Movable wheel cover apparatus and related actuation systems for aerodynamic efficiencies

A vehicle comprising:

• one or more wheel modules comprising:
• a wheel component comprising a first wheel opening and a plurality of second wheel openings, and
• a cover frame comprising:
• a first opening,
• a plurality of second openings, and
• a plurality of divider sections at least partially dividing the plurality of second openings;
• and
• an actuation system configured to rotationally drive the cover frame relative to the wheel component in response to centrifugal force to at least partially cover the plurality of second wheel openings;
• and
• a retraction spring configured to bias the cover frame to rotationally drive the cover frame relative to the wheel component to at least partially uncover the plurality of second wheel openings, wherein the retraction spring is disposed about a center rod and is positioned between the cover frame and the wheel component, wherein the center rod is received in the first opening.

A wheel module, comprising:

• a wheel component comprising a plurality of spokes, a plurality of wheel openings, and a retention opening formed in at least one of the plurality of spokes;
• a cover frame comprising:
• a plurality of openings, and
• a plurality of divider sections at least partially dividing the plurality of openings, and
• an actuation system configured to rotationally drive the cover frame relative to the wheel component in response to centrifugal force to at least partially cover the wheel opening, the actuation system comprising:
• an actuation housing comprising a base and a plurality of sidewalls defining a housing pocket, wherein the actuation housing is positioned in the retention opening of the wheel component, and
• a pivot arm positioned in the housing pocket and pivotably coupled to the base, wherein the pivot arm is pivotable between an inward position and an outward position;
• and
• a retraction spring configured to bias the cover frame to rotationally drive the cover frame relative to the wheel component to at least partially uncover the wheel openings.