WO2020112115A1

WO2020112115A1 - Vehicle wheel and method of making a vehicle wheel

Info

Publication number: WO2020112115A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/063063
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Burg; David P. YANKES; Santosh Prasad; Erin J FULTON; Gabriele F. CICCOLA
Original assignee: Arconic Inc.
Priority date: 2018-11-29
Filing date: 2018-11-29
Publication date: 2020-06-04

Abstract

A vehicle wheel and methods of making the vehicle wheel are provided. The vehicle wheel comprises a first region and a second region. The first region is generally cylindrical and comprises an inner surface and outer surface comprising a tire mount. The second region is integral with and extends radially inwardly from the first region. The second region is configured to mount to a vehicle axle. The second region comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes at least two bores therethrough configured to receive a stud of a hub of the vehicle axle. Each bore comprises a center point. The second portion is disposed at least partially within a circle including the center point of each of the at least two bores. The second portion comprises a second density less than a first density of the first portion.

Description

TITLE

VEHICLE WHEEL AND METHOD OF MAKING A VEHICLE WHEEL

FIELD OF USE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle wheel and methods of making the vehicle wheel.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Medium-duty vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles, such as semi-trucks, can carry loads in excess of 10 tons. The vehicle’s wheels distribute the weight of these loads to the ground. Designing a vehicle wheel to efficiently distribute these loads presents challenges.

SUMMARY

[0003] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a vehicle wheel comprising a first region and a second region. The first region is generally cylindrical and comprises an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface of the first region comprises a tire mount.

The second region is integral with and extends radially inwardly from the first region. The second region is configured to mount to a vehicle axle. The second region comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes at least two bores therethrough configured to receive a stud of a hub of the vehicle axle. Each bore comprises a center point. The second portion is disposed at least partially within a circle including the center point of each of the at least two bores. The second portion comprises a second density less than a first density of the first portion.

[0004] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of producing a vehicle wheel. More specifically, a vehicle wheel is provided by a method comprising at least one of forming, curing, forging, casting, and additive manufacturing. The vehicle wheel comprises at least one of metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, and a composite. The vehicle wheel comprises a first region and a second region. The first region is generally cylindrical and comprises an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface of the first region comprises a tire mount. The second region is integral with and extends radially inwardly from the first region. The second region is configured to mount to a vehicle axle. The second region comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes at least two bores therethrough configured to receive a stud of a hub of the vehicle axle. Each bore comprises a center point. The second portion is disposed at least partially within a circle including the center point of each of the at least two bores. The second portion comprises a second density less than a first density of the first portion.

[0005] It is understood that the inventions disclosed and described in this specification are not limited to the aspects summarized in this Summary. The reader will appreciate the foregoing details, as well as others, upon considering the following detailed description of various non-limiting and non-exhaustive aspects according to this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The features and advantages of the examples, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent, and the examples will be better understood, by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0007] FIG. 1 A is a front perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. IB is a front view of the vehicle wheel of FIG. 1 A;

[0009] FIG. 1C is a rear perspective view of the vehicle wheel of FIG. 1 A;

[0010] FIG. ID is a cross-sectional detail view of the vehicle wheel of FIG. 1 A;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional detail view of a non-limiting embodiment of a vehicle wheel comprising a second portion with a reduced thickness according to the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional detail view of a non-limiting embodiment of a vehicle wheel comprising a minimally exposed second portion according to the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional detail view of a non-limiting embodiment of a vehicle wheel comprising interlocking first and second portions according to the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a vehicle wheel comprising an annular second portion according to the present disclosure; [0015] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional detail view of the vehicle wheel of FIG. 5 A; and

[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional detail view of a non-limiting embodiment of a vehicle wheel comprising a second portion comprising two grooves according to the present disclosure.

[0017] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate certain embodiments, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the appended claims in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Various examples are described and illustrated herein to provide an overall understanding of the structure, function, and use of the disclosed articles and methods. The various examples described and illustrated herein are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Thus, an invention is not limited by the description of the various non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples disclosed herein. Rather, the invention is defined solely by the claims. The features and characteristics illustrated and/or described in connection with various examples may be combined with the features and characteristics of other examples. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this specification. As such, the claims may be amended to recite any features or characteristics expressly or inherently described in, or otherwise expressly or inherently supported by, this specification. Further, Applicant reserves the right to amend the claims to affirmatively disclaim features or characteristics that may be present in the prior art. The various embodiments disclosed and described in this specification can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the features and characteristics as variously described herein.

