designing wheel for autoCAD class

wow, that would actually be something I should look into. Ive never really thought of cleaning my wheels to be a problem but Im sure with complex designs it can be a PITA.

 

From what I read at the start people hate putting in excess elbow grease to keep wheels clean. Give them what they want. Something that looks cool, easy to use, and if you can make it price competitive even better

 

Here are a couple thoughts:

1. There are plenty of cheap wheels out there.
2. Come up with an original design.
3. I doubt many would buy $550 wheels a college kid designed for a class.

It's a great project, and I would follow through on the design, but manufacturing and selling seems to be way down the road.

 

I agree with the people saying to come up with your own design rather than just tweaking someone else's design. Reverse engineering is pretty easy and anyone alter an existing design to look different. More than just looks, I would try to come up with something proprietary that could be patented. Find a problem with currently made wheels & make a solution. Even with molding these wheels, you have to realize there will be post-mold machining operations that you will have to have. Along with whatever protective coatings, CMM/Quality Inspections, not to mention whatever hoops you have to jump thru for DOT. Not really sure what or who all has to have their say in wheel manufacturing.

Only problem I see with all of this is that if there was a viable way to make "custom" good looking wheels at sub $600/set price, I think the multi-million dollar wheel manufacturers would have already done so.

At any rate good luck with your project! It's fun and easy to design things, but it's a whole other animal when you go to manufacture.

Also, reserving my spot in line for these ~ $550/set wheels.

 

Here is an interesting alternative perspective if you are interested in generative design:
https://new.engineering.com/story/when-generative-design-backfires-vws-new-wheels

A very useful read for wheel design is 'The Bicycle Wheel' by Jobst Brandt. He was a wheel engineer at Avocet and captured a lot of good philosophy about how to think about how wheels work and what to look for that is transferrable to the automotive world. It is also canon for learning how to lace MTB wheels correctly if you are into that.

Generative design can help find 'a solution' but it is rare to find problems that it can be used for to find solutions for better than experts using first principles. The wheel story linked above captures that perspective very well.

 

I think @blackohio does this for a living.
He might be able to provide you with some insight and considerations to the process.

 

Actually Im just the creative director, I do print / web design etc, im on the other side from industrial design unfortunately.

Since I do have experience within the wheel industry I can say this. The market is saturated, but theres always space for innovation.

Unfortunately I don't think that wheel is where it happens TBH, additionally fuel holds 2 design patents on that wheel so be careful. like really careful.

I can tell you this, with the distribution model that WheelPros, and Method, SCS have I dont see how you'll sell any in any quantity to cover mold costs alone. Im not trying to talk anyone out of following their dreams, but I've seen hundreds f people loose their shirts, shoes and pants trying to jump into the market.

SCS has named the direct consumer sale, and method / fuel have the retail / distro reach that'll make it tough.