] The bearing body 421 and each insert section 440 of the attachment insert 420 are preferably integrally formed from a single piece of material, such as metal, which could be cast, forged or machined from billet.

[0120] As with the previous embodiments, a fastening aperture 442 extends axially through each insert section 440 about a central fastening axis X (FIG. 10). The fastening axis X of the fastening aperture 442 and internal bore 425 of the fastening nut 418 are aligned in use, as shown in FIG. 10. In use, each fastening aperture 442 receives a wheel stud 414 of the wheel mount (for example wheel studs 14 of wheel mount 12 in FIG. 1).

[0121] The bearing body 421 is again used to distribute clamping force F (FIG. 10) across the surface 447 of the composite wheel 410 around each attachment aperture 424. In this embodiment, the bearing body 421 comprises a top plate configured to extend over the surface 447 of the composite wheel 410 between and around each of the attachment apertures 424. The bearing body 421 is therefore configured as a shared body that provides an increased clamping contact area 445 with the surface 447 of the composite wheel over the surface of the composite wheel around each of the attachment apertures 424. Once again, the bearing body provides a flat base surface 444 configured to face and abut the surface of the composite wheel 10 about each attachment aperture 424but in this case with that base surface 444 extending between and about each attachment aperture 424. Each fastening aperture 442 includes a recessed portion comprising a nut aperture 427 in the bearing body 421 which comprises a circular or polygonal shaped recess sized to accommodate the fastening nut 418, with some clearance, to allow the fastening nut 418 to be manipulated in that recess. The nut aperture 427 leads directly into the insert section 440 of the bearing body 421.

[0122] As best illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, each insert section 440 extends axially outwardly from the base 444 of the bearing body 421 about the fastening aperture 442 into and through the respective attachment apertures 424 of the composite wheel 410. The radial cross-section of body 450 of the insert section 440 is circular, and preferably has a radial width smaller than the radial width of the attachment aperture 424. The distal end 452 of the insert section 440 is configured to be received within an insert section aperture recess 456 of the backing plate 422 (see below).

[0123] The insert section 440 includes an angled annular engagement surface 430 formed in an inner/internal surface of the insert section 440. The engagement surface 430 has a complementary angle (equivalent to angle ? in FIG. 4) relative to the fastening axis X to the base engagement portion 436 of the fastening nut 418. In use, the engagement portion 436 of the fastening nut 418 engages with the engagement surface 430 of the bearing body 421 when the fastening nut 418 is assembled on a wheel stud 414 to fasten the composite wheel 410 between the bearing body 421 and the wheel mount.

[0124] In this embodiment, the engagement surface 430 is positioned at the distal end 452 of the insert section 440, again formed in and extending radially inwards from the inner wall thereof. This positions the engagement surface 430 below the bearing body 421, below the top surface 447 of the composite wheel, with a section of that engagement surface 430 extending below the composite wheel 410, located within the insert section aperture recess 456 of the backing plate 422. This enables each fastening nut 418 to be recessed through the bearing body 421 and into the respective insert section 440. This configuration positions the fastening nut 418 in an even lower position than the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, providing an even smaller stack height.

[0125] The insert section 440 of the bearing body 421 is preferably not bonded to the composite wheel 10 in any way. This allows the insert section 440 to slide relative to the attachment aperture 24 in the composite wheel 410.

[0126] The attachment insert 420 is configured to project the compressive force from that clamping engagement outwards from the engagement surface 430 and axially (relative to fastening axis X) back up the insert section 440, and to the base 444 of the bearing body 421. As best shown in FIG. 10, this indirectly creates a compression force JC between the base 455 of the bearing body 421 and the backing plate 422, sandwiching the material of the composite wheel 10 together between the base 455 of the bearing body 421 and the backing plate 422 thereby securely fastening the wheel 410 onto the wheel mount 412. The transfer of forces results from the fastening nut 418 being is fastened onto the end of the wheel stud 414 (creating tension BT in the wheel stud 414). Tightening of the fastening nut 418 on the wheel stud 414 engages the engagement portion 436 of the fastening nut 418 onto the engagement surface 430 creating a compression force SC on the engagement surface 430, which is transferred into the adjoining portion of the insert section 440. This in turn creates a tension force ST between the engagement surface 430 and the bearing body 421, which in turn applies a compression force JC from the base 444 of the bearing body 421 onto the surface 447 of the composite wheel 410 around the attachment aperture 424. The transfer of forces from the engagement surface 430 through the insert section to the bearing body 421 ensures that the force F is distributed away from the edge of the attachment aperture 424 and is more evenly distributed across the composite surface 447 and then on and through the composite structure around the attachment aperture 424. For this embodiment, the shared nature of the bearing body 421 provides even greater distribution of those forces over the across the composite surface 447.

[0127] As best shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, the backing plate 422 is designed to be inserted between the wheel mount 412 and the composite wheel 410. The illustrated backing plate 422 is a flat toroid shaped plate which includes eight annularly spaced apart insert section apertures 454corresponding with the number of attachment apertures 424 in the composite wheelthrough which the wheel stud 414 extends. The backing plate 422 provides a large surface on the opposite side of the attachment apertures 424 to the bearing body 421 against which the composite wheel 410 can be clamped by compression force JC (FIG. 10). As shown in FIGS. 10, the backing plate 422 includes a series of insert section aperture recesses 456 which are concentrically arranged with each of the insert section apertures 454. The recesses 456 seat the distal ends 452 of the insert sections 440 therein as described above. Again, the distal end 452 of the insert section 440 does not directly engage (radially or axially relative to axis X-X) any part of the wheel mount 412 or the backing plate 422.

[0128] In the illustrated embodiment, a fastener such as a shoulder bolt is fastened in recess 446 (FIG. 11) to loosely hold the shared bearing body 421 and the backing plate 422 together though the carbon fibre wheel 410. This also prevents rotation of the bearing body 421. Nevertheless, it should be appreciated that equally an alternate retention feature, for example a circlip or other fastener arrangement provided on the distal end of each insert section 440 or similar could be equally be used to perform this function. Here a further section may axially extend from the distal end 452 of the insert section 440 through the respective insert section aperture 454, onto which the fastener arrangement is attached. Similarly, embodiments of the insert section 440 may include a sleeve or similar extension section that axially extends from the distal end 452 of the insert section 440 through the respective insert section aperture 454.

[0129] When fitted to a composite wheel 10 (for example as shown in FIG. 1), the attachment arrangement 16, 216, 316, 416 is preloaded tension between the annular engagement surface 30, 230, 330, 430 of the arrangement 16, 216, 316, 416 and the base 44, 244, 344, 444 of the bearing body 21, 221, 321, 421 (and the load transfer zone 45, 345, 445 of the surface of the composite wheel 10 around the attachment aperture 24, 224, 324, 424) through tightening of the fastening nut 18 on wheel studs 14, 314, 414 (embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, FIG. 7 or FIGS. 8 to 11 respectfully), or tightening of the fastening bolt 218 (embodiment shown in FIG. 6). This also preloads compression between the base 44, 244, 344, 444 of the bearing body 21, 221, 321, 421 and the surface of the composite wheel 10 around the attachment aperture 24, 224, 324, 424.

[0130] While the illustrated embodiment relates to a carbon fibre wheel 10, it should be appreciated that the illustrated attachment arrangement could be adapted for use with any similar type of composite material, structure or component which is designed to be fastened to a mount and in which compression joint damage can occur.

[0131] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0132] Where the terms comprise, comprises, comprised or comprising are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other feature, integer, step, component or group thereof.