[0019] Any references herein to“various embodiments,”“some embodiments,”“one embodiment,”“an embodiment,” or like phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one

embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases“in various embodiments,”“in some embodiments,”“in one embodiment,”“in an embodiment,” or like phrases in the

specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present embodiments.

[0020] In this specification, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical parameters are to be understood as being prefaced and modified in all instances by the term“about,” in which the numerical parameters possess the inherent variability characteristic of the underlying measurement techniques used to determine the numerical value of the parameter. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter described herein should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0021] Also, any numerical range recited herein includes all sub-ranges subsumed within the recited range. For example, a range of“1 to 10” includes all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10. Any maximum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly recite any sub-range subsumed within the ranges expressly recited. All such ranges are inherently described in this specification.

[0022] The grammatical articles“a,”“an,” and“the,” as used herein, are intended to include “at least one” or“one or more,” unless otherwise indicated, even if“at least one” or“one or more” is expressly used in certain instances. Thus, the foregoing grammatical articles are used herein to refer to one or more than one (i.e., to“at least one”) of the particular identified elements. Further, the use of a singular noun includes the plural and the use of a plural noun includes the singular, unless the context of the usage requires otherwise.

[0023] As used herein, a referenced element or region that is“intermediate” two other elements or regions means that the referenced element/region is disposed between, but is not necessarily in contact with, the two other elements/regions. Accordingly, for example, a referenced element that is“intermediate” a first element and a second element may or may not be immediately adjacent to or in contact with the first and/or second elements, and other elements may be disposed between the referenced element and the first and/or second elements.

[0024] Typically, a sturdy vehicle wheel is heavy which can increase fuel costs while operating the vehicle. According to the present disclosure, a vehicle wheel is provided which can comprise a sturdy structure suitable to support a load carried by the vehicle and which also has a decreased mass relative to certain conventional vehicle wheels. The decreased mass can result in fuel savings while operating the vehicle. The vehicle wheel may comprise a reduced weight and a structure configured to enable alignment of the wheel with a hub of the vehicle. In various embodiments, the vehicle wheel can enable a decreased material cost of the vehicle wheel and/or a desired aesthetic appearance of the vehicle wheel.

[0025] As illustrated in FIGs. 1 A-D, a vehicle wheel 100 is provided. The vehicle wheel 100 comprises a first region 102 and a second region 104. The first region 102 is generally cylindrical and comprises an outer surface 102a and an inner surface 102b. The first region 102 can comprise a tire mount 110 which can be disposed about a circumference of the outer surface 102a of the first region 102. The tire mount 110 can be configured so that a tire can be mounted thereon. For example, the tire mount 110 can comprise a tire bead set configured to receive a tire. The tire can comprise any suitable dimensions for mounting on the tire mount 110. For example, depending on the dimensions of the tire mount, the tire can comprise dimensions selected from 11R22.5, 295/75R22.5, 11R24.5, and 285/75R24.5.

[0026] The first region 102 can comprise a nominal rim width and a nominal rim diameter adapted to receive a tire. In various non-limiting embodiments, the first region 102 can comprise a nominal rim width, w, in a range of 1 inch (2.54 mm) to 100 inches (2540 mm), such as, for example, 6 inches (152.4 mm) to 12 inches (304.8 mm). For example, and without limitation, in certain embodiments the nominal rim width, w, of the first region 102 can be 8.25 inches (209.6 mm) or 11 inches (279.4 mm). In various non-limiting

embodiments, the first region 102 can comprise a nominal rim diameter, d_\, in a range of 1 inch (2.54 mm) to 200 inches (5080 mm), such as, for example, 14 inches (406.4 mm) to 25 inches (635 mm). For example, and without limitation, in certain embodiment the nominal rim diameter, d_\, of the first region 102 can be 22.5 inches (571.5 mm) or 24.5 inches (622.3 mm). [0027] In various non-limiting embodiments, the first region 102 can comprise a first valve stem mount 130. The valve stem mount 130 can be configured to receive a valve stem in order to control gas transport into and out of a tire mounted on the tire mount 110.

