General Motors has submitted a patent application for wheels fabricated from a blend of metal and composite substances. The automotive giant asserts that this innovative wheel design could lower both weight and material expenses.
Traditional wheels on production vehicles are generally constructed from either aluminum or steel, typically cast or forged as a singular unit. However, the recently disclosed patent application from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), dated October 10, outlines the concept of a dual-component wheel crafted from metal and fire-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite.
Overview of Porsche 911
Images Illustrating General Motors’ Hybrid Metal-Composite Wheel Patent
According to the details provided in the patent application, the wheel’s barrel would be composed of metal, whereas the face and spokes would be constructed from FRP. The composite could include carbon fiber as one of its constituents. Furthermore, the spokes have the potential to be designed as hollow structures, thus allowing for the insertion of metal components to augment rigidity.
Various methods could be employed to join the metal barrel and the composite element. These include the use of adhesives, metallic fasteners, or a technique known as over-molding. In over-molding, the composite material flows into pre-defined holes or slots in the metal barrel, securing the composite piece as it takes shape.
Images Illustrating General Motors’ Hybrid Metal-Composite Wheel Patent
High-performance vehicles, such as General Motors’ Chevrolet Corvette Z06, currently offer wheels made entirely of carbon fiber, which are lighter than their metal counterparts. Nevertheless, General Motors contends that the hybrid construction offers superior impact resistance, long-lasting durability, and ease of repair by retaining a metal barrel that is more resistant to damage.
In terms of aesthetics, the hybrid wheels could bear a resemblance to all-carbon-fiber wheels, including the option for exposed carbon spokes. General Motors also notes that the composite face of the wheel provides designers with greater creative latitude. However, it is essential to understand that the submission of a patent application does not necessarily indicate that wheels of this hybrid material will make it to the production stage.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about General Motors Hybrid Wheel Patent
What is the key innovation in General Motors’ recent patent application?
The key innovation in the patent application is a wheel design made from a combination of metal and fire-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite. This hybrid structure aims to reduce both the weight and the material costs of the wheel, offering a blend of the benefits of both metal and composite wheels.
What materials are proposed for these hybrid wheels?
The proposed hybrid wheels would feature a metal barrel, likely made from traditional wheel materials like aluminum or steel. The face and spokes of the wheel would be made from a fire-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite, which could include carbon fiber.
How will these hybrid wheels be assembled?
General Motors proposes multiple methods for joining the metal and composite components. These include using adhesives, metal fasteners, or a process known as over-molding. In over-molding, the composite material flows into pre-made holes or slots in the metal barrel, securing it as it takes shape.
Do these hybrid wheels offer any performance benefits?
According to General Motors, the hybrid wheels could offer better impact resistance, durability, and repairability compared to all-metal or all-composite wheels. The metal barrel section is expected to be more resistant to damage, which could prove advantageous in various driving conditions.
Will these hybrid wheels look different from current wheel designs?
The hybrid wheels could resemble all-carbon-fiber wheels, with the possibility of featuring exposed carbon spokes. The composite face also offers more design flexibility, allowing for more creative wheel designs.
Is this hybrid wheel design guaranteed to go into production?
No, the submission of a patent application does not guarantee that the product will go into production. It is a preliminary step to protect the intellectual property behind the design, and production plans have not been confirmed.
More about General Motors Hybrid Wheel Patent
- General Motors Official Website
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
- Overview of Carbon Fiber in Automotive Design
- Fire-Reinforced Polymers: An Introduction
- Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Official Specifications
- Material Advancements in Automotive Wheel Design
5 comments
Less material cost could mean a smaller carbon footprint, right? Hope this one gets off the ground.
Hmm, better impact resistance and repairability? I’ll believe it when I see it. Patents are just ideas till they hit the road.
Wow, GM is really stepping up their game. hybrid wheels? that’s something to watch out for.
Metal and composite, huh? could be a game changer if it actually makes it to production. kudos to GM for innovation.
Interesting stuff, but lets be real, patents dont always translate to real products. Gonna keep my eyes peeled tho.