Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

A ROTATING MEMBER FOR A VEHICLE AND A SUPPORTING STRUCTURE THEREOF

APPLICANT:

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian Company at: “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

 
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a rotating member for a vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively, the present subject matter relates to a wheel rim and a wheel assembly including a supporting structure.

BACKGROUND
[0002] A wheel rim is provided for strength and support to the wheel assembly of the vehicle. The wheel rim provides an area on its outer surface on which the inside edge of the tyre is mounted. The vehicles employing these wheel rims may be exposed to harsh driving conditions which may lead to damage to the wheel rims leading to poor driving and performance of the vehicle. In some cases, it may also lead unbalanced and/or misaligned wheel assembly thereby adversely affecting tyres, vehicle performance and in rare cases irreparable damages to the wheel assembly, including leaking of air or in rare cases, bursting of tyres, leading to accidents. It is known to improve the strength of the wheel rim by having the wheel rim thickness and material increased. However, sometimes the availability and/or cost of materials becomes an issue. Also, the increased thickness and high strength material may not always be compatible with the existing parts, configuration and tools required for assembly. This can lead to substantial changes in or incompatibilities with existing manufacturing practices or processes to cater to the change in thickness and materials of the wheel rim. The incompatibilities may also lead to many constraints like metal forming issues during manufacturing of rims. Completely new tooling increases the tooling cost which puts extra burden on the manufacturers of the spare parts.
[0003] Further, in case of electric vehicles (primarily the EVs having the traction motor), due to relatively more unsprung mass compared to IC engine vehicles, high collision impact is caused to wheel rims when the wheel assembly comes under shock load due to bad driving conditions like potholes and sharp speed brakers or any other shock loads which may also lead to deformation of wheel rim. Deformation of the rim subsequently causes air leakage or which may lead to poor balancing of the vehicle and consequently accidents. In case of motors mounted on wheels in electric vehicles, such impact loads may also cause motor damage or failure. In electric vehicles also, therefore, merely increasing thickness or material of the wheel may not suffice for the reasons stated above.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a support system that improves the impact resistance of a wheel rim while also supplying enough support and strength to the wheel assembly of the vehicle thus making the ride safer for the user. At the same time the support system or device should be implementable without altering the existing, tooling, parts or the manufacturing process for making the wheel rims and wheel assemblies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The invention therefore pertains to providing a novel and inventive supporting structure for necessary support and strength to a rotating member of a vehicle, such as a wheel rim and a rotating member assembly for a vehicle.
[0006] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of a supporting structure along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components.
[0007] Figure 1a illustrates a perspective view of a supporting structure for a rotating member in one embodiment of the invention. Figure 1b shows a side view of the supporting structure having multiple arcuate portions forming a single circular profile. Figure 1c shows a side view of the embodiment of the supporting structure having two arcuate portions.
[0008] Figures 2a and 2b show a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure with rectangular depressions on the inner arcuate surface. Figure 2c and Figure 2d show an embodiment of the supporting structure having circular openings in multiple arcuate portions forming a single circular profile and two arcuate potions respectively.
[0009] Figure 3a shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having two arcuate portions with intermittent substantially circular and substantially oval shaped openings. Figure 3b shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having multiple arcuate portions forming a single circular profile with intermittent substantially elliptical shaped openings. Figure 3c shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having irregularly shaped holes spaced intermittently in the supporting structure having multiple arcuate portions forming a single circular profile. Figure 3d shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having substantially trapezium shaped depressions on the outer arcuate surface of two arcuate portions.
[00010] Figure 4a shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having substantially u-shaped depressions on the outer arcuate surface of multiple arcuate portions forming a single circular profile. Figure 4b shows embodiment of the supporting structure having substantially u-shaped depressions on the outer surface of two arcuate portions. Figure 4c shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having substantially u-shaped depressions on the outer as well as inner arcuate surface of the supporting structure having multiple arcuate portions forming a single circular profile. Figure 4d shows embodiment of the supporting structure having substantially u-shaped depressions on the outer as well as inner arcuate surface of two arcuate portions.
[00011] Figure 5a shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having two hollow tubular arcuate portions. Figure 5b shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having solid tubular arcuate portions. Figure 5c shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having multiple arcuate portions forming a single substantially circular shape with a wavy profile. Figure 5d shows a top view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having multiple arcuate portions forming a single substantially circular shape with a wavy profile in lateral directions. Figure 5e shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having multiple arcuate portions with a wavy profile.
[00012] Figure 6a shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having multiple arcuate portions forming a single circular profile with trapezoidal depressions on its outer surface. Figure 6b shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having two arcuate portions with trapezoidal depressions on its outer surface. Figure 6c shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having two arcuate portions with multiple pair of different irregular openings intermittently. Figure 6d shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having two arcuate portions with substantially u-shaped depressions on their inner surface. Figure 6e shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having multiple arcuate portions forming a single circular profile with substantially u-shaped depressions on its inner surface. Figure 6f shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having multiple arcuate portions forming a single circular profile with triangular depressions on its inner surface.
[00013] Figure 7a shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having two arcuate portions with substantially triangular depressions on its inner surface. Figure 7b shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having two arcuate portions with multiple substantially oval openings being intermittently spaced. Figure 7c shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having supporting structure having multiple arcuate portions forming a single circular profile with multiple substantially oval openings being intermittently spaced. Figure 7d shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having two arcuate portions with broader trapezoidal depressions on their inner surface. Figure 7e shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having supporting structure having multiple arcuate portions forming a single circular profile with broader trapezoidal depressions on their inner surface.
[00014] Figure 8a shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having a supporting structure having multiple arcuate portions forming a single circular profile with multiple elliptical openings spaced intermittently. Figure 8b shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having two arcuate portions with multiple elliptical openings spaced intermittently. Figure 8c shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having a supporting structure having multiple arcuate portions forming a single circular profile with multiple types of round and elliptical openings spaced intermittently. Figure 8d shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having two arcuate portions with multiple long elliptical openings being intermittently spaced. Figure 8e shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having two arcuate portions with equidistant multiple openings. Figure 8f shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having multiple arcuate portions.
[00015] Figure 9a shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having two substantially L-shaped arcuate portions. Figure 9b shows a top view of a single substantially L-shaped arcuate portion. Figure 9c shows a sectional view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having the substantially L-shaped arcuate portion with cross section.
[00016] Figure 10 illustrates an exploded view of the rotating member for a vehicle in accordance with one embodiment of the invention having supporting structures on both lateral sides of the rotating member with each supporting structure having two arcuate portions with rectangular cross section.