[0028] The second region 104 can be integral with and can extend radially inwardly from the first region 102. In certain embodiments, the second region 104 is integral with and extends radially inwardly from the inner surface 102b of the first region 102. In various

embodiments, the second region 104 extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 102b of the first region 102. The second region 104 is configured to mount to a vehicle axle (not shown). For example, a central region 116 of the second region 104 can comprise an opening configured to receive a portion of the hub of the vehicle axle.

In various non-limiting embodiments, the central region 116 can be a pilot bore comprising a structure suitable to align the vehicle wheel 100 with the hub of the vehicle axle. The second region 104 can comprise a shape suitable to transfer force between the vehicle axle and the first region 102. In various non-limiting embodiments, the second region 104 comprises at least one of a generally circular plate shape and a generally conical shape.

[0029] The second region 104 can comprise a first portion 106 and a second portion 108. In various non-limiting embodiments, the second portion 108 can be at least one of adhered (e.g., bonded), soldered, brazed, glazed, cladded, additively manufactured, welded (e.g., resistance spot welded, inertia friction welded, friction stir welded, metal inert gas welded, tungsten inert gas welded), vulcanized, friction fit (e.g., press fit, interlocked, shrink fitted), and fastened (e.g., with a fastener) to the first portion 106.

[0030] In various embodiments, the first portion 106 can comprise at least two bores 112, each configured to receive a stud on a hub of a vehicle axle. As illustrated in FIG. IB, a circle 114 circumscribed in the second region 104 can include the center point 112a of each bore 112. The center points 112a of each bore 112 can be disposed evenly about the circle 114. In various embodiments, the circle 114 has a center common with the second region 104. In various non-limiting embodiments, the circle 114 can comprise a diameter, d₂, in a range of 1 inch (25.4 mm) to 15 inches (381 mm). For example, and without limitation, the circle 114 can comprise a diameter, d₂ , of 11.25 inches (285.75 mm). In various non-limiting embodiments, each bore 112 can have a diameter in a range of 0.1 inches (2.54 mm) to 2 inches (50.8 mm). For example, and without limitation, each bore 112 can have a diameter of 1.023 inches (26 mm). In various non-limiting embodiments, the second region can comprise 10 bores 112.

[0031] The first portion 106 can comprise at least two openings 120 disposed about a periphery 104a of the first portion 106 and proximal to the first region 102. The at least two openings 120 can reduce a weight of the vehicle wheel 100. In various non-limiting embodiments, the first portion 106 can comprise 10 openings 120. In various non-limiting embodiments, the openings 120 can be disposed about the second region 104 offset from the bores 112, as illustrated in FIGs. 1 A-D, or can be disposed about the second region 104 substantially in line with the bores 112 (not shown). An offset disposition of the bores 112 and the openings 120, such as is shown in FIGs. 1 A-D, can increase a load rating of the vehicle wheel 100. In various non-limiting embodiments, each opening 120 can be disposed evenly about a circle 128. In various embodiments, the circle 128 has a center common with the second region 104. The circle 128 can comprise a diameter, d₃ , in a range of 2 inches (50.8 mm) to 22 inches (558.8 mm). For example, and without limitation, the circle 128 can comprise a diameter, d₃, of 17.3 inches (439.42 mm).

[0032] The first portion 106 can comprise a first density and the second portion 108 can comprise a second density that is less than the first density. Increasing the volume percentage of the second portion 108 based on the total volume of the vehicle wheel 100 can lower the total weight of the vehicle wheel 100. The first portion 106 can comprise a first material and the second portion 108 can comprise a second material that is different than the first material. In various non-limiting embodiments, the first region 102 comprises at least one of the first material, the second material, and a third material. In various non-limiting embodiments, the first material, the second material, and the third material each can comprise at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, and a composite. In various non-limiting embodiments, the metal or metal alloy can comprise a metal matrix composite. In various non-limiting embodiments, the first material and the second material can both be a metal or a metal alloy. In various non-limiting embodiments, the first material can be a metal or a metal alloy and the second material can be a plastic or a composite. In various non-limiting embodiments, the first material and the second material can both be a plastic or a composite. Regardless of the composition of the first material or the second material, the second material comprises a density less than a density of the first material. [0033] In various non-limiting embodiments, the first material, the second material, and the third material can each comprise at least one of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, magnesium, a magnesium alloy, iron, an iron alloy, fiber glass (e.g., fiber glass reinforced polymer), carbon fiber (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced polymer), polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, ethylene propylene diene monomer, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

[0034] In various non-limiting embodiments, the first material, the second material, and, if present, the third material can each be chosen at least in part based on a desired aesthetic appearance of the vehicle wheel 100. For example, and without limitation, the second material can have a desired color or lack of color (e.g., a colored material, a clear material) and/or a desired texture and/or pattern (e.g., carbon fiber).

