DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a wheel for use in a vehicle. More particularly but not specifically, the present invention relates to a rim and a hub of the wheel with spokes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In order to make a vehicle lighter in weight, harder in strength and appealing to diverse groups, various models of motorized vehicle designs have been developed. Generally, such motorized vehicle includes an engine block coupled with other components and suspended on a body frame with wheels. Such motorized vehicle, often referred to as a two wheeled vehicle, may include a vehicle body cover which surrounds the engine to improve the outer appearance of the vehicle and protect the component elements of the vehicle.
[0003] Conventionally, the two wheeled vehicle is use for carrying two persons comprises two wheels, one is in the front-side of the vehicle and other is underneath a seat which is in the rear-side of the vehicle. Such two wheeled type vehicle needs wheels which can easily carry the load of the two wheeled vehicle including the load of two persons by ensuring that the weight of wheels should remain less for moving the vehicle at high speed and gives a better ride experience to the rider. Hence, the design and manufacturing of wheel plays a significant role for moving motorized vehicle at high pace with great comfort and safety. Further, lighter wheels can improve handling by reducing un-sprung mass, allowing suspension to follow the terrain more closely and thus improve grip which results in reduction in overall vehicle mass, which can also help to reduce fuel consumption. The wheel with spokes are one such example of the wheel which ensures the vehicle remains lighter in weight, harder in strength and appealing to diverse groups.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description is given with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0005] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary motor vehicle typically called a two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 2 illustrates a typical wheel with wired spokes according to the embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 3 illustrates the wheel with wired spokes without showing the plurality of spokes and the hub, according to the embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 4a shows the local view of a rim with two openings in each of the hump parts of an extended portion.
[0009] Fig. 4b illustrates the local view of the rim with only one opening in the hump parts of the extended portion 201.
[00010] Fig. 5a illustrates a left side view of the hub in accordance with the present subject matter.
[00011] Fig. 5b illustrates a sectional view of the hub in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 5a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00012] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. According to an embodiment, wheels are described here to operate a vehicle. The wheels are installed in a step through type two wheeled vehicle typically called as motorcycle. It is pertinent to note that the wheels may be mounted in two wheeled vehicles in different arrangements. However, in the ensuing description, such wheels are disposed at extreme ends of the step through type two wheeled vehicle. It is contemplated that the concepts of the present invention may be applied to other types of vehicles and other types of casting methods within the spirit and scope of this invention. Further "front" and "rear", and "left" and "right" referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen from a rear portion of the vehicle and looking forward. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present invention which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places.
[00013] Typically, in the vehicle such as a two wheeled vehicle, wheels are located in front and rear side of the two wheeled vehicle. The front wheel is located below a front panel of the vehicle. The rear wheel is located below a seat at a lower rear portion of the vehicle. In general, the manufacturing of a wheel takes place through a casting process. Conventionally, in casting process a liquid material is usually poured into a mold, the mold contains a hollow cavity of the desired shape, and once the liquid material completely fills the hollow cavity, the liquid material is allowed to solidify. The solidified part is also known as a casting, which is ejected or broken out of the mold to complete the process. Hereinafter, the vehicle or the two-wheeled vehicle is also being termed and interchangeably used as an automobile.
[00014] In general, the cast wheel consists of a rim, spokes and a hub. The rim is to mount a tyre and plurality of spokes is used to connect the rim with the hub. A hub is also provided with bearing bores to hold an axle. The rim along circumference of the rim is supported by tangentially mounted plurality of spokes. Conventionally, the rim of the wheel is designed and manufactured in such as fashion, so that the rim can easily withstand the radial shock loads, and simultaneously maintain the rim profile for tyre air tightness. Because, if any deformation or bend or crack happens in the rim then it leads to air leakage from the tyre, which results in non-functionality of the wheel and finally the vehicle cannot move.
[00015] The above-mentioned problem related to the wheel is very much prevalent in modern era where the vehicle manufactures want to develop the vehicle with more features, high strength and minimal vehicle weight. However, reducing the vehicle weight simultaneously increasing the strength and life of the vehicle is a herculean task. Therefore, there is a high need to develop the wheel which is having high strength and minimal weight for enhancing the performance of the vehicle.