[00017] Figure 11 illustrates an exploded view of a rotating member assembly according to one embodiment of the invention showing a hub mounted motor, tyre member, along with rotating member and supporting structure having arcuate portions forming two substantially circular portions on either side of the rotating member.
[00018] Figure 12a shows a perspective view of a rotating member without the supporting structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Figure 12b illustrates a sectional view of the rotating member according without the supporting structure. Figure 12c illustrates a cross-sectional view of the rotating member according to with extended flange portion without the supporting structure.
[00019] Figures 13a-13h illustrate the cross-sectional views of the rotating member along with the various embodiments of the supporting structure being attached in various manners to the flange portions with or without the flange extensions. Figure 13a has a support structure with substantially rectangular cross section with bent profile. Figure 13b has a support structure with rectangular cross section. Figure 13c has a support structure with hollow circular cross section. Figure 13d has a support structure with solid circular cross section. Figure 13e has a support structure with rectangular cross section being welded to the rotating member. Figure 13f has a support structure with rectangular cross section being welded in an alternative way to the rotating member. Figure 13g has a support structure with hollow circular cross section being welded to the rotating member. Figure 13h has a support structure with hollow circular cross section being welded to the rotating member.
[00020] Figures 14a to 14d illustrate the cross-sectional views of the rotating member along with various embodiment of the supporting structure being attached to the flange portions with or without flange extensions. The Figures 14a to 14d also illustrate the joining zones created at a portion of rotating member where a portion of the supporting structure is being attached.
[00021] Figure 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the rotating member assembly including a tyre member mounted on the rotating member along with the supporting structure attached to the flange portion of the rotating member according to one embodiment of the invention.
[00022] Figure 16a illustrates a side view of the supporting structure having a single arcuate portion having substantially U-shaped depressions on its inner and outer surface Figure 16b illustrates a side view of the supporting structure having a two arcuate portions of wavy shape profile. Both Figure 16a and Figure 16b show how various dimensions in these embodiments of the invention are measured.
[00023] Figure 17a illustrates a cross-sectional view of the rotating member along with supporting structure having substantially L-shaped cross section attached to the flange portion of the rotating member while illustrating various dimensions and parameters of the rotating member and the supporting structure. Figure 17b illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure having a single arcuate portion having L-shaped cross section showing various dimensions in one embodiment of the invention. Figure 17c illustrates a sectional top view of the supporting structure with two arcuate portions having L-shaped cross section while showing various dimensions of the support structure.
[00024] Figure 18 illustrates a bar-graph that captures the comparison of deformation of a rotating member with the supporting structure and a rotating member without the supporting structure of the vehicle under stress.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00025] In order to achieve one or more of the above-mentioned objectives and other related objectives, the present invention provides a rotating member for a vehicle and a supporting structure thereof for a vehicle.
[00026] When a rotating member, for example a wheel rim, is subjected to high impact loads during operation, it is the flange portions which are subject to the maximum stress thereby leading to deformation. In case of a wheel rim with a tyre mounted thereon such deformations can lead to air leakage. Further in case such wheel assembly is used in a vehicle such air leakage can cause serious imbalance of the wheels and can potentially cause accidents. Therefore, it was considered appropriate to support the flange portions to reinforce the rotating member.
[00027] Accordingly, as per the first embodiment of the invention, a supporting structure for a rotating member for a vehicle is provided. The supporting structure comprises one or more arcuate portions. The arcuate portions are configured to be attached to the rotating member. The rotating member includes at least a pair of flange portions. The flange portions are provided at the lateral sides of the rotating member wherein the arcuate portions of the supporting structure are configured to be attached to the rotating member along the flange portions of the rotating member. The supporting structure is attached to the rotating member by a joining process. The supporting structure works as a continuous support or prop to the overhanging portion of the flange profile which reinforces the rotating member by reducing stress on the flange area. and causes less deformation of the rotating member when subjected to higher impact loads acting on the rotating member. Since the supporting structure can be easily attached to new as well as existing rotating members like wheel rims, the reinforcement in the form of the supporting structure does not affect the manufacturing process of the rotating member thereby saving time as well as costs. The supporting structure does not involve any complex manufacturing process and it minimally increases the weight to the rotating member assembly. Thus, providing the reinforcement to the flange portions by way of the supporting structure improves the rotating member strength significantly. The impact resistance obtained by the supporting structure is comparatively better than other methods like increasing the material thickness or using high strength material for the rotating member of the vehicle.
[00028] As per another embodiment of the invention, the arcuate portions of the supporting structure are attached to the pair of flange portions of the rotating member by a process which can include but is not limited to welding, bonding with adhesive, joining with fasteners, interference fitting, loose fitting, transition fitting and fixed fitting. The gap between the surface of flange portions and the supporting structure is subject to manufacturer suitability and requirements.
[00029] As per another embodiment of the invention, the cross-sectional shape of the arcuate portions can include but is not limited to substantially circular, rectangular, square shaped, L-shape, C-shape, U-shaped and crescent shape.
[00030] As per another embodiment of the invention, the arcuate portions comprise two substantially semi-circular portions.
[00031] As per another embodiment of the invention, the arcuate portions include an outer arcuate surface which abuts at least a portion of the flange portions of the rotating member. The arcuate portions also include an inner arcuate surface facing an axis of rotation of the rotating member.
[00032] As per another embodiment of the invention, the arcuate portions have a plurality of openings in a side view. The openings are being provided at intermittent gaps. In various aspects of the invention, the openings can have various shapes including but not limited to circular, elliptical, oval, quadrilateral and triangular and/or a combination of said shapes. It may be appreciated that the shape of openings in the present embodiment of this invention is not limited to the above illustrations. The openings can be of irregular or regular or a combination of both depending on the vehicle or load requirements as the same would provide varied types of support to the rotating member due to the unique dynamics of each type of profile.

[00033] As per another embodiment of the invention, a profile of the outer arcuate surface of the arcuate portion is different from a profile of the inner arcuate surface of the arcuate portion when seen in a side view. In another aspect of the invention, the profile of the outer arcuate surface of the arcuate portion is similar to the profile of the inner arcuate surface of the arcuate portion when seen in a side view
[00034] As per another embodiment of the invention, the profiles of the inner arcuate surface and the outer arcuate surface are selected from a group consisting of smooth, wavy, substantially V-shaped depressions, substantially U-shaped depressions, substantially square shaped depressions, substantially rectangular shaped depressions, substantially triangular depressions, substantially trapezium shaped depressions and a combination thereof. It may be appreciated by a skilled person that different profiles of the inner and outer arcuate surface will provide varied types of support to the rotating member due to the unique dynamics of each type of profile. A manufacturer can therefore choose the requisite profile as per vehicle and/or load requirements.