[0035] In various non-limiting embodiments, the second portion 108 can comprise a generally annular shape (e.g., a ring) which can be suitable to align with a hub of a vehicle axle. In various non-limiting embodiments, a shape and configuration of the second portion 108 can be chosen based at least in part on a desired load rating of the vehicle wheel 100.

For example, and without limitation, the second portion 108 can be configured to be in minimally load-bearing or non-load-bearing regions of the vehicle wheel 100 which can maintain the load rating of the vehicle wheel 100 while reducing the weight of the vehicle wheel 100.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. IB, the second portion 108 is disposed at least partially within the circle 114 that includes the center point 112a of each of the bores 112. In various non limiting embodiments, the second portion 108 may not extend further than a circle 122 tangent to an outer edge of each of the bores 112. In various other non-limiting

embodiments, the second portion 108 extends further than the circle 122. For example, in various non-limiting embodiments, the second portion 108 does not extend further than the circle 122 when the openings 120 are offset from the bores 112. Also, in various non limiting embodiments, the second portion 108 may extend further than the circle 122 when the openings 120 are substantially in line with the bores 112. Further, in various non-limiting embodiments, the second portion 108 may extend to the first region 102 when the openings 120 are not present and/or when the opening 120 are in line with the bores 112. [0037] In various non-limiting embodiments, the second portion 108 can comprise a generally annular member 118 and a protrusion 132 extending radially outwardly from the generally annular member 118. The protrusions 132 can extend outwardly between two of bores 112 a distance greater than circle 114 and/or circle 122, a distance less than circle 114 and/or circle 122, a distance greater than circle 114 and less than circle 122, or a distance equal to circle 114 or circle 122. In various non-limiting embodiments, the protrusions 120 can comprise a generally curved edge (e.g., scalloped). In various non-limiting

embodiments, the second portion 108 can comprise 10 protrusions 132.

[0038] As illustrated in FIG. ID, in various non-limiting embodiments, the first portion 106 can comprise a thickness, t₁ which is the same as a thickness, t₂, of the second portion 108. The second portion 108 can extend through the second region 104. The second portion 108 can be integral with the first portion 106.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, in various non-limiting embodiments a first portion 206 of a second region 204 of a vehicle wheel 200 can comprise a thickness, 0, different than a thickness, t₂, of the second portion 208 of the second region 204. In certain embodiments, the second portion 208 may not extend completely through the second region 204. In various non-limiting embodiments, the second portion 208 can be exposed on a surface 208a as shown in FIG. 2 which may be hidden when the vehicle wheel 200 is mounted on a hub of a vehicle axle. This may give the appearance that the vehicle wheel 200 comprises only the first material.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, in various non-limiting embodiments a second portion 308 of a second region 304 of the vehicle wheel 300 can be minimally exposed or hidden. For example, the second portion 308 can be positioned intermediate a first surface 306b of a first portion 306 of the vehicle wheel 300 and a second surface 306c of the first portion 306. The first portion 306 can comprise a thickness, t₂, different than a thickness, t₂, of the second portion 308. In the depicted embodiment the second portion 308 may only be exposed on surface 308b.

[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates a non-limiting embodiment of a vehicle wheel 400 comprising a second portion 408 of a second region 404 of the vehicle wheel 400 which can interlock with a first portion 406 of the second region 404. For example, the second portion 408 can comprise a projection 436 which can be captured by an undercut 434 of the first portion 406. The undercut 434 can inhibit, if not prevent, displacement of the second portion 408 from the second region 404.

