What is the structure of the tire spokes?
3 Answers
The spokes of a tire are divided into disc-type spokes and spoke-type spokes. The spokes are devices that protect the wheel rim and spokes of a vehicle's wheel. Their characteristic is a pair of circular cover plates, with the diameter of the cover plates being close to that of the wheel rim. The center of the cover plates has a hole larger than the wheel's rotating shaft, and there are openings near the edge of the cover plates. The edge of the cover plates has an annular wheel plate, and the curved surface of the wheel plate can tightly fit with the curved surface of the wheel rim. The functions of the tire are: 1. To bear the weight of the vehicle; 2. To ensure good adhesion between the wheel and the road surface; 3. To improve the traction, braking, and passability of the vehicle; 4. To directly contact the road surface and, together with the vehicle's suspension, mitigate the impacts encountered during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth driving.
The wheel spokes are actually the supporting bars on the wheel hub, looking like enlarged bicycle wire rims. When I took them off during my last car repair, I noticed that the spokes on ordinary steel wheels are integrally stamped with the wheel disc, radiating outward from the center like umbrella ribs. High-end alloy wheel spokes are more sophisticated, mostly cast separately and then bolted to the central hub disc, with ventilation holes left in between for heat dissipation. The angle and number of these spokes are carefully designed—common configurations include five-spoke and ten-spoke designs—balancing the need to support the vehicle's weight with heat dissipation performance. When modifying wheels, this is the part I love studying the most. Too many spokes make cleaning difficult, while too few raise concerns about insufficient strength. Spoke thickness typically ranges from 5-8mm, and surface treatments like matte or polished finishes create completely different visual effects.
The wheel spoke structure is particularly interesting, as it serves as the skeleton of the wheel hub. In ordinary family cars, the spokes are usually made of steel and designed in a petal-like pattern, evenly extending from the center of the hub to the outer rim. Through my research on wheel hub design, I've noticed that sports vehicles often feature spokes with a more inclined angle, which helps generate airflow vortices during high-speed rotation to aid in brake cooling. Aluminum alloy spokes are the most common in terms of material, while higher-end models may use magnesium alloy, reducing weight by about one-third. I've also come across hollow-designed spokes in aftermarket modifications, which not only reduce weight but also look stylish. The junction where the spokes meet the rim is the most critical in terms of craftsmanship, as it bears the highest torsional stress—some low-quality hubs tend to crack here. It's important to avoid frequently scraping against curbs, as deformed spokes can lead to wheel imbalance issues.
