General Motors (GM) has recently filed a patent application for a new type of wheel that could potentially reduce weight and materials cost. The patent application, which was published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office on October 10th, proposes the use of a combination of metal and fire-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite to create two-piece wheels.
Currently, most production-car wheels are made from aluminum or steel and are typically cast or forged as a single piece. GM’s proposed design would feature a metal barrel and spokes, while the wheel face would be made from FRP composite, which may include carbon fiber as part of its composition. The spokes of the wheel could also be hollow, allowing for the insertion of metal inserts to increase stiffness.
To join the metal barrel and composite, GM suggests using adhesive, metal fasteners, or over-molding the composite piece onto the wheel. In the case of over-molding, the composite material would flow into pre-made holes or slots in the metal wheel barrel as it is molded into shape.
GM believes that this hybrid design would offer improved impact resistance, durability, and repairability compared to all-metal or all-composite wheels. By keeping the barrel section metal, which is more prone to damage, the wheel can better withstand impacts. This design also allows for more design freedom, with the potential for exposed-carbon spokes and a unique appearance similar to all-carbon-fiber wheels.
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Although some performance cars, such as GM’s own Chevrolet Corvette Z06, already offer carbon-fiber wheels that are lighter than traditional metal wheels, GM argues that their hybrid design offers advantages in terms of resilience and repairability. However, it is important to note that the filing of a patent application does not guarantee that the wheel design will reach production. Patent applications are typically filed to protect inventions and are not necessarily indicative of future product plans.
If this hybrid metal and composite wheel design were to be successfully implemented, it could have significant implications for the automotive industry. Lighter wheels can contribute to improved fuel efficiency, handling, and overall performance of vehicles. Additionally, reducing the use of expensive materials like aluminum or steel could help lower manufacturing costs for automakers.
In conclusion, GM’s patent application for wheels made from a combination of metal and composite material showcases their ongoing efforts to explore innovative wheel designs that offer weight reduction and cost-saving benefits. While the application provides an interesting concept, only time will tell if this design will make its way into production vehicles. Nonetheless, the pursuit of advancements in wheel technology demonstrates GM’s commitment to improving the performance and efficiency of their vehicles.