[00035] As per another embodiment of the invention, the arcuate portions are made from a material which may include but are not limited to metal, metal alloys, polymer and composite materials.
[00036] As per another embodiment of the invention, the diameter (Xin) of the arcuate portions at the inner arcuate surface is greater than or equal to the diameter (Drim) of the rotating member.
[00037] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the rotating member for a vehicle comprises an inner surface which faces an axis of rotation of the rotating member and an outer surface which is being configured to mount a tyre member. The rotating member also includes at least a pair of flange portions provided at lateral sides of the rotating member. The pair of flange portions are configured to secure the tyre member. The function of the flange portions is to ensure that the tyre mounted on the outer surface of the rotating member does not slip off. Thus, upon inflation of the tyre using pressurized air, the edges of tyre expand laterally and the flanges help in securing the tyre on the outer surface of the rotating member. Further, the rotating member, includes at least a pair of resting portions which adjoin the pair of flange portions. The resting portions are being configured to accommodate resting of the tyre member. Thus, when a tyre member is mounted on the rotating member, while the inner edges of tyre member are rested on the resting portions of rotating member, while the flange portions on the lateral sides ensure that the tyre is secured and does not slip off towards either side of the wheel rim. Moreover, the rotating member also includes a central portion which is located substantially at a circumferential center of the rotating member. The central portion adjoins the resting portions on its either side. Lastly, in this embodiment, the rotating member includes the supporting structure. The supporting structure is being configured to be attached to the flange portions to reinforce the rotating member.
[00038] As per another embodiment of the invention, the supporting structure comprises one or more arcuate portions. The arcuate portions are being configured to be attached to at least a portion of the rotating member.
[00039] As per another embodiment of the invention, the rotating member is a wheel rim.
[00040] As per another embodiment of the invention, the rotating member is configured to be rotated by a torque generated from a power unit. The power unit can be a prime mover to run a vehicle. The power unit can include an internal combustion engine or an electric motor or a combination thereof for a hybrid powertrain. In case of electric vehicles, the electric motor can be the sole prime mover. In one aspect of the invention, the electric motor can be hub-mounted on the rotating member, for example, wheel rim of the vehicle. Thus, a reinforced wheel rim with the supporting structure for such an electric vehicle would safeguard not only the wheel assembly but also the hub-mounted electric motor from damage caused by distortion of the wheel rim due to high load impacts during operation of the vehicle. on the rotating member.
[00041] As per another embodiment of the invention, the pair of flange portions of the rotating member includes flange extensions. The flange extensions are circumferentially extended towards the lateral sides of the rotating member. The arcuate portions of the supporting structure are attached to the flange portions below the flange extensions thereby reinforcing the rotating member at the flange extensions.

[00042] As per another embodiment of the invention, the thickness A of the one or more arcuate portions of the supporting structure is less than or equal to three times the thickness T of the rotating member in a sectional view across a plane passing through the centre of the rotating member.
[00043] As per another embodiment of the invention, the width B of the flange portion in a cross-sectional view ranges from 6 millimeters to 32.5 millimeter. As per another aspect of the invention the width (P) of the resting portion in a cross-sectional view ranges from 11 millimeters to 52 millimeters.
[00044] As per another embodiment of the invention, a height H of the resting portion which is measured from the base of the central portion on the outer surface of the rotating member in a cross- sectional view, ranges from 5.5m to 28mm.
[00045] As per another embodiment of the invention, a height G of the flange portion which is measured from the base of the resting portion on the outer surface of the rotating member in a cross- sectional view, ranges from 10 millimeters to 53 millimeters.
[00046] As per another embodiment of the invention, a width W of the arcuate portion is defined as 4mm ≤ W ≤ G+H wherein G is the height of the flange portion and H is the height of the resting portion as defined in preceding paragraphs above. Moreover, the height H of the resting portion and the height G of the flange portion is further defined by G+H ≤ 80mm.
[00047] As per another embodiment of the invention, a length L of the arcuate portion in a cross-sectional view is defined as 0.5mm ≤ L ≤ P+B wherein P is the width of the resting portion and B is the width of the flange portion as defined above in previous paragraphs. Further, the width P of the resting portion and the width B of the flange portion is being defined by P+B ≤ 75mm.
[00048] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a rotating member assembly for a vehicle comprises one or more rotating members which are configured to be rotatably mounted on one or more axles of the vehicle; one or more tyre member which are mounted on the rotating member. The rotating member of the rotating member assembly comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface faces a center of the rotating member while the outer surface is configured to mount the tyre member. The rotating member also comprises at least a pair of flange portions being located at lateral sides of the rotating member. The flange portions are configured to contain the tyre member. At least a pair of resting portions of the rotating member adjoins at least one of the flange portions. The resting portions are being configured to accommodate resting of the tyre member. The rotating member also comprises a central portion which is located substantially at a circumferential center of the rotating member. The central portion adjoins the resting portions on either side of the central portion. The rotating member is configured to include a supporting structure which is being configured to be attached to the flange portions to reinforce the rotating member.
[00049] As per another embodiment of the invention, the supporting structure of the rotating member assembly includes one or more arcuate portions which are configured to be attached to the rotating member along the flange portions of the rotating member.
[00050] Thus, the mentioned invention improves the strength of the rotating member by reinforcing the same against impact loads. This is not only true for rotating member like wheel rims meant for conventional vehicles with engines but also electric vehicles which have higher unsprung mass. The supporting structure is even suitable for hub motorized rotating member (especially in case of the electrical vehicles) without changing the rotating member’s made-up material and thickness. This invention also improves the manufacturability of rotating member (wheel rim) as it allows to choose the material for rotating member assembly formation which has lower yield strength but can be reinforced with said supporting structure. The supporting structure also provides high strength to weight ratio by preventing sheet thickness being increased across the entire wheel rim and thereby reduce the incremental thickness required to withstand the higher load on the rotating member assembly. The supporting structure as disclosed herein with embodiments is simple in construction and installation or assembly which makes it convenient for manufacturers and technicians in the after-market to retrofit the existing rotating members thereby saving substantial costs while achieving required reinforced strength against deformations.
The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to an embodiment in a synchronized clutch system along with the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments.

[00051] Figure 1a illustrates a perspective view of a supporting structure 100 for a rotating member 200 (shown in Fig 8a) in one embodiment of the invention. Figure 1b shows a side view of the supporting structure having multiple arcuate portions 101 forming a single circular profile. Figure 1c shows a side view of the embodiment of the supporting structure having two arcuate portions 101. Fig.1a, 1b and 1c will be discussed together hereinafter.
