18274254. Wheel Cover Apparatus, Vehicle Having a Wheel Cover Apparatus and Method for Operating Such a Vehicle simplified abstract (Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft)

Wheel Cover Apparatus, Vehicle Having a Wheel Cover Apparatus and Method for Operating Such a Vehicle

Organization Name

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft

Inventor(s)

Jurij Jecmenjak-urban of Garching bei Muenchen (DE)

Andreas Mayer of Muenchen (DE)

Ludwig Seethaler of Erdweg (DE)

Wheel Cover Apparatus, Vehicle Having a Wheel Cover Apparatus and Method for Operating Such a Vehicle - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18274254 titled 'Wheel Cover Apparatus, Vehicle Having a Wheel Cover Apparatus and Method for Operating Such a Vehicle

Simplified Explanation

The wheel cover apparatus for a vehicle described in the patent application includes an upper planar section and a lower planar section for covering the outer side of a steerable wheel, an adjustment device for adjusting the position and orientation of the upper planar section, and a positioning device for positioning the lower planar section. The upper planar section can pivot about a first axis in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, while both sections can pivot about a second axis also in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The upper planar section is movable relative to the wheelhouse using the adjustment device, and the positioning device is a traction means transmission.

• The wheel cover apparatus includes an upper planar section and a lower planar section for covering the outer side of a steerable wheel.
• An adjustment device allows for the adjustment of the position and orientation of the upper planar section.
• A positioning device positions the lower planar section.
• The upper planar section can pivot about a first axis in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
• Both sections can pivot about a second axis in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
• The upper planar section is movable relative to the wheelhouse using the adjustment device.
• The positioning device is a traction means transmission.

Potential Applications

The wheel cover apparatus can be used in various types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses, to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag.

Problems Solved

The wheel cover apparatus helps to streamline the airflow around the wheels of a vehicle, reducing fuel consumption and improving overall efficiency.

Benefits

- Improved aerodynamics - Reduced drag - Increased fuel efficiency - Enhanced vehicle performance

Potential Commercial Applications

- Automotive industry: for use in cars, trucks, and buses - Transportation industry: for use in commercial vehicles - Racing industry: for use in high-performance vehicles

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be the use of wheel covers in the racing industry to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag on vehicles.

Unanswered Questions

1. How does the adjustment device work to move the upper planar section relative to the wheelhouse? 2. What materials are typically used in the construction of the wheel cover apparatus for durability and efficiency?

Original Abstract Submitted

A wheel cover apparatus for a vehicle includes an upper planar section for at least partially covering the wheel outer side of a steerable wheel, a lower planar section for at least partially covering the wheel outer side of the steerable wheel, an adjustment device for adjusting a position and/or orientation of the upper planar section and a positioning device for positioning the lower planar section. The upper planar section can be arranged on a body of a vehicle so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The upper planar section and the lower planar section are connected to each other so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The upper planar section is coupled to the adjustment device in such a manner that, in a functional installed state in the vehicle, the upper planar section is movable relative to the wheelhouse by means of the adjustment device. The positioning device is a traction means transmission.