Deployable Tire Friction Grips for Slippery Road Traction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire chain systems are cumbersome to install and remove, require specific tire sizes, are expensive, and often result in damage if not properly secured or removed, with limited adaptability for different road conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device permanently secured to the vehicle wheel assembly with independently moving friction grips that transition from an inactive to active position over the tire, allowing easy installation and removal, adaptability to various tire sizes, and reduced maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional tire chains are used to increase friction on slippery roads, then traction is improved, but the device becomes heavy and difficult to install and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the tire circumference into multiple independent segments, each with its own friction element. These segments can be independently installed and removed, reducing the overall weight that must be handled during installation while providing distributed friction enhancement across the tire surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction elements are designed to be dynamically deployable, transitioning from a stored configuration to an active friction-providing configuration. This allows the device to provide full friction capability only when needed, reducing the effective weight during normal operation while maintaining high friction availability when deployed.
2Force
If conventional tire chains are tightly secured to the tire, then friction is improved, but the installation process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tire chain into independent units that can be installed separately, the overall installation process is broken down into simpler, faster steps. Each segment can be quickly attached without requiring the entire system to be installed sequentially, significantly reducing total installation time while maintaining secure attachment of each friction element.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction elements are pre-configured and pre-positioned in a manner that allows for rapid deployment. The segments are designed with pre-attached connection mechanisms that align with corresponding mounting points on the tire, eliminating the need for complex adjustment and securing operations during installation.
3Force
If conventional tire chains are designed for specific tire sizes, then friction performance is optimized, but the device loses adaptability to different tires
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs universal mounting mechanisms and standardized connection interfaces that can accommodate multiple tire sizes and types. The segmented design allows the same friction element to be installed on various tire configurations, providing optimized friction performance across different tire dimensions without requiring size-specific chain designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable parameters such as segment spacing, friction element length, and mounting position that can be modified to match different tire sizes and conditions. This allows the same basic device to be optimized for various tire configurations while maintaining consistent friction enhancement performance.
4Loss of time
If conventional tire chains are left on the road after use, then the driver avoids stopping to retrieve them, but this creates harmful effects on the road surface and environment
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be self-contained and permanently mounted on the vehicle, eliminating the need for drivers to retrieve chains from the road surface. The segments are securely attached to the tire and remain in place during normal operation, automatically returning to the vehicle when not in use without requiring driver intervention or creating road hazards.
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 provides enhanced traction on slippery roads, reduces installation and maintenance time, and allows for selective use of friction grips, predicting when parts need replacement, thus improving vehicle stability and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A device and method for increasing friction of a tire is provided
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for increasing tire friction is provided. The device is especially suitable for use on slippery roads, such as roads which have snow and/or ice. The device is permanently secured to the vehicle wheel assembly and easily installed over the tire for use. The device has a plurality of friction grips which independently move from an inactive first position secured to a sidewall of a housing center of the device to an active second position secured over the tire of the vehicle wheel assembly.