[00052] The embodiment shown in Figure 1a illustrates a side perspective view of a supporting structure 100 for a rotating member 200 for a vehicle. The supporting structure 100 for the rotating member 200 comprises one or more arcuate portions 101 that are configured to be attached to at least one portion of the rotating member 200. The arcuate portions 101 can be multiple forming a single circular profile that include a single arcuate portion 101 (as shown in Figure 1a and Figure 1b). In this embodiment, the supporting structure 100 as a rectangular cross section. The arcuate portions 101 as two semi-circular portions are shown in Figure 1c. The arcuate portions 101 can also include plurality of portions smaller than semi-circular shape. Such smaller arcuate portions 101 make it more convenient to package and store the supporting structure 100 and also during attachment. However, it is possible due to unique assembly requirements, manufacturers may prefer the supporting structure 100 having multiple arcuate portions 101 forming a single circular profile as shown in Figures 1a and1b. Thus, the number of portions in the arcuate portions 101 can be based on different parameters depending upon the strength of material, design of machine, testing dynamics under varied conditions etc. The arcuate portions 101 can be made from a material that is suitable for a given application. For example, even in case of a rotating member 200 such as a wheel rim, the same can be used in multitude of applications such as passenger vehicles, industrial vehicles, goods vehicles, two wheelers, locomotives and that too in varied types of operating conditions such as highway, city, rural areas, off roading, etc. Therefore, depending on the type of application, configuration and usage of the rotating member 200, the material of the supporting structure 100 can be selected from a group of metal, metal alloys, polymer and composite materials or a combination thereof.
[00053] Figures 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d will be discussed hereinafter. Figures 2a and 2b show a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having an inner arcuate surface 101ns and an outer arcuate surface 101os. Figure 2a shows the multiple arcuate portions 101 forming a single circular profile having the inner arcuate surface 101ns that has a different profile from the outer arcuate surface 101os. The inner arcuate surface 101ns is configured to face a center of the rotating member 200 while the outer arcuate surface 101os is configured to abut at least a portion of at least a pair of flange portions 200f (shown in Fig. 12a-12c and 15). The inner arcuate surface 101ns has rectangular depressions while the outer arcuate surface 101os is smooth. Figure 2b shows similar embodiment with two semi-circular arcuate potions 101. Figures 2c shows the multiple arcuate portions 101 forming a single circular profile with both arcuate surfaces (inner arcuate surface 101ns and outer arcuate surface 101os) having smooth profile but with a single arcuate portion 101 with intermittent circular openings in a side view. Figure 2d shows similar embodiment to Figure 2c with two semi-circular arcuate potions 101.
[00054] Figure-3a, 3b, 3c and 3d are discussed together hereinafter. Figure 3a shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having two arcuate portions 101 with intermittent substantially circular and elliptical shaped openings. Figure 3b shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having the multiple arcuate portions 101 forming a single circular profile with intermittent long substantially elliptical shaped openings. Figure 3c shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having the multiple arcuate portions 101 forming a single circular profile with intermittent irregular shaped openings. In Figures 3a, 3b and 3c the inner arcuate surface 101ns and outer arcuate surface 101os are having smooth profile. Figure 3d shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having two semi-circular arcuate portions 101 with substantially trapezium shaped depressions on the inner arcuate surface 101ns while the outer arcuate surface 101os is smooth. Depending on the application or use the rotating member, the designer/manufacturer can use the appropriate embodiment.
[00055] Figure 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d will be discussed together. Figure 4a shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having substantially u-shaped depressions on the outer arcuate surface 101os. Figure 4b shows an embodiment of Figure 4a with two arcuate portions 101. In Figure 4a and Figure 4b inner arcuate surface 101ns is smooth. Figure 4c shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having substantially u-shaped depressions on the outer arcuate surface 101os as well as inner arcuate surface 101ns. Figure 4d shows same embodiment as in Figure 4c but with two semicircular arcuate portions 101.
[00056] Figure 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d will be discussed hereinafter. Figure 5a shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having two semicircular tubular arcuate portions 101. Figure 5b shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having two semicircular solid tubular arcuate portions 101. The same embodiments of Figure 5a and 5b can be enabled in the multiple arcuate portions 101 forming a single circular profile as well. Figure 5c shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having multiple arcuate portions 101 forming a single circular shape with a wavy profile. Figure 5d shows a top view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having the multiple arcuate portions 101 forming a single circular shape with a wavy profile in lateral direction. Figure 5e shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having two semicircular arcuate portions 101 with a wavy profile in a side view.
[00057] Figure 6a shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having the multiple arcuate portions 101 forming a single circular profile with small trapezoidal depressions on its outer surface 101os. Figure 6b shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having two arcuate portions 101 with small trapezoidal depressions on its outer surface 101os. Figure 6c shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having two arcuate portions 101 with multiple different irregular openings intermittently. Figure 6d shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having two arcuate portions 101 with small substantially u-shaped depressions on their inner surface 101ns. Figure 6e shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having the multiple arcuate portions 101 forming a single circular profile with small u-shaped depressions on its inner surface 101ns. Figure 6f shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having the multiple arcuate portions 101 forming a single circular profile with substantially V-shaped or substantially triangular depressions on its inner surface 101ns.
[00058] Figure 7a shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having two arcuate portions 101 with substantially V-shaped or triangular depressions on its inner surface 101. Figure 7b shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having two arcuate portions 101 with multiple substantially oval openings spaced intermittently. Figure 7c shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having the multiple arcuate portions 101 forming a single circular profile with multiple oval openings being intermittently spaced. Figure 7d shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having two arcuate portions 101 with substantially broad trapezoidal depressions on their inner surface 101ns. Figure 7f shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having the multiple arcuate portions 101 forming a single circular profile 101 with substantially broad trapezoidal depressions on their inner surface 101ns.
[00059] Figure 8a shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having the multiple arcuate portions 101 forming a single circular profile 101 with multiple small elliptical openings spaced intermittently. Figure 8b shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having two arcuate portions 101 with multiple small elliptical openings spaced intermittently. Figure 8c shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having the multiple arcuate portions 101 forming a single circular profile with multiple types of round and elliptical openings spaced intermittently. Figure 8d shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having two arcuate portions 101 with multiple long elliptical openings spaced intermittently. Figure 8e shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having two arcuate portions 101 with equidistant multiple openings. Figure 8f shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having multiple arcuate portions 101.
[00060] Figure 9a shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having two arcuate portions 101. The arcuate portions 101 in this embodiment have an L-shaped cross section. Figure 9b shows a side view of a single arcuate portion 101 with an L-shaped cross section. Figure 9c shows a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having a single arcuate portion 101 the same L-shaped cross section. In this embodiment, the rotating member is not shown.