[00016] Conventionally, for achieving the above mentioned herculean objective the vehicle manufactures in general develop the wheel with wired spokes. As the wheel with wired spokes has very less weight in comparison with other types of wheel. However, the wheel with wired spokes is not capable enough to provide high strength to the wheel and sometimes fails to distribute stress caused by the load applied on the wheel which results in deformation of the rim and wired spokes. Further, the wheel with wired spokes is also susceptible to corrosion and they are not as aesthetically appealing as the alloy spokes owing to restricted cross section profile and the joints.
[00017] In general state-of-art, the research is underway to solve the above-said problems by developing the wheel with wired spokes which is having higher strength and effective stress distribution in the wheel for the vehicle. For example, in existing state-of-art there few wheels with wired spokes available for saddle type vehicle which are effectively distributing the stress along the wheel by providing a flange on the rim of the wheel. However, the existing state-of-art fails to ensure high strength to the wheel while effectively distributing the stress along the wheel. Further, the wheel disclosed in the existing state-of-art having the issues related to wobbling in the wheel or misbalancing of the vehicle due to the presence of more gaps between the mounting of plurality of spokes on the flange of the rim.
[00018] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide the wheel for the vehicle, which is capable of overcoming the above-mentioned problems and other problems. As the present subject matter is providing a combination of a hump part and a depression part disposed uniformly throughout an extended portion of an inner circumference of the rim circumferentially. The hump part of the combination is having at least one opening for mounting a first end of the plurality of wired spokes. The extended portion with the combination of the hump part and the depression part on the rim provides more area to distribute stress along the rim which minimizes load distortion at a point of mounting the first end of the plurality of wired spokes thereby resulting in better stress distribution on the rim. Ultimately, the wheel with the plurality of wired spokes is providing structural strength of the rim with minimal weight. Further due to the presence of at least one in the hump part, strength of the rim also gets improved.
[00019] In an embodiment, the combination is disposed uniformly on the extended portion which is present on both edges of the rim to distribute the stress more effectively along the rim.
[00020] It is an aspect of the present subject matter to reduce the mass of the wheel for the required performance from the vehicle.
[00021] It is advantage of the present subject matter that the wheel with the plurality of wired spokes has more life span and durability in comparison with other types of wheel.
[00022] It is an effect of the present subject matter that the wheel with the plurality of wired spokes improves handling of the vehicle due to reduction in overall vehicle mass.
[00023] It is an advantage of the present subject matter that the manufacturing of the wheel with spokes always remains cost effective.
[00024] It is yet another advantage of the present subject matter that the wheel is compact in shape with light weight and high strength is implementable in any vehicle like scooter, motorcycle, a three-wheeler, or a multi-wheeler.
[00025] It is also another advantage that the reduction in spinning inertia of the wheel with the plurality of wired spokes causes an increase in the mileage of the vehicle, as the wheel with the plurality of wired spokes stores less energy during acceleration so the wheel dissipates that energy at higher rate during braking of the vehicle. Ultimately, the present subject matter improves braking efficiency of the vehicle.
[00026] It is further an advantage that because of rim profile the serviceability is improved.
[00027] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00028] Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, and an arrow Dw denotes downward direction.
[00029] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary motor vehicle (100) typically called a two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle (100) includes a frame assembly (105) that extends from a head tube (105A), which is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (100), towards a rear portion of the vehicle (100). The frame assembly (105) extends in longitudinal direction (F-R) of the vehicle (100). The frame assembly (105) may further comprise a sub-frame formed by a pair of rear tubes (not shown) that extend obliquely rearward from the main frame. An engine assembly (110) is fixedly mounted to the frame assembly (105).
[00030] The engine assembly (110) includes at least one of an internal combustion engine and a traction/electrical motor (not shown). A front portion of a swing arm (115) is swingably connected to the frame assembly (105) and a rear portion of the swing arm (115) rotatably supports a rear wheel (120). The rear wheel (120) is functionally coupled to the engine assembly (110) through a transmission system. The transmission system (not shown) includes a chain drive/belt drive, a variable gear ratio system, or an automatic type transmission. A rear fender (125) disposed upwardly of the rear wheel (120) covers at least a portion of the rear wheel (120). Further, the swing arm (115) is coupled to the frame assembly (105) through one or more rear suspension(s) (not shown). In the present embodiment, a mono-shock type rear suspension connects the swing arm (115) to the frame assembly (105). Similarly, a pair of front forks (130) supports a front wheel (135) and is steerably supported by the head tube (105A). A handlebar assembly (140) is connected to an upper portion of the pair of front forks (130). Further, a front fender (145) covers at least a portion of the front wheel (135) and the front fender (145) is mounted to the front forks (130).
