Kind of a catch 22.
Tension keeps the nipples from turning, but if some of that tension is lost, then the nipples may be able to turn and thus will absolutely require maintenance. Basically a slightly beat up wheel, which is still likely otherwise road worthy, may fall into a cascading downward spiral as the wheel is ridden unless some other force is used to prevent the nipples from turning.
You don't lock the nipples because you need to turn them should the wheel get a few harsh knocks so the nipples don't unravel, but maybe the nipples unravel from there because the nipples aren't locked.
https://youtu.be/IKwWu2w1gGk?t=91 https://youtu.be/WPCfd4Zr6rE Some examples of the idea I have in mind that might help illustrate this idea.
I imagine a fully built wheel with lubricated spoke threads, stress relieved, no spoke windup and all that and then a genereous amount of flux is applied followed by a soldering the nipples. With the nipple at the top of the wheel, with the aid of gravity, the heat and flux might flush out the lube used and you'd end up with a decent solder job. It may be viable to use a liquid wicking oil tolerant thread locker after the wheel is built, but I am not familiar with every thread locker there is nor if any would prevent the nipples from turning well enough.
Chalo said:
I never have any problems with spokes loosening
With average speeds of 20mph and a 6-7kg hub motor for the rear wheel using regenerative braking? I'd love to hear your rim/spoke/tension combo for this sort of application. There are naturally going to be massive variables here which is to say our situations are unique, but still. When you say never, what is your highest total distance ridden hub motor wheel? Ever hit a pothole going 30mph+ down hill?
Personally, if a wheel cannot be built for an electric bicycle that requires no spoke maintenance I cannot use it. The biggest concern, for myself, is offering a product to a customer. Spoked wheels seem like both a liability as well as a potential severe negative. If I offer a customer a product I'd love it to be as reliable and long lasting as can I can muster, even if there is a worse strength to weight ratio.