[00061] The embodiments shown in Figures 2a to Figure 9c show the arcuate portions 101 in various embodiments being shaped in a particular configuration. The supporting structure 100 (not shown) has been made from various underlying materials primarily hard and strong metallic materials. Accordingly, the arcuate potions 101 of the supporting structure 100 have been sheared, smelted, casted and even altered, refined and made out to form varied shapes in the supporting structure 100 depending upon their application and other parameters giving due respect to the vehicular and machine formations. The cross-sectional shape of the arcuate portions 101 can be selected from a group of substantially circular, substantially L-shape, substantially C-shape and substantially crescent shape formations and others as shown in Figure 9. The profiles of the inner arcuate surface101ns and the outer arcuate surface 101os can also include substantially square shaped depressions, substantially V-shaped depressions, substantially triangular depressions, other depressions or a combination thereof. The profiles and embodiments are therefore not limited to those as depicted in figures.
[00062] The embodiment shown in Figure 10 illustrates an exploded view of the rotating member 200 for the vehicle comprising an inner surface 200ns (also shown in Fig. 12b), an outer surface 200os (also shown in Fig. 12c), the pair of flange portions 200f, the arcuate portions 101, a pair of resting portions 200rp (shown in Fig. 12b and 12c), a central portion 200c, and flange extensions 200fe (shown in Fig. 12c). The inner surface 200ns face an axis of rotation AA' (shown in Fig. 11) of the rotating member 200 while the outer surface 200os is configured to mount a tyre member 300 (shown in Fig. 7). In an embodiment, the rotating member 200 comprises the pair of flange portions 200f (also shown in Fig. 12a) at lateral sides. The pair of resting portions 200rp (shown in Fig. 12b and 12c) adjoining the pair of flange portions 200f are configured to accommodate resting of the tyre member 300. The central portion 200c being located substantially at a circumferential center of the rotating member 200 adjoins the resting portions 200rp on either side of the central portion 200c. The rotating member 200 includes the supporting structure 100 which is configured to reinforce the rotating member 200 by attaching to the pair of flange portions 200f. The rotating member 200 is also configured to be rotated by a torque generated from a power unit. In one embodiment, the rotating member includes a hub 200h. The hub 200h can include a hub-mounted motor which can act as a power unit for a vehicle in an embodiment. The arcuate portions 101 of the supporting structure 100 comprise two or more substantially semi-circular portions which are attached to the flange portions 200f of the rotating member 200. The pair of flange portions 200f pf the rotating member 200 include flange extensions 200fe (shown in Fig. 12c) which are circumferentially extended towards the lateral sides of the rotating member 200. The arcuate portions 101 of the supporting structure 100 are attached to the flange portions 200f below the flange extensions 200fe thereby reinforcing the rotating member 200 at the flange extensions 200fe. In one aspect of the invention, the supporting structure 100 including the arcuate portions 101 can also be mounted on one lateral side of the rotating member instead of two.
[00063] The embodiment shown in Figure 11 illustrates an exploded view of a rotating member assembly 400. The rotating member assembly 400 comprises the one or more rotating members 200 being configured to rotatably mounted on one or more axles of the vehicle. The rotating member assembly 400 comprises the one or more tyre member 300 being mounted on the rotating member 200. The rotating member 200 comprises the inner surface 200ns (shown in Fig. 12b) which faces the center of the wheel rotating member 200. The rotating member 200 also comprises the outer surface 200os (shown in Fig. 12c) which 200os is being configured to mount the tyre member 300. The pair of flange portions 200f (shown in Fig. 10) located at lateral sides of the rotating member are configured to contain the tyre member 300. The rotating member 200 further comprises the imaginary axis of rotation AA' which is configured to calculate the axle position in the vehicle. The rotating member 200 of the rotating member assembly 400 is configured to include the supporting structure 100 to provide reinforcement to the rotating member 200. The rotating member assembly 400 for the vehicle have the supporting structure 100 that includes one or more arcuate portions 101 configured to be attached to the rotating member 200 along the pair of flange portions 200f of the rotating member 200. The pair of flange portions 200f are located at lateral sides of the rotating member 200. The pair of flange portions 200f are configured to contain the tyre member 300. The pair of resting portions 200rp (shown in Fig. 12b and 12c) adjoin at least one of the flange portions 200f. The pair of resting portions 200rp are being configured to accommodate resting of the tyre member 300. The central portion 200c (shown in Fig. 12) is located substantially at a circumferential center of the rotating member 200 and the central portion 200c adjoins the resting portions 200rp on either side of the central portion 200c. The rotating member 200 is configured to include a supporting structure 100 which is being configured to be attached to the flange portions 200f to reinforce the rotating member 200.
[00064] Figure 12a to 12c illustrate a side perspective view and cross-sectional views of the rotating member 200 without the supporting structure 100 The embodiment shown in Fig. 12a shows the rotating member 200 having the inner surface 200ns facing the Centre of the rotating member 200 while the outer surface 200os of the rotating member 200 is configured to mount the tyre member 300. Figure 12a also shows the imaginary plane XX’ across which the cross-sectional view of the rotating member 200 may be appreciate in the subsequent figures. The embodiment shown in Fig. 12b shows the cross-sectional view of the rotating member 200 across plane XX’ having the pair of flange portions 200f, the pair of resting portions 200rp, the central portion 200c and the surfaces of the rotating member 200 i.e., 200ns and 200os. The embodiment shown in Fig. 12c shows the cross-sectional view of the rotating member 200 across plane XX’ having the pair of flange portions 200f including flange extensions 200fe. The flange extensions 200fe are being circumferentially extended towards the lateral sides of the rotating member 200. The flange portions 200f, resting portions 200rp and the central portion 200c can be made separately and circumferentially joined by welding at predetermined positions. In another aspect, the flange portions 200f, resting portions 200rp and the central portion 200c can be integrally formed using casting to achieve the said configuration. The one or more arcuate portions 101 (shown in Fig. 10) of the supporting structure 100 (shown in Fig. 1) are attached to the flange portions 200f below the flange extensions 200fe thereby reinforcing the rotating member 200 at the flange extensions 200fe. The bulk of the impact load on the rotating member 200 is taken by said flange members 200f and said flange extensions 200fe, if available and can cause severe distortions.