[00031] A fuel tank assembly (150) is mounted to the frame assembly (105) and is disposed rearwardly of the handlebar assembly (140). A seat assembly (155) including a rider seat is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank assembly (150) and is supported by the frame assembly (105). The seat assembly may include a pillion seat. Further, a pair of rider foot pegs (165) mounted to the frame assembly (105) of the vehicle (100) that enable in supporting rider foot.
[00032] Further, the engine assembly (110) includes an air-fuel supply system (not shown) that supplies air and fuel to the engine assembly (110). An exhaust pipe (not shown) extends from the engine assembly (110) towards a muffler (not shown) that is disposed adjacently of the rear wheel (120). Plurality of panels (170) covers at least a portion of the frame assembly (105) and one or more vehicle parts.
[00033] Furthermore, the vehicle (100) includes various electrical and electronic systems including a starter system (not shown), a headlamp (175), a vehicle control unit, and a tail lamp (180). In addition, the vehicle includes safety systems including a synchronous braking system (not shown), and an anti-lock braking system.
[00034] Fig. 2 illustrates a typical wheel with wired spokes (120, 135) according to the embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment; the wheel with spokes (120, 135) comprises a tyre (not shown) which get mount on a rim (200) extending circumferentially with respect to a centre axis (C-C’) which is passing from centre of a hub (300). A plurality of wired spokes (250) is provided to connect the rim (200) and the hub (300). The plurality of wired spokes (250) is also termed as plurality of legs (250) or plurality of arms (250). Furthermore, a brake (not shown) is provided with the hub (300) by using the bearing bores (not shown), a spacer component (not shown) and pair of bearings (not shown). The wheel with spokes (120, 135) casting material ranges from group of material comprises of aluminum, magnesium, carbon fiber and combination of above materials.
[00035] In present embodiment; the plurality of wired spokes (250) are extending from the hub (300), tangentially with respect to the centre axis (C-C’) which is passing from centre of the hub (300). However, extension of the plurality of wired spokes (250) are not limited to specific direction only with reference from the centre axis passing from centre of the hub (300). So, the present embodiment also encompasses the situation where the plurality of wired spokes (250) extends from the hub (300) towards the rim (200) along a line which does not take the reference of the centre axis passing from centre of the hub (300). The direction along the circumference of the rim (200) is termed as circumferential direction. The Plurality of wired spokes (250) comprises at-least a first end (250a) and at-least a second end (250b). The first end (250a) of the plurality of wired spokes (250) is connected to the rim (200) through an opening (205) and the second end (250b) of the plurality of wired spokes (250) is connected to the hub (300) through a protrusion member (301).
[00036] Fig. 3 illustrates the wheel with wired spokes (120, 135) without showing the plurality of spokes (250) and the hub (300), according to the embodiment of the present subject matter. In present embodiment, the rim (200) is having an extended portion (201) along the circumference of the rim (200). The extended portion (201) comprises a combination of a hump part (201a) and a depression part (201b). This combination is disposed uniformly throughout the extended portion (201) of an inner circumference of the rim (200). The hump part (201a) of the combination is having at least one opening (205) for mounting the first end (250a) of the plurality of wired spokes (250). In present embodiment, one opening (205) is present for mounting the first end (250a) of the plurality of wired spokes (250). In another embodiment, two opening (205) are present for mounting the first end (250a) of the plurality of wired spokes (250). The extended portion (201) with the combination of the hump part (201a) and the depression part (201b) on the rim (200) provides more area to distribute stress along the rim (200) which minimizes load distortion at a point of mounting the first end of the plurality of wired spokes (250) thereby resulting in better stress distribution on the rim (200). Ultimately, the wheel (120,135) with the plurality of wired spokes (250) is providing structural strength of the rim (200) with minimal weight. As the mass of the wheel (120,135) got reduced the performance of the vehicle (100) increases significantly and it also improves handling of the vehicle (100) due to reduction in overall vehicle mass. Further, the wheel (120,135) with the plurality of wired spokes (250) has more life span and durability in comparison with other types of wheel. As the life of the rim (200) is improved. Thus, the wheel (120,135) reliability and strength are improved. Furthermore, due to the wheel (120,135) disclosed in the present subject matter an optimal weight of the vehicle is easily achievable without doing much change to the specifications of the wheel. Furthermore, the reduction in spinning inertia of the wheel with the plurality of wired spokes causes an increase in the mileage of the vehicle, as the wheel with the plurality of wired spokes stores less energy during acceleration so the wheel dissipates that energy at higher rate during braking of the vehicle. Ultimately, the present subject matter improves braking efficiency of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the extended portion (201) may be separate and coupled rigidly to the rim (200).
