Vehicle wheels and methods of making vehicle wheels
Vehicle wheels and methods of making vehicle wheels are provided. A vehicle wheel comprises a generally annular first region, a second region, and a flange extension. The first region comprises an inner surface and an outer surface comprising a tire bead seat. The second region extends radially inwardly from the first region. The second region is configured to mount to a vehicle axle. The flange extension extends from the first region in a direction away from the second region. The flange extension comprises a first extension end integral with the first region, a second extension end, and an elongate portion intermediate the first extension end and the second extension end. The elongate portion comprising a first portion with a thickness less than a thickness of the second extension end.
1 . A vehicle wheel comprising:
a generally annular first region comprising an inner surface and an outer surface comprising a tire bead seat;
a second region extending radially inwardly from the first region, the second region configured to mount to a vehicle axle; and
a flange extension extending from the first region in a direction away from the second region, the flange extension comprising:
a first extension end integral with the first region;
a second extension end; and
an elongate portion intermediate the first extension end and the second extension end, the elongate portion comprising a first portion with a thickness less than a thickness of the second extension end;
wherein the first portion comprises a first curved surface extending from the outer surface of the first region and a second curved surface extending from the inner surface of the first region.
2 . The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , wherein the second extension end comprises a substantially flat surface extending away from the first region.
3 . The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , wherein the first and second curved surfaces are concave.
4 . The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , wherein the second curved surface transitions into the inner surface of the first region along a constant radius of curvature.
5 . The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , wherein the first curved surface transitions into the outer surface of the first region at an inflection point.
6 . The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , wherein the first curved surface and second curved surface each comprise a radius of curvature in a range of 0.1 inch to 1 inch.
7 . The vehicle wheel of claim 6 , wherein the radius of curvature of the second curved surface is greater than the radius of curvature of the first curved surface.
8 . The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , wherein the first region comprises a nominal rim diameter in a range of 1 inch to 200 inches and a nominal rim width in a range of 1 inch to 100 inches.
9 . The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , wherein the first region comprises a nominal rim diameter in a range of 16 inches to 24 inches and a nominal rim width in a range of 5.5 inches to 17 inches.
10 . The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , wherein the flange extension extends axially at least 0.5 inches from the tire bead seat on the first region.
11 . The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , wherein a thickness of the second extension end is in a range of 0.2 inches to 1 inch.
12 . The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle wheel comprises at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, and a composite.
13 . The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , further comprising a mounting clip configured to engage the first portion.
14 . The vehicle wheel of claim 13 , wherein the mounting clip comprises one or more of a clip, a clamp, a fastener, and a snap-ring.
15 . The vehicle wheel of claim 13 , further comprising a component, wherein the mounting clip is configured to retain the component proximal to the flange extension.
16 . The vehicle wheel of claim 15 , wherein the component comprises one or more of a wheel cover, a beauty ring, an energy harvesting system, a lighting system, and a wheel-balancing system.
17 . The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , comprising two or more mounting clips configured to engage the first portion.
18 . A method of producing a vehicle wheel, the method comprising:
providing a vehicle wheel by a method comprising at least one of forming, curing, forging, casting, and additive manufacturing, the vehicle wheel comprising one or more of a metal, a metal alloy, and a composite, the vehicle wheel comprising:
a generally annular first region comprising an inner surface and an outer surface comprising a tire bead seat;
a second region extending radially inwardly from the first region, the second region configured to mount to a vehicle axle; and
a flange extension extending from the first region in a direction away from the second region, the flange extension comprising:
a first extension end integral with the first region;
a second extension end; and
an elongate portion intermediate the first extension end and the second extension end, the elongate portion comprising a first portion with a thickness less than a thickness of the second extension end;
wherein the first portion comprises a first curved surface extending from the outer surface of the first region and a second curved surface extending from the inner surface of the first region, and
wherein the second curved surface transitions into the inner surface of the first region along a constant radius of curvature.
19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the first region comprises a nominal rim diameter in a range of 1 inch to 200 inches and a nominal rim width in a range of 1 inch to 100 inches.