[0042] FIGs. 5A-B illustrate a non-limiting embodiment of a vehicle wheel 500 comprising a second portion 508 of a second region 504 and wherein the second portion 508 comprises a generally annular shape. For example, the second portion 508 can consist of an annular shape (e.g., a ring). The central region 116 of the second portion 508 can be a pilot bore configured to align the vehicle wheel 500 with a hub of a vehicle axle. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the second portion 508 can comprise a groove 524 disposed about a circumference of an inner surface 508b of the second portion 508. As shown in FIG. 6, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the second portion 508 can comprise a groove 624 disposed about a circumference of an outer surface 508c of the second portion 508. The groove 624 can further reduce the weight of the vehicle wheel 500. The quantity of grooves shown is for illustration purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0043] Referring again to the embodiment shown in FIGs. 5A-B, the second region 504 can comprise a counter bore 526 extending radially outwardly from the second portion 508 into the first portion 506. The counter bore 526 can comprise void space and can reduce the weight of the vehicle wheel 500. The counter bore 526 can extend outwardly from the outer surface 508c. In various non-limiting embodiments, the counter bore 526 can extend between two of bores 112 a distance greater than a first circle which includes the center point of each of the bores 112 and/or a second tangent to an outer edge of each of the bores 112, a distance less than the first circle and/or the second circle, a distance greater than the first circle and less than the second circle, or a distance equal to the first circle or the second circle. In various non-limiting embodiments, the vehicle wheel 500 can comprise at least two counter bores 526. In various embodiments, and without limitation, the second region 504 can comprise 10 counter bores 526. In various embodiments, and without limitation, the counter bores 526 can comprise a slot or other geometry.

[0044] In various non-limiting embodiments, the vehicle wheels 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 can each be at least one of a bonded wheel, a welded wheel, a formed wheel (e.g., vacuum formed), a cured wheel, a cast wheel, a forged wheel, and an additively manufactured wheel. The vehicle wheels 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 may have been subjected to further processing to provide the final vehicle wheel. [0045] In various non-limiting embodiments, the load rating of the vehicle wheels 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 can each be at least 1,000 pounds (lbs.), such as, for example, at least 5,000 lbs., at least 10,000 lbs., or at least 15,000 lbs. In various non-limiting embodiments, the load rating of the vehicle wheels 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 can each be no greater than 20,000 lbs., such as, for example, no greater than 15,000 lbs., no greater than 10,000 lbs., or no greater than 5,000 lbs. In various non-limiting embodiments, the load rating of the vehicle wheels 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 can each be 1,000 lbs. to 20,0001bs, such as, for example, 5,000 lbs. to 15,000 lbs., or 9,000 lbs. to 13,000 lbs.

[0046] A method for using the vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure is provided. The method comprises mounting the vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure on a steer axle of a vehicle, a drive axle of a vehicle, or a trailer axle of a trailer. The vehicle can comprise a vehicle weight class in a range of 1 to 8, such as, for example, 3 to 8 as defined by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. For example, in various non-limiting

embodiments the gross weight of the vehicle can be at least 10,001 lbs. The vehicle can be a light-duty, medium-duty, or heavy-duty vehicle, such as, for example, a medium-duty or heavy-duty vehicle. In various non-limiting embodiments, the vehicle can be a truck (e.g., pick-up, full-sized, tractor (e.g., semi-truck)), a van, or a bus. The vehicle can comprise at least two axles, such as, for example, at least three axles, at least four axles, at least five axles, or at least six axles. In various non-limiting embodiments, the vehicle can comprise no greater than ten axles such as, for example, no greater than six axles, no greater than five axles, no greater than four axles, or no greater than three axles. In various non-limiting embodiments, the vehicle can comprise a quantity of axles in a range of two to ten.

[0047] The trailer can comprise a single axle or at least two axles, such as, for example, at least three axles, at least four axles, at least five axles, or at least six axles. In various non limiting embodiments, the trailer can comprise no greater than ten axles such as, for example, no greater than six axles, no greater than five axles, no greater than four axles, or no greater than three axles. In various non-limiting embodiments, the trailer can comprise one to ten axles.

[0048] A method of producing a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure also is provided. The method comprises bonding, welding, forming, curing, forging, casting, and/or additively manufacturing at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, and a composite to provide a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure. In various non-limiting embodiments, the method of making the vehicle wheel comprises steps in addition to the bonding, welding, forming, curing, casting, forging, or additive manufacturing. For example, the second portion can be joined to the first portion by at least one of adhering, soldering, brazing, glazing, cladding, additive manufacturing, welding, vulcanizing, friction fitting, and fastening.

ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0049] Various aspects of the invention include, but are not limited to, the aspects listed in the following numbered clauses.

1. A vehicle wheel comprising:

a generally cylindrical first region comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the first region comprising a tire mount;

a second region integral with and extending radially inwardly from the first region, the second region configured to mount to a vehicle axle, the second region comprising

a first portion comprising a first density and including at least two bores therethrough configured to receive a stud of a hub of the vehicle axle, each bore comprising a center point, and

a second portion comprising a second density less than the first density, the second portion disposed at least partially within a circle including the center point of each of the at least two bores.

2. The vehicle wheel of clause 1, wherein at least one of the first region, the first portion, and the second portion comprises at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, and a composite.

3. The vehicle wheel of any one of clauses 1-2, wherein at least one of the first region, the first portion, and the second portion comprises at least one of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, magnesium, a magnesium alloy, iron, an iron alloy, fiber glass, carbon fiber, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, ethylene propylene diene monomer, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The vehicle wheel of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein the first portion comprises a first material and the second portion comprises a second material different than the first material. The vehicle wheel of any one of clauses 1-4, wherein the first portion comprises a metal or a metal alloy and the second portion comprises a plastic or a composite. The vehicle wheel of any one of clauses 1-5, wherein the first portion comprises at least one of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, magnesium, a magnesium alloy, iron, an iron alloy, and the second portion comprises at least one of fiber glass, carbon fiber, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester, polyurethane,

polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, ethylene propylene diene monomer, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The vehicle wheel of any one of clauses 1-6, wherein the second portion is at least one of adhered, soldered, brazed, glazed, cladded, additive manufactured, welded, vulcanized, friction fitted, and fastened to the first portion. The vehicle wheel of any one of clauses 1-7, wherein a central region of the second portion comprises an opening configured to receive a portion of the hub of the vehicle axle. The vehicle wheel of any one of clauses 1-8, wherein the second portion comprises a generally annular member and a protrusion extending radially outwardly from the generally annular member. The vehicle wheel of any one of clauses 1-9, wherein the first portion comprises at least two openings disposed about a periphery of the first portion and proximal to the inner surface of the first region. The vehicle wheel of clause 10, wherein the at least two openings are disposed about the second region offset from the at least two bores. The vehicle wheel of clause 11, wherein the second portion extends no further than a circle tangent to an outer edge of each of the at least two bores. The vehicle wheel of clause 10, wherein the at least two openings are disposed about the second region substantially in line with the at least two bores. The vehicle wheel of clause 13, wherein the second portion extends further than a circle tangent to an outer edge of each of the at least two bores. The vehicle wheel of any one of clauses 1-14, wherein the second portion comprises a generally annular shape. The vehicle wheel of any one of clauses 1-15, wherein the second portion comprises a groove disposed about at least one of a circumference of an outer surface of the second portion and a circumference of an inner surface of the second portion. The vehicle wheel of any one of clauses 1-16, further comprising a counter bore extending radially outwardly from the second portion into the first portion. The vehicle wheel of any one of clauses 1-17, wherein the first region comprises a nominal rim diameter in a range of 1 inch to 200 inches, inclusive, and a nominal rim width in a range of 1 inch to 100 inches, inclusive. The vehicle wheel of any one of clauses 1-18, wherein the first region comprises a nominal rim diameter in a range of 14 inches to 25 inches, inclusive, and a nominal rim width in a range of 6 inches to 24 inches, inclusive.

The vehicle wheel of any one of clauses 1-19, wherein the first portion comprises a thickness the same as a thickness of the second portion. The vehicle wheel of any one of clauses 1-20, wherein the first portion comprises a thickness different than a thickness of the second portion. A method of producing a vehicle wheel, the method comprising:

providing a vehicle wheel by a method comprising at least one of forming, curing, forging, casting, and additive manufacturing, the vehicle wheel comprising at least one of metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, and a composite, the vehicle wheel including

a generally cylindrical first region comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the first region comprising a tire mount, a second region integral with and extending radially inwardly from the first region, the second region configured to mount to a vehicle axle, the second region comprising

a first portion comprising a first density and including at least two bores therethrough configured to receive a stud of a hub of the vehicle axle, each bore comprising a center point, and a second portion comprising a second density less than the first density, the second portion disposed at least partially within a circle including the center point of each of the at least two bores.