[00037] In general, stress is indirectly proportional to the loading area when load remains constant. Therefore, when the loading area increases the stress decreases which results in better stress distribution on the rim. In present subject matter through the combination of the hump part (201a) and the depression part (201b) on the extended portion (201), the loading area got increased which results in reducing the stress on the rim (200). Further, due to the presence of at least one opening (205) in the hump part (201a), strength of the rim (200) is also improved. This improvement in strength of the rim (200) is essential while distributing the stress along the rim (200) effectively. Furthermore, the extended portion (201) disclosed in the present subject matter improves the serviceability of the rim (200) by providing a passage for removing foreign particles present over the rim (200).
[00038] In present embodiment, the extended portion (201) with the combination of the hump part (201a) and the depression part (201b) is disposed on both lateral edges of the rim (200) to distribute the stress more effectively along the rim (200) in a vehicle (100) width wise direction. In another embodiment, the extended portion (201) with the combination of the hump part (201a) and the depression part (201b) is disposed only in the centre of the rim (200) to distribute the stress effectively along the rim (200) in a longitudinal plane of the vehicle (100). Further, the manufacturing of the wheel (120,135) with the plurality of the spokes (250) always remains cost effective.
[00039] In present embodiment, the depression part ensures sufficient room for the access to the wire spokes, because of that serviceability is improved. Further the number of spokes can be increased based upon the type of usage like off road demands for more number of spokes as compare to the on road.
[00040] Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b illustrates a local view the rim (200) without showing the plurality of spokes (250), according to the embodiment of the present subject matter. In present embodiment, the presence of the extended portion (201) with the combination of the hump part (201a) and the depression part (201b) ensures that the first end (not shown) of the plurality of spokes (not shown) merges smoothly at the opening (205) provided at the hump part (201a) over the extended portion (201). This smooth merging of the plurality of spokes (not shown) helps in avoiding the issue of wobbling of the wheel (120, 135). Further, due to the extended portion (201) the tyre life is also increased as the plurality of spokes (250) are not going to come in contact with the tyre of the wheel (120, 135) especially in case of tubeless tyre.
[00041] Fig. 4a shows the local view of the rim (200) with two opening (205) in each of the hump parts (201a) of the extended portion (201). In present embodiment, any one out of the two opening (205) is used to mount the first end (not shown) of the plurality of spokes (not shown). The shape of opening (205) can be various type. Further the non-used openings can be of various shape which can aesthetically appeal the customers.
[00042] Fig. 4b illustrates the local view of the rim (200) with only one opening (205) in the hump parts (201a) of the extended portion (201). In present embodiment, the one opening (205) is used to mount the first end (not shown) of the plurality of spokes (not shown).
[00043] The numbers of the plurality of spokes (not shown) depend on the diameter of the rim (200). In present implementation, the hump part (201a) is connected with the first end (not shown) of the plurality of spokes (not shown) along the circumference of the rim (200) at a predetermined distance (X). The predetermined distance (X) is a circumferential distance measured along the circumference of the rim (200) between openings (205) disposed on two different hump parts (201a) of the rim. The predetermined distance (X) lies in the range of 20 mm to 40 mm. In another embodiment, the angle (O) formed by the distance (X) ranges from 1 degree to 10 degrees at the centre axis (C-C’) of the hub (300).
[00044] Further, the hump part (201a) has a length (Y). The length (Y) is also measured circumferentially between extreme ends of the hump part (201a) and length (Y) lies in the range of 15 mm to 35 mm. Furthermore, the depression part 201b has a depth (Z). The depth (Z) is measured vertically and lies in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm.
[00045] The integration of the predetermined distance (X), the length (Y) and the depth (Z) gives the optimal strength to the rim (200), at the same time the integration guides to effectively distributing the stress along the rim (200) of the wheel (120,135). Further, the wheel (120,135) disclosed in the present subject matter is compact in shape with light weight and high strength is implementable in any vehicle like scooter, motorcycle, a three-wheeler, or a multi-wheeler.
