Angled Input Gear System for Under-Vehicle Tire Hoist Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tire hoist systems face design complexity due to space constraints under vehicle bodies, particularly in electric or hybrid vehicles, where components like electric motors and batteries occupy space, and the need for a clear tool path for manual operation complicates vehicle packaging and hoist system placement.
Innovation Solution
A tire hoist system with a take-up reel, flexible support member, and reduction gear system, including an input gear system that allows the input axis to be oriented at an angle to the reel axis, enabling flexible installation and operation without requiring a direct alignment with the access opening, thus accommodating various vehicle configurations and reducing packaging constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the tire hoist system is mounted beneath the vehicle body to save space, then interior cargo space is increased, but the system faces space constraints from other components like electric motors and batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an angle gear system that changes the dimensional relationship between the input tool axis and the reel axis. By allowing angular orientation (e.g., 30-60 degree angles) rather than strict alignment, the system gains flexibility in three-dimensional space arrangement, enabling installation in constrained under-vehicle environments while maintaining operational functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The angle gear system provides dynamic adaptability in the hoist system's configuration. The angular gear arrangement allows the input element axis to be oriented at different angles relative to the reel axis, enabling the system to adapt to various vehicle packaging layouts and component arrangements without requiring complete redesign
2Ease of operation
If a clear tool path is required for manual operation, then the hoist system can be operated, but the vehicle packaging design becomes more complex and the hoist system location is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The angle gear system adds angular orientation capability as an additional degree of freedom. This allows the tool path to approach the input element at various angles rather than requiring direct linear alignment, simplifying the tool path routing and reducing packaging design complexity while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The angle gear system acts as an intermediary between the input tool and the reel mechanism. It mediates the transmission of rotational force while accommodating angular misalignment, thereby simplifying the overall system design by eliminating the need for precise direct alignment and reducing the complexity of tool path planning
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the flexibility of tire hoist system installation and operation, allowing for more compact and versatile placement under vehicles while maintaining efficient torque transfer, reducing the need for additional guiding features and minimizing interference with other components.
Implementation Method 1
A reduction gear system is coupled to the take-up reel. The reduction gear system includes a plurality of meshed gears. The plurality of meshed gears includes a reduction input gear and is configured to apply a torque to the take-up reel that is higher than a torque applied to the reduction input gear.
Data Source
AI summary
A tire hoist system mounted beneath a vehicle body and supporting a spare tire for raising and lowering. The tire hoist system comprises a take-up reel rotatable about a reel axis; a flexible support member; and a tire support for a spare tire. The flexible support member is coupled to the take-up reel. A reduction gear system includes a plurality of meshed gears, including a reduction input gear. An input gear system has (a) an output gear coupled to the reduction input gear of the reduction gear system such that rotation of the output gear drives the reduction input gear, (b) a driving input gear meshed with the output gear, and (c) an input element fixed with the driving input gear and engageable by a drive tool. The output gear is rotated about an output axis parallel or coincident with the reel axis and the input element and the driving input gear is rotatable about an input axis oriented at an angle to the reel axis. The input gear system is an adapter input gear system comprising an input gear system housing, and is assembled separately from the reduction gear system and mounted by the input gear system housing being mounted to an exterior surface of the reduction gear system housing. A method for adapting a tire hoist system is also disclosed.