Anti-skid Device Single-piece Fastening Body

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing snow chains for vehicle wheels are costly and time-consuming to produce, and there is a need for a stronger and more durable anti-skid device that can effectively reduce skidding on snow without requiring complex assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

An anti-skid device comprising a metal core ring with a plastic coating, a single-piece fastening body made of a thin metal plate, and modular anti-skid chain sections with twisted links that can be easily connected and rotated, allowing for quick assembly without additional components, and a method of galvanizing and welding these components for enhanced strength and simplicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a multi-component fastening system with pin and element is used to connect chain sections to the ring, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and production time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidfastening system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the element and pin into a single integrated fastening body made of one piece of bent wire. This merging eliminates the need for separate components and assembly steps, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection strength through the continuous metal structure and optimized geometry of the integrated fastening body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the element that wraps around the ring and the pin that secures the chain section, while also providing structural support and connection points. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall fastening system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If a multi-component fastening system with pin and element is used to connect chain sections to the ring, then the connection strength is improved, but the production cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The element and pin are merged into a single fastening body that can be produced as one piece through bending operations. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly processes, reducing production time and cost while maintaining the structural integrity and strength of the connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening body is designed with distinct functional zones (element portion and pin portion) within a single continuous structure, allowing for optimized manufacturing processes such as incremental bending. This segmentation within unity enables efficient production while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If traditional fastening systems with multiple components are used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the assembly time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening body is formed as a single piece through bending operations, eliminating the need to assemble multiple components. This reduces assembly time to a simple wrapping and securing action while maintaining connection reliability through the continuous metal structure and optimized geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening body is pre-formed with the appropriate geometry and features (such as the bent configuration and securing ends) before installation. This preliminary shaping allows for quick deployment during assembly without requiring complex on-site construction, reducing assembly time while ensuring reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The solution provides a strong and durable anti-skid device that reduces production costs and time while ensuring effective skid prevention on snowy surfaces, with the ability to be assembled quickly and efficiently, even in tight spaces.

Implementation Method 1

Such plastic coating therefore defines positioning means of the fastening means (4) along the extension of the core. By causing a ring thickening, the plastic coating holds or contributes to hold the fastening means (4) in position.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

One end of said edge 520 is welded to remaining parts of the body 5 over which said edge 520 is folded.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP2857231B1Anti-skid device for a vehicle wheel
Publication Date: 2015.12.23 LAMPA
  • EP2857231B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2857231B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2857231B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An anti-skid device for a vehicle wheel comprising: -a ring (2) designed to abut a lateral portion of a vehicle wheel; -a first section (3) of anti-skid chain designed to overlap a tread of a tyre at least partially; -fastening means (4) for fastening said first section (3) of chain to said ring (2); The said fastening means (4) comprise a body (5) made as a single piece comprising: -a first connection portion (51) for connection to said ring (2); -a second connection portion (52) in which an end link (30) of said first section (3) of chain is engaged. The first and the second portion (51, 52) define respectively a first seat (513) that receives one part of said ring (2) and a second seat (514) that is distinguished from the first seat (513) and that receives one part of said end link (30) of the first section (3) of chain.