Chain Mesh Traction Aid for Self-Recovery on Mud, Snow, and Ice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles often get stuck in challenging terrains like mud, snow, or ice due to reduced traction, leading to tire damage and the need for external assistance, which is time-consuming and costly, and existing solutions like all-season tires or manual rocking are ineffective and laborious.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular wheel traction device featuring a rectangular chain mesh with interconnected steel links, secured to the ground using pins, placed between the front and rear tires to enhance traction by allowing the tires to spin along the mesh, eliminating the need for external help and tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vehicle uses all-season tires or winter tires to improve traction, then traction is improved, but the solution is ineffective in severe conditions and requires changing tires
Solution Approach 1:
The traction device is divided into multiple chain segments that can be interconnected to form a mesh structure. Each chain consists of individual links that can flex and adapt, allowing the device to be segmented for easier storage and deployment while providing comprehensive traction coverage when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain mesh device acts as an intermediary between the vehicle tires and the challenging terrain. Instead of modifying the tires themselves, the device provides a intermediate traction surface that bridges the gap between the tire and the slippery ground, allowing the vehicle to gain traction without changing tires.
2Reliability
If a vehicle rocks back and forth by shifting gears to improve traction, then traction may be improved, but the process is time-consuming and requires expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The chain mesh device is deployed in advance under the vehicle before attempting to free it from the stuck position. By positioning the traction device beforehand, the vehicle can immediately apply power without needing to perform time-consuming rocking maneuvers or gear shifts to compact the terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables the vehicle to free itself without requiring external assistance or complex manual operations. The driver simply needs to position the device and apply power, allowing the vehicle to extract itself from the challenging terrain independently.
3Reliability
If a vehicle calls a tow truck or asks other motorists for assistance to be pulled out, then the vehicle can be freed, but the process is expensive and requires external help
Solution Approach 1:
The chain mesh device enables the vehicle to free itself without requiring external assistance from tow trucks or other motorists. The driver independently deploys the device and uses the vehicle's own power to extract itself, eliminating the need for external help.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be universally applicable to various vehicle types and terrain conditions. It provides a multi-functional solution that can handle different stuck situations without requiring specialized equipment or expert knowledge, making it accessible to any driver.
4Reliability
If the device uses pins to secure to the ground, then the device is anchored firmly, but the pins may displace during application of torque
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is segmented into multiple pins distributed across the device, with each pin providing independent anchoring. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple anchor points, reducing the stress on any single pin while maintaining overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain mesh structure provides dynamic adaptability during torque application. As the vehicle applies power, the chain links can flex and adjust, allowing the pins to settle into optimal positions in the terrain. This dynamic behavior enables the anchoring system to maintain holding force even as conditions change during extraction.
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 device effectively improves traction, allowing vehicles to be freed from stuck positions without external assistance, reducing the need for tow trucks and enabling safe acceleration over the device, effective in various terrains without requiring specialized tools.
Implementation Method 1
Traction is the force that prevents the tire from slipping and is created by the friction between the tire tread and the road/ground surface
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of pins are disposed along the longitudinal chains for removably securing the traction device to the ground for preventing unintentional movement of the device
Data Source
AI summary
A traction device for enhancing vehicular traction, aiding in the extraction of vehicles stuck in challenging terrains such as mud, snow, or ice. The device has a rectangular mesh configuration, comprised of longitudinal chains and lateral chains. The device further includes a plurality of parallel lateral chains extending across the longitudinal chains for providing support to the device. A plurality of pegs and pins are used for securing the device to a terrain in which the vehicle is stuck. A handle of the device touches the front tire and another handle touches the rear tire. The traction device has a length from about 90% to about 100% of the vehicle's wheelbase, and the mesh width, ranges from 6 to 24 inches, to accommodate various tire widths.