[00065] The embodiments shown in Figures 13a to 13h illustrate the various cross-sectional views of the rotating member 200 across plane XX’ (shown in Fig. 12a) along with the supporting structure 100 (shown in Fig. 1) being attached to the flange portions 200f with or without the flange extensions 200fe. The attachment can be achieved by means of a process selected from a group consisting of welding, bonding with adhesive, joining with fasteners, interference fitting, loose fitting, transition fitting and fixed fitting. Figures 13a to 13h also illustrate various cross-sectional profiles of the arcuate portions 101 of the supporting structure 100. The cross-sectional shape of the arcuate portions 101 can be selected from a group of substantially rectangular, substantially square shaped, substantially U-shaped, substantially circular, substantially L-shaped, substantially C-shaped and substantially crescent shape formations. Depending on the application and use of the rotating member 200 and the anticipated load conditions, the appropriate shape can be chosen. Figure 13a has a support structure 100 with rectangular cross section with bent profile. In this embodiment, the arcuate portion 101 is attached to the flange portion 200f of the rotating member 200 using joining means like adhesive or fasteners (not shown). In this profile, the arcuate portion 101 is having a rectangular cross section but the same is bent to match the profile of the flange portion 200f and is placed abutting the flange extension 200fe (shown in Figure 12c). Figure 13b has a support structure 100 with arcuate rectangular cross section. However, unlike Figure 13a, the arcuate portion 101 is not bent to match the profile of the flange portion 200f but are still attached abutting the flange portion 200f, particularly the flange extension 200fe. It is known in the art that, rotating member 200 such as a wheel rim with flange extensions 200fe face substantial stress on account of loads acting on a wheel rim and said flame extensions 200fe or flange portion are easily deformed inwards. The placement of supporting structure 100 abutting the flange extension 200fe therefore provides sufficient strength to the flange extension 200fe against deformities without requiring any alteration of the wheel rim or the flange portion 200f itself. Figure 13c has a support structure 100 with a hollow circular cross section. In this embodiment, the support structure 100 is like a hollow tube providing support and strength to the flange portion 200f. Figure 13d has a support structure 100 with solid circular cross section. In this embodiment the support structure 100 is like a solid tubular ring with one or more arcuate portions 101. In both Figure 13c and Figure 13d, the support structure 100 is attached to the rotating member 200 using joining means such as adhesive or fasteners (not shown). Figure 13e has a support structure 100 with a rectangular cross section but the same is welded to the rotating member 200. The welding process leads to formation of welding beads 100w between the support structure 100 and the rotating member 200. The method and process of welding a support member 100 of same rectangular cross section can alter the configuration of the supporting structure with respect to the rotating member. For example, in Figure 13f, the support structure 100 again as a rectangular cross section being welded to the rotating member 200 but in an alternative way so as to produce a horizontal welding bead 100w. Similarly, Figure 13g has a support structure 100 with a hollow circular cross section being welded to the rotating member 200. In this embodiment also the welding bead 100w can be seen as a linear structure being formed between the support structure 100 and the rotating member 200. Figure 13h has a support structure 100 with a solid circular cross section being welded to the rotating member, whereby a welding bead 100w is formed. A skilled person will appreciate that depending on the load and vehicular requirements, an appropriate profile of the rotating member 200 and the supporting structure 100 and the appropriate joining method can be chosen.
[00066] The embodiments shown in Figures 14a to 14d illustrate the cross-sectional views of the rotating member 200 (not shown) along with an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 being attached to the flange portions 200f with or without flange extensions 200fe. The Figures 14a to 14d also illustrate the joining zones (marked by dotted circular enclosures) created while attaching the supporting structure 100 to the rotating member 200. Figure 14a shows the cross-sectional views of the rotating member 200 along with an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 being weldably attached to the flange portions 200f with the flange extensions 200fe which led to creation of four joining zones. In this embodiment, the joining zone show the welding beads 100w (shown in figures 13e-13h). Figures 14b illustrate the cross-sectional views of the rotating member 200 along with an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having an L-shaped profile being attached to the flange portions 200f by way of welding with the help of electrode-rods which led to the creations of two joining zones. Figures 14c illustrates the cross-sectional views of the rotating member 200 along with an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having a substantially L-shaped profile being attached to the flange portions 200f on the flange extensions 200fe by way of single joint that led to the creation of two joining zones. In Figure 14b and Figure 14c, the horizontal portion of the cross section of the arcuate portion 101 goes below the resting portion 200rp of the rotating member 200 while the other end of the L-shaped profile is abutting the flange portion 200f. Similarly, Figures 14d illustrates the cross-sectional views of the rotating member 200 along with an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having an L-shaped profile. On one end of the L-shaped cross section is attached to an end of the flange portions 200f and another end of the L-shaped profile of the arcuate portion 101 is attached to a lower portion of the flange portion 200f. This embodiment shows attachment by way of a pair of double-joints that leads to the creation of four joining zones. It is to noted that the Figure 14a-14d depicts only some instances of the arrangement of the supporting structure 100 with the rotating member 200. Various ways of attaching the supporting structure 100 will often to lead to creation of less or more joining zones giving due regard to the manufacturing clearances based upon the type of vehicle and load requirements.
[00067] The embodiment shown in Figure 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the rotating member assembly 400. The rotating member assembly 400 includes the rotating member 200, the supporting structure 100, the hub 200h. The process of attachment of the arcuate portions 101 of the supporting structure 100 with the flange portions 200f of the rotating member 200 is shown by way of welding of the arcuate portions 101 to the flange extension 200fe of the flange portions 200f.
[00068] Figure 16a illustrates a side view of the supporting structure 100 having a single arcuate portion 101 having substantially U-shaped depressions on its inner and outer surface. Figure 16b illustrates a side view of the supporting structure 100 having two arcuate portions of wavy shape profile. Both Figure 16a and Figure 16b further show width ‘w’ of the arcuate portion 101 and an inner diameter Xin.
