Adaptive Tire Bolt Locking Mechanism for Ice Traction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire systems face challenges in maintaining traction on ice-covered roads, as they rely on air pressure to deploy and retract studs, leading to air leakage and depletion, and require periodic maintenance, which affects their effectiveness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive tire system with a locking mechanism for retractable bolts that maintains traction without relying on continuous air pressure, using an independent air actuation system for deploying and retracting bolts, and featuring adjustable bolt length and replaceable tips to enhance performance and reduce maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air pressure is used to maintain studs in a deployed position, then the studs can be held extended without mechanical locking, but air leakage and depletion occur requiring periodic maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic system (air pressure) with a mechanical locking system. The locking member engages with the stud to maintain its deployed position mechanically, eliminating the need for continuous air pressure and associated leakage problems. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing reliable position maintenance without the operational complexity of pneumatic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical locking system is designed to maintain the stud in its deployed position automatically once locked, without requiring periodic maintenance or replenishment of air pressure. The system serves itself by using the mechanical engagement to continuously hold the position without external intervention, resolving the reliability issue.
2Device complexity
If air within the tire is used to actuate stud deployment and retraction, then a single system serves dual purposes, but repeated extension and retraction depletes tire air pressure below desired levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the tire inflation system from the stud actuation system. Instead of using tire air for both purposes, the stud actuation uses a dedicated mechanical system with springs and locking members. This segmentation prevents the depletion of tire air pressure while maintaining the ability to deploy and retract studs, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and air pressure conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical locking system allows for periodic deployment and retraction of studs without depleting a consumable resource. The spring-loaded mechanism can be activated periodically as needed for ice conditions without affecting tire pressure, resolving the issue of air pressure depletion from repeated actuation.
3Device complexity
If conventional tires are used on ice covered roads, then the tire structure remains simple, but the coefficient of friction is too low to maintain vehicle control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the tire stud configuration dynamic by allowing studs to be deployed or retracted based on road conditions. On ice-covered roads, the studs are deployed to increase friction force mechanically engaging with the ice surface. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing enhanced traction when needed while maintaining a simpler tire structure during normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the tire surface by deploying studs that protrude from the tread. This parameter change (from smooth tread to stud-enhanced surface) dramatically increases the friction force available on ice-covered roads, resolving the contradiction between simple tire structure and sufficient traction force.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a method provides a reciprocating bolt by a bolt assembly having a bolt assembly body, a cap affixed to the bolt assembly body, and a base affixed to the bolt assembly body opposite the cap. The method includes biasing a bolt carrier in the bolt assembly body in a retracted position relative to the bolt assembly, resulting in a center portion of a diaphragm disposed between the cap and the bolt assembly body being deflected toward the cap. The method also includes applying an actuation force to the bolt carrier so as to move the bolt carrier from the retracted position to an extended position relative to the bolt assembly by oppositely deflecting the center portion of the diaphragm toward the base, and discontinuing the applying of the actuation force while the bolt carrier is in the extended position.