Compressible Tire Wedge for Mud Extraction
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle extrication tools are limited by their bulkiness, fragility, and inability to effectively lift stuck tires from challenging terrains like mud and snow, often requiring external assistance and non-reusable aggregates.
Innovation Solution
A tire wedge system with a compressible portion that reversibly deforms to fit the tire's shape, combined with a releasable coupling mechanism and angled surface, providing multiple contact points and adjustable positioning for enhanced traction and lift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aggregate (gravel, sand, cat litter) is used to provide friction surface, then traction is improved, but cargo space is occupied and aggregate is not reusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reusable expensive extraction tools with disposable cheap aggregate materials. The aggregate is intentionally designed to be consumed in the process, providing a friction surface that allows tire rotation and extraction, then is discarded after use.
Solution Approach 2:
The aggregate material serves the dual purpose of providing friction for tire rotation and simultaneously being pushed into the terrain to create mechanical advantage. The system uses the vehicle's own rotational force to both move the tire and bury the aggregate, making the extraction process self-sufficient without requiring additional tools or assistance.
2Reliability
If vehicle extraction mats are used to provide friction, then traction is improved, but the mats are prone to shattering or breaking and do not provide lifting assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces durable reusable extraction mats with disposable aggregate materials. The aggregate is intentionally designed to be consumed in the process, providing a friction surface that allows tire rotation and extraction, then is discarded after use.
Solution Approach 2:
The aggregate material serves the dual purpose of providing friction for tire rotation and simultaneously being pushed into the terrain to create mechanical advantage. The system uses the vehicle's own rotational force to both move the tire and bury the aggregate, making the extraction process self-sufficient without requiring additional tools or assistance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional extraction tools are used, then external assistance is reduced, but the tools are bulky and occupy cargo space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reusable expensive extraction tools with disposable cheap aggregate materials. The aggregate is intentionally designed to be consumed in the process, providing a friction surface that allows tire rotation and extraction, then is discarded after use.
Solution Approach 2:
The aggregate material serves the dual purpose of providing friction for tire rotation and simultaneously being pushed into the terrain to create mechanical advantage. The system uses the vehicle's own rotational force to both move the tire and bury the aggregate, making the extraction process self-sufficient without requiring additional tools or assistance.
4Reliability
If flat extraction mats are used, then friction is provided, but the mats are kicked out from under spinning tires
Solution Approach 1:
The aggregate material serves the dual purpose of providing friction for tire rotation and simultaneously being pushed into the terrain to create mechanical advantage. The system uses the vehicle's own rotational force to both move the tire and bury the aggregate, making the extraction process self-sufficient without requiring additional tools or assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from flat extraction mats to a curved/wedge-shaped aggregate configuration. The aggregate is pushed into the terrain at an angle, creating a wedge shape that conforms to the tire's curvature and the terrain, preventing the material from being kicked out during tire rotation.
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 tire wedge system effectively lifts and extracts stuck tires from challenging terrains with improved stability and reusability, reducing the need for external assistance and minimizing cargo space while being compact and lightweight.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible portion configured to reversibly deform, due to force from the vehicle tire, such that at least one dimension thereof reversibly reduces to a size which is no greater than ninety percent of an original size
Implementation Method 2
a tire contact portion forming a plurality of steps configured to contact a tread portion of a vehicle tire
Implementation Method 3
the tire contact portion includes an angled surface, opposite the plurality of steps, forming an angle relative to a ground surface of between ten degrees and sixty degrees when the tire wedge system is in an in-use position resting on the ground surface
Data Source
AI summary
Tire wedge systems may include a tire contact portion forming a plurality of steps configured to contact a tread portion of a vehicle tire. A compressible portion may be included and may reversibly deform, due to force from the vehicle tire, such that at least one dimension thereof reversibly reduces to a size which is no greater than ninety percent of an original size. The tire contact portion and the compressible portion may be physically distinct components configured to be releasably coupled together, such as through one or more interlocking members. The plurality of steps may at least partially define a curve and may be configured to simultaneously contact the tread portion of the vehicle tire. A ground portion may be included and may be configured to releasably couple with the compressible portion through one or more coupling members formed on one of the ground portion and the compressible portion.