Hyundai and Kia have patented a new wheel design aimed at increasing the range of electric vehicles and reducing fuel consumption in internal combustion models. The design, registered in early November, aims to improve airflow around the wheels, particularly at high speeds, by closing the gaps between the wheel spokes.
The openings in wheels are critical for cooling the brakes. However, these gaps can disrupt airflow while the vehicle is in motion, increasing aerodynamic drag. While fully enclosed wheel designs offer advantages in this regard, they can lead to issues such as insufficient brake cooling.
The system described in the patent attempts to address both needs simultaneously. While the main wheel spokes visible from the outside remain stationary, there is a rotatable ring behind them with flaps attached to it. When the ring moves, the flaps slide between the wheel spokes to close the gaps; they retract when the brakes need air.
The patent file includes multiple options for how the system will be operated. Electric motors, hydraulic mechanisms, compressed air arrangements, and shape-memory alloys that change shape when heated electrically are among the options listed. However, it has not been disclosed which method would be preferred if it enters mass production.
According to the patent file, approximately 25 percent of total air resistance at highway speeds can be attributed to the wheels and tires. Therefore, closing the wheel gaps could provide efficiency, especially during long-distance driving at constant speeds. However, Hyundai and Kia have not shared measurements regarding how much the design will contribute to range or fuel consumption.
It is also not yet clear which model the design will be used in or whether it will enter mass production. Issues such as the durability of moving parts, maintenance requirements, and production costs are among the topics awaiting answers before the technology hits the road.
News Source: 12punto