[00069] Figure 17a illustrates a cross-sectional view of the rotating member 200 along with supporting structure 100 having L-shaped cross section attached to the flange portion 200f of the rotating member 200 while illustrating various dimensions and parameters of the rotating member 200 and the supporting structure 100. Figure 17b illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the supporting structure 100 having a single arcuate portion 101 with an L-shaped cross section being attached to a rotating member 200 (not shown) of the vehicle showing various dimensions in one embodiment of the invention. Figure 17c illustrates a top view of the supporting structure 100 with two arcuate portions 101 showing its rotating member along with supporting structure 100 having L-shaped cross section attached to the flange portion 200f of the rotating member 200 side view of the arcuate portion 101 and cross-sectional view of the arcuate portion 101. A diameter Xin of the one or more arcuate portions 101 at the inner arcuate surface 101ns (shown in Fig. 2a) is greater than or equal to a diameter Drim (shown in Fig. 12a and 17a) of the rotating member 200 at the inner surface 200ns of the rotating member 200. A thickness A (shown in Fig. 17c) of the arcuate portion 101 of the supporting structure 100 is less than or equal to three times a thickness T (shown in Fig. 17a) of the rotating member 200 in a sectional view across said plane XX’ (shown in Figure 12a) passing through the Centre of the rotating member 200. A width B (shown in Fig. 17a) of the flange portion 200f in a cross-sectional view ranging from 6 millimeters to 32.5 millimeters A width P (shown in Fig. 17a) of the resting portion 200rp of the rotating member 200 in a cross-sectional view ranges from 11millimetre to 52millimetre. A height H (shown in Fig. 17a) of the resting portion 200rp) is measured from the base of the central portion 200c on the outer surface 200os of the rotating member 200 in a cross-sectional view ranges from 5.5 millimeters to 28 millimeters. The height G (shown in Fig. 17a) of the flange portion 200f measured from the base of the resting portion 200rp on the outer surface 200os of the rotating member 200 in a cross-sectional view ranges from 10 millimeters to 53 millimeters. A width W (shown in Fig. 17a and 17c) of the arcuate portion 101 is defined as 4millimetre ≤ W ≤ G+H wherein G is the height of the flange portion 200f measured from the base of the resting portion 200rp and H is the height H of the resting portion 200rp measured from the base of the central portion 200c on the outer surface 200os of the rotating member 200. The height H of the resting portion 200rp and the height G of the flange portion 200f is defined by G+H ≤ 80millimetre. A length L (shown in Fig. 17a and 17c) of the arcuate portion 101 in a cross-sectional view is defined as 0.5millimetre ≤ L ≤ P+B wherein P is the width of the resting portion 200rp and B is the width of the flange portion 200f. The width P of the resting portion 200rp and the width B of the flange portion 200f is defined by P+B ≤ 75 millimeters.
[00070] Figure 18 illustrates a bar-graph that captures the comparison of deformation of the rotating member 200 (shown in Figures 11, 12a and 15 among others)) wherein the bar ‘A’ represents the deformation of the rotating member 200 when used without the supporting structure 100 15 and Bar B represents the reduced deformation of the rotating member 200 when used with the supporting structure 100 (shown in Figure 11, 15). It is clear that an improvement of over 50% can be seen. Thus, the supporting structure 100 improves the strength of the rotating member 200, such as a wheel rim for a vehicle significantly. Further, the impact resistance obtained by the use of the supporting structure 100 is better than other conventional methods of increasing material thickness or using high strength material for the rotating member 200. The supporting structure 100 work as a continuous support to the flange extension 200fe (not shown) that reduces the stress on the flange portion 200f (not shown) thereby causing less deformation of the rotating member 200. Furthermore, the problem of frequent modification because of incorporation of various changes in the suspension system of the vehicle is reduced. Also, the supporting structure 100 is used without affecting the manufacturability of the rotating member 200 as the supporting member 100 can have single or multiple arcuate portions 101 (not shown) which can be preferred and accordingly deployed by the manufacturers and assemblers.
[00071] A skilled person would also appreciate that the rotating member 200 need not be limited to those depicted in the figures. Rotating member 200 can include, allow rims, stainless steel rims, polymer or composite wheels and wheel rims with spokes.
[00072] The embodiments of this invention are not limited to particularly described clutch actuators or systems and/or vehicles as the embodiments can vary and will be understood by skilled artisans to be implementing the single inventive concept. It is further to be understood that all terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting in any manner or scope. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and ““they”” can include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Further, when introducing elements/components/etc. of the assembly/system described and/or illustrated herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there is one or more of the element(s)/component(s)/etc. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional element(s)/component(s)/etc. other than the listed element(s)/component(s)/etc.
[00073] This written description uses examples to provide details on the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
[00074] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure.

 
List of Reference numerals:

100 Supporting structure
200 Rotating member
101 one or more Arcuate portions
200f at least a pair of Flange portions
200fe Flange extensions
101os Outer arcuate surface
101ns
100w Inner arcuate surface
Welding beads
Xin Diameter of one or more arcuate portions
Drim Diameter of rotating member
200ns Inner surface
200os Outer surface
300 Tyre member
400 Rotating member assembly
200rp at a pair of Resting portions
200c Central portion
101op plurality of openings
200h Hub
AA”
Axis of rotation

 
, Claims:We claim:
1. A supporting structure (100) for a rotating member (200) for a vehicle, said supporting structure (100) comprising:
one or more arcuate portions (101), said one or more arcuate portions (101) being configured to be attached to said rotating member (200), said rotating member (200) including
at least a pair of flange portions (200f), said pair of flange portions (200f) being provided at lateral sides of said rotating member (200) wherein
said one or more arcuate portions (101) of said supporting structure (100) being configured to be attached to at least a portion of said pair of flange portions (200f) of said rotating member (200).
2. The supporting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said one or more arcuate portions (101) of said supporting structure (100) being attached to said pair of flange portions (200f) of the rotating member (200) by a process selected from a group consisting of welding, bonding with adhesive, joining with fasteners, interference fitting, loose fitting, transition fitting and fixed fitting.
3. The supporting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cross-sectional shape of said one or more arcuate portions (101) is selected from a group consisting of rectangular, square shaped, U-shaped, circular, L-shaped, C-shaped and crescent shape.
4. The supporting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said one or more arcuate portions (101) comprise two semi-circular portions.
5. The supporting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said one or more arcuate portions (101) include
an outer arcuate surface (101os), said outer arcuate surface (101os) abutting at least a portion of said at least a pair of flange portions (200f) of said rotating member (200);
an inner arcuate surface (101ns), said inner arcuate surface (101ns) facing an axis of rotation of said rotating member (200);
wherein said one or more arcuate portions (101) provide reinforcement to said rotating member (200).
6. The supporting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said one or more arcuate portions (101) have a plurality of openings (101op) in a side view, said openings (101op) being provided at intermittent gaps.
7. The supporting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said plurality of openings (101op) have their shape being selected from a group of shapes consisting of circular, elliptical, oval, quadrilateral, triangular and a combination of any of said shapes.
8. The supporting structure (100) as claimed in claim 5 wherein a profile of said outer arcuate surface (101os) is different from a profile of said inner arcuate surface (101ns) when seen in a side view.
9. The supporting structure (100) as claimed in claim 5 wherein a profile of said outer arcuate surface (101os) being similar to a profile of said inner arcuate surface (101ns) when seen in a side view.
10. The supporting structure (100) as claimed in claim 5 wherein said profiles of said inner arcuate surface (101ns) and said outer arcuate surface (101os) are selected from a group consisting of smooth, wavy, V-shaped depressions, U-shaped depressions, square shaped depressions, rectangular shaped depressions, triangular depressions, trapezium shaped depressions and a combination thereof.
