Bead Lock Snow Chain Retention Without Rim Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow chain deployment systems are often bulky, expensive, and obstruct access to the wheel rim, making them unsuitable for vehicles with large tires and aesthetically unappealing.
Innovation Solution
A tire chain assembly that includes a peripheral chain assembly, a chain positioning assembly, and a retention ring, which uses a bead lock ring to retain the chains on the wheel without obstructing the inner sidewall of the tire or the wheel rim, maintaining an attractive appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional snow chains are deployed on the wheel, then traction in snowy conditions is improved, but access to the wheel rim is blocked and aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The snow chain system is divided into two distinct segments: an inner chain portion that contacts the tire tread for traction, and an outer chain portion that extends outward to engage with the wheel rim for retention. This segmentation allows the inner chain to provide reliable traction while the outer chain handles the retention function, keeping the wheel rim accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer chain portion acts as an intermediary element between the inner chain and the wheel rim. It extends from the inner chain outward to engage with the wheel rim, serving as a mediator that transfers the retention force from the rim to the chain system without blocking access to the rim itself.
2Reliability
If traditional snow chains are deployed on the wheel, then traction in snowy conditions is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the chain into inner and outer portions, the design allows the inner chain to remain minimal and close to the tire, preserving aesthetic appearance, while the outer chain is positioned where it is less visually intrusive but functionally necessary for retention.
3Shape
If snow chains are designed without inner side portions, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outer chain portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the chain assembly, enables engagement with the wheel rim for retention, and maintains the aesthetic profile by keeping the chain minimal on the inner side. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate retention mechanisms.
4Reliability
If snow chains are designed to engage the wheel rim directly, then retention is improved, but access to the wheel rim is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The outer chain portion serves as an intermediary that extends from the inner chain to engage with the wheel rim. This intermediary structure allows retention to be achieved while maintaining access to the wheel rim, as the outer chain can be engaged or disengaged without completely blocking the rim area.
Data Source
AI summary
A tire chain assembly may include a peripheral chain assembly, a chain positioning assembly, and a retention ring. The peripheral chain assembly may extend around tire treads of a tire having an outer sidewall that extends in a radial direction to be operably coupled to a wheel rim. The chain positioning assembly may extend from the peripheral chain assembly over the outer sidewall toward an outer peripheral edge of the wheel rim. The retention ring may attach the chain positioning assembly to the outer peripheral edge of the wheel rim.