Convex Friction Roller for Trailer Maneuvering Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing maneuvering drives for trailers and vehicles face challenges in transmitting drive torque effectively under unfavorable conditions such as moisture, weak tire profiles, or low air pressure, leading to slipping and reduced traction.
Innovation Solution
A maneuvering drive with a drive roller that features a unique lateral surface design with varying radial distances from the axis of rotation, providing increased contact pressure in the central area and improved frictional engagement over the entire width of the tire, even in areas with low air pressure or worn profiles, through a convex curvature and strategically positioned points for enhanced torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cylindrical drive roller with uniform surface is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the drive torque transmission is insufficient under unfavorable conditions such as moisture, weak tire profile, or low air pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The drive roller features a lateral surface with varying radial distances from the axis of rotation, creating a central area with greater radius than the side areas. This local variation in geometry concentrates contact pressure in the central region of the tire tread, improving drive torque transmission where it is most needed while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral surface of the drive roller incorporates convex curvature, particularly in the central area, rather than a flat cylindrical surface. This curvature enhances the contact pressure distribution and frictional engagement with the tire tread, ensuring reliable torque transmission under adverse conditions such as moisture or low tire pressure
2Stress or pressure
If the drive roller presses uniformly across the tire width, then the contact area is maximized, but the contact pressure is insufficient in the central area where it is most needed for torque transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The drive roller is designed with a lateral surface where the radial distance varies across the width, creating a central area with greater radius than the side areas. This geometric variation concentrates the contact pressure in the central region of the tire tread, ensuring sufficient pressure for effective torque transmission while maintaining adequate overall contact area
Solution Approach 2:
The convex curvature of the lateral surface, particularly pronounced in the central area, naturally concentrates contact pressure in the middle region of the tire tread when the roller presses against the tire. This curvature-based pressure distribution ensures optimal frictional engagement where the tire tread is most effective for torque transmission
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
Ensures stable frictional connection and prevents slipping by transmitting drive torque effectively across the tire's surface, even in adverse conditions, allowing for efficient maneuvering of trailers and vehicles without a towing vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The lateral surface can be brought into contact with the tire in order to transmit a drive torque of the drive motor to the tire
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3e
AI summary
The maneuvering device (6) has a drive motor, and a drive roller (7) provided in a driving position in the tread of the tire (9) of the vehicle. The drive roller can be brought into contact with the tire surface for transmitting the driving torque of drive motor to the tire. The circumferential surface of the rotation axis (R) of tire is set closer to the axial center of an offset point of tire which is formed at a larger radial distance to the rotation axis and the other offset points of tire.