11. The supporting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more arcuate portions (101) are made from a material selected from a group consisting or metal, metal alloys, polymer and composite materials.
12. The supporting structure (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein a diameter (Xin) of said one or more arcuate portions (101) at said inner arcuate surface (101ns) is greater than or equal to a diameter (Drim) of said rotating member (200).
13. A rotating member (200) for a vehicle, said rotating member (200) comprising:
an inner surface (200ns), said inner surface (200ns) facing an axis of rotation of said rotating member (200) and
an outer surface (200os), said outer surface (200os) being configured to mount a tyre member (300),
at least a pair of flange portions (200f), said pair of flange (200f) portions being provided at lateral sides of said rotating member (200) and said pair of flange portions (200f) being configured to secure said tyre member (300);
at least a pair of resting portions (200rp), each of said resting portions (200rp) adjoining at least one of said flange portions (200f), and said at least pair of resting portions (200rp) being configured to accommodate said tyre member (300);
a central portion (200c), said central portion (200c) being located substantially at a circumferential center of said rotating member (200) and said central portion (200c) adjoining said resting portions (200rp) on either side of said central portion (200c); and
said rotating member (200) being configured to include a supporting structure (100), said supporting structure (100) being configured to be attached to at least one of said flange portions (200f) and said resting portions (200rp) to reinforce said rotating member (200).
14. The rotating member (200) for said vehicle as claimed in claim 12 wherein said supporting structure (100) comprises
one or more arcuate portions (101), said one or more arcuate portions (101) being configured to be attached to at least a portion of said flange portions (200f).
15. The rotating member (200) as claimed in claim 12 wherein said rotating member (200) is a wheel rim.
16. The rotating member (200) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said wheel rim being configured to be rotated by a torque generated from a power unit, said power unit being an electric motor.
17. The rotating member (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said one or more arcuate portions (101) include
an outer arcuate surface (101os), said outer arcuate surface (101os) abutting at least a portion of said at least a pair of flange portions (200f) of said rotating member (200) and
an inner arcuate surface (1011ns), said inner arcuate surface (101ns) facing an axis of rotation of said rotating member (200); wherein said one or more arcuate portions (101) provide reinforcement to said rotating member (200).
18. The rotating member (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said one or more arcuate portions (101) of said supporting structure (100) being attached to said pair of flange portions (200f) of the rotating member (200) by a process selected from a group consisting of welding, bonding with adhesive, joining with fasteners, interference fitting, loose fitting, transition fitting and fixed fitting.
19. The rotating member (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said at least a pair of flange portions (200f) including flange extensions (200fe), said flange extensions (200fe) being circumferentially extended towards the lateral sides of said rotating member (200) and said one or more arcuate portions (101) of said supporting structure (100) being attached to said flange portions (200f) below said flange extensions (200fe) thereby reinforcing said rotating member (200) at said flange extensions (200fe).
20. The rotating member (200) as claimed in claim 16 wherein a diameter (Xin) of said one or more arcuate portions (101) at said inner arcuate surface (101ns) is greater than or equal to a diameter (Drim) of said rotating member (200).
21. The rotating member (200) as claimed in claim 12 wherein a thickness (A) of said arcuate portions (101) of said supporting structure (100) is less than or equal to three times a thickness (T) of said rotating member (200) in a sectional view across a plane (XX’) passing through a centre of said rotating member (200).
22. The rotating member (200) as claimed in claim 11 wherein a width (B) of the flange portion in a cross-sectional view ranges from 6 millimeters to 32.5 millimeters.
23. The rotating member (200) as claimed in claim 11 wherein a width (P) of the resting portion (200rp) in a cross-sectional view ranges from 11mm to 52mm.
24. The rotating member (200) as claimed in claim 11 wherein a height (H) of the resting portion (200rp) measured from the base of the central portion (200c) on the outer surface (101os) of the rotating member (200) in a cross-sectional view ranges from 5.5 millimeters to 28 millimeters.
25. The rotating member (200) as claimed in claim 22 wherein a height (G) of the flange portion (200f) measured from the base of the resting portion (200rp) on the outer surface of the rotating member (200) in a cross-sectional view ranges from 10mm to 53mm.
26. The rotating member (200) as claimed in claim 15 wherein a width (W) of said arcuate portion (101) is defined as 4mm ≤ W ≤ G+H wherein G is a height of the flange portion (200f) measured from the base of the resting portion (200rp) and H is a height (H) of the resting portion (200rp) measured from the base of the central portion (200) on the outer surface (101os) of the rotating member (200); said height of (H) of the resting portion (200rp) and said height (G) of said flange portion (200f) being defined by G+H ≤ 80mm.
27. The rotating member (200) as claimed in claim 15 wherein a length (L) of said arcuate portion (101) in a cross-sectional view is defined as 0.5mm ≤ L ≤ P+B wherein P is a width of the resting portion (200rp) and B is a width of the flange portion (200f); said width (P) of the resting portion (200rp) and said width (B) of the flange portion (200f) being defined by P+B ≤ 75mm.
28. A rotating member assembly (400) for a vehicle, said rotating member assembly (400) comprising:
one or more rotating members (200), said one or more rotating members (200) being configured to rotatably mounted on one or more axles of said vehicle;
one or more tyre member (300), said tyre member (300) being mounted on said rotating member (200), said rotating member (200) comprising,
an inner surface (200ns), said inner surface (200ns) facing a center of a wheel rim and
an outer surface (200os), said outer surface (200os) being configured to mount a tyre member (300),
at least a pair of flange portions (200f), said pair of flange portions (200f) located at lateral sides of said rotating member (200) and said at least a pair of flange portions (200f) being configured to contain said tyre member (300);
at least a pair of resting portions (200rp), each of said resting portions (200rp) adjoining at least one of said flange portions (200f), and said at least pair of resting portions (200rp) being configured to accommodate resting of said tyre member (300);
a central portion (200c), said central portion (200c) being located substantially at a circumferential center of said rotating member (200) and said central portion (200c) adjoining said resting portions (200rp) on either side of said central portion (200c); and
said rotating member (200) being configured to include a supporting structure (100), said supporting structure (100) being configured to be attached to one of said flange portions (200f) and resting portion (200rp) to reinforce said rotating member (200).
29. The rotating member assembly (400) for said vehicle as claimed in claim 27 wherein said supporting structure (100) includes one or more arcuate portions (101), said one or more arcuate portions (101) supporting structure (100) being configured to be attached to said rotating member (200) along said at least a pair of flange portions (200f) of said rotating member (200).

Dated this the 5th day of January 2023

(Digitally Signed)
Sudarshan Singh Shekhawat
IN/PA-1611
Agent for the Applicant