The method of clause 22, further comprising at least one of adhering, soldering, brazing, glazing, cladding, additive manufacturing, welding, vulcanizing, friction fitting, and fastening the second portion to the first portion. The method of any one of clauses 22-23, wherein the first portion comprises at least one of a metal and a metal alloy, and the second portion comprises at least one of a plastic and a composite. The method of any one of clauses 22-24, wherein the first portion comprises at least one of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, magnesium, a magnesium alloy, iron, an iron alloy, and the second portion comprises at least one of fiber glass, carbon fiber, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, ethylene propylene diene monomer, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

[0050] One skilled in the art will recognize that the herein described articles and methods, and the discussion accompanying them, are used as examples for the sake of conceptual clarity and that various configuration modifications are contemplated. Consequently, as used herein, the specific examples/embodiments set forth and the accompanying discussion are intended to be representative of their more general classes. In general, use of any specific exemplar is intended to be representative of its class, and the non-inclusion of specific components, devices, operations/actions, and objects should not be taken to be limiting. While the present disclosure provides descriptions of various specific aspects for the purpose of illustrating various aspects of the present disclosure and/or its potential applications, it is understood that variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art.

Accordingly, the invention or inventions described herein should be understood to be at least as broad as they are claimed and not as more narrowly defined by particular illustrative aspects provided herein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A vehicle wheel comprising:

2. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first region, the first portion, and the second portion comprises at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, and a composite.

3. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first region, the first portion, and the second portion comprises at least one of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, magnesium, a magnesium alloy, iron, an iron alloy, fiber glass, carbon fiber, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, ethylene propylene diene monomer, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

4. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein the first portion comprises a first material, and the second portion comprises a second material different than the first material.

5. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein the first portion comprises a metal or a metal alloy, and the second portion comprises a plastic or a composite.

6. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein the first portion comprises at least one of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, magnesium, a magnesium alloy, iron, an iron alloy, and the second portion comprises at least one of fiber glass, carbon fiber, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, ethylene propylene diene monomer, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

7. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein the second portion is at least one of adhered, soldered, brazed, glazed, cladded, additively manufactured, welded, vulcanized, friction fitted, and fastened to the first portion.

8. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein a central region of the second portion

comprises an opening configured to receive a portion of the hub of the vehicle axle.

9. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises a generally annular member and a protrusion extending radially outwardly from the generally annular member.

10. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein the first portion comprises at least two

openings disposed about a periphery of the first portion and proximal to the inner surface of the first region.

11. The vehicle wheel of claim 10, wherein the at least two openings are disposed about the second region offset from the at least two bores.

12. The vehicle wheel of claim 11, wherein the second portion extends no further than a circle tangent to an outer edge of each of the at least two bores.

13. The vehicle wheel of claim 10, wherein the at least two openings are disposed about the second region substantially in line with the at least two bores.

14. The vehicle wheel of claim 13, wherein the second portion extends further than a circle tangent to an outer edge of each of the at least two bores.

15. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises a generally annular shape.

16. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises a groove

disposed about at least one of a circumference of an outer surface of the second portion and a circumference of an inner surface of the second portion.

17. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, further comprising a counter bore extending radially outwardly from the second portion into the first portion.

18. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein the first region comprises a nominal rim

diameter in a range of 1 inch to 200 inches, inclusive, and a nominal rim width in a range of 1 inch to 100 inches, inclusive.

19. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein the first region comprises a nominal rim

diameter in a range of 14 inches to 25 inches, inclusive, and a nominal rim width in a range of 6 inches to 24 inches, inclusive.

20. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein the first portion comprises a thickness the same as a thickness of the second portion.

21. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein the first portion comprises a thickness different than a thickness of the second portion.

22. A method of producing a vehicle wheel, the method comprising:

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising at least one of adhering, soldering,

brazing, glazing, welding, cladding, additive manufacturing, vulcanizing, friction fitting, and fastening the second portion to the first portion.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the first portion comprises at least one of a metal and a metal alloy, and the second portion comprises at least one of a plastic and a composite.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the first portion comprises at least one of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, magnesium, a magnesium alloy, iron, an iron alloy, and the second portion comprises at least one of fiber glass, carbon fiber, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, ethylene propylene diene monomer, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.