Anti-skid Chain Adjustment Element with Self-locking Slide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-skid chain adjustment mechanisms are cumbersome and difficult to use, especially in winter conditions, when adapting to different tire dimensions and relaxing the chain tension.
Innovation Solution
A slim, user-friendly adjustment element featuring a flat, elongated sliding part with a manually operable lock and end stop, allowing easy adaptation to various tire dimensions and quick tension relaxation, with a locking slide that can be displaced and locked using a spring-loaded mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple double hook is provided to adapt the anti-skid chain to different tire dimensions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because attaching links and securing protruding links is cumbersome and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment element features a self-locking mechanism where the sliding part automatically locks into position through its own geometry without requiring separate locking components. The user simply moves the sliding part to the desired position and it self-secures, eliminating the need for attaching links and securing protruding links as in the simple double hook design.
2Ease of operation
If a housing with sliding part and locking mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases compared to simple double hook designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the housing, sliding part, and locking mechanism into a single integrated adjustment element. The sliding part is guided directly within the housing and the locking positions are formed by the interaction between the sliding part geometry and housing features, combining multiple functions into one compact unit rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating through the geometry of the sliding part and housing interaction. The sliding part automatically engages with locking positions without requiring external locking components or complex mechanisms, achieving reliable locking through its own structural design.
3Ease of operation
If the adjustment element is designed to be slim and flat, then the ease of operation is improved and it can rest against tire sidewall without protruding, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment element has a slim, flat overall form factor that allows it to rest against the tire sidewall without protruding, while locally incorporating the necessary structural features for the sliding mechanism and locking positions. The housing and sliding part are designed with precise local geometries at critical interfaces while maintaining a compact external profile.
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
Enables easy and quick adjustment of anti-skid chains to different tire dimensions while maintaining a compact design that rests against the tire sidewall without protruding, enhancing user-friendliness and cost-effective manufacturability.
Implementation Method 1
a helical spring is arranged between its inner surface and the housing
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The adjusting element (1) has a housing comprising an elongated sliding structure (3) that is displaceably guided into an outlet opening (4) of housing. A lock slide (8) is transversely arranged with respect to sliding structure. The chain links (6) for side strand are connected with a hole provided at front end of sliding structure and a bolt (7) mounted at rear region of housing respectively. An end stop is provided in sliding structure.