[00046] Fig. 5a illustrates a left side view of the hub (300) in accordance with the present subject matter. In present embodiment, the hub (300) is having a pair of protrusions (301) extending radially to the hub (300). The pair of protrusions (301) is disposed circumferentially on the hub (300). In present embodiment, the pair of protrusions (301RH, 301LH) is disposed on both lateral edges of the hub (300) for mounting the second end (not shown) of the plurality of the spokes (not shown). Further, the protrusion (301) on both edges (300a, 300b) of the hub (300) lies in range of 4 degree to 12 degree (?). In present embodiment, on one side of the hub (300) there are mounting provisions 303 for mounting a disc brake plate (not shown). In another embodiment, there are mounting provisions (303) for mounting more than one-disc brake plate (not shown) on both sides of the hub (300).
[00047] In another embodiment, the pair of protrusions (301) is disposed only in the middle of the hub (300) for mounting the second end (not shown) of the plurality of the spokes (not shown).
[00048] Fig. 5b illustrates a sectional view of the hub (300) when viewed from the top of the vehicle in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 5a. In present implementation, the hub (300) comprises a right side (300a) and a left side (300b). On the right side (300a), one edge of the hub (300) is present with the protrusion (301RH) for mounting the second end (not shown) of the plurality of the spokes (not shown) and on the left side (300a), another edge of the hub (300) is present with the protrusion (301LH) for mounting the second end (not shown) of the plurality of the spokes (not shown).
[00049] While preferred embodiments of the present subject matter have been described above, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing the scope and spirit of the present subject matter.

List of references:
Y - Length (Y) is also measured circumferentially between extreme ends of the hump part
X - Predetermined distance
C-C’ – Centre axis
Z - Depth
100 – Vehicle
105A – Head tube
110 – Engine assembly
115 – Swing arm
120 – Rear wheel
125 – Rear fender
130 – Front fork
135 – Front wheel
140 – Handle bar assembly
145 – Front fender
150 – Fuel tank assembly
155 – Seat assembly
165 – Rider foot peg
170 – Plurality of panels
175 – Head lamp
180 – Tail lamp
200 – Rim
201 - Extended portion
201a – Hump part
201b – Depression part
205 – One opening
205a – First end
250 – Plurality of wired spokes/Leg/arms
250a – First end of Plurality of wired spokes
250b - Second end of Plurality of wired spokes
300 – Centre of a hub
300 a - Right side
300b - Left side
301 – Protrusion member
301RH – Right-side protrusion
301LH – Left-side protrusion
,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. A wheel (120, 135) comprises:
a hub (300), a rim (200) and a plurality of spokes (250), said plurality of spokes (250) are anchored between rim (200) and hub (300);
wherein said hub (300) is located in centre of the wheel (120, 135);
and
wherein said rim (200) extending circumferentially with respect to a centre axis (C-C’) passing from centre of the hub (300), said rim (200) comprises an extended portion (201) along an inner circumference;
wherein said extended portion (201) having combination of a hump part (201a) and a depression part (201b).

2. The wheel (120, 135) for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hump part (201a) comprises at least one opening portion (205) for mounting the wired spokes.

3. The wheel (120, 135) for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said extended portion (201) is provided on both lateral edges along the circumferential direction of said rim (200).

4. The wheel (120, 135) for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hump part (201a) has a length Y, said length Y is also measured circumferentially between extreme ends of the hump part (201a) lies in the range of 15 milli meter to 35 milli meter.

5. The wheel (120, 135) for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the depression part (201b) has a depth Z measured vertically lies in the range of 2 milli meter to 10 milli meter.

6. The wheel (120, 135) for a vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hub (300) has at least one protrusion (301) extending radially, said protrusion (301) is disposed on both edges (300a, 300b) of the hub (300).

7. The wheel (120, 135) for a vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein said protrusion (301) on both edges (300a, 300b) of the hub (300) lies in the angular range (?) of 4 degree to 12 degree.
8. The wheel (120, 135) for a vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hump part (201a) is connected with the first end (205a) of the plurality of spokes (250) along the circumference of the rim (200) at a predetermined circumferential distance (X) measured along the circumference of the rim (200) between openings (205) disposed on two different hump parts (201a) of the rim (200).
9. The wheel (120, 135) for a vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 1 or claim 8, wherein said predetermined distance (X) lies in the range of 20 milli meter to 40 milli meter.
10. The wheel (120, 135) for a vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 1 or claim 8, wherein distance X forms an angle O ranges from 1 degree to 10 degrees at the centre axis (C-C’) of the hub (300).