Elastic Spoke Tire Grip Device for Slippery Roads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-slipping devices for vehicle tires, such as snow chains and radially structured automatic systems, fail to provide continuous contact with the road and are prone to damage due to complex activation and deactivation mechanisms, especially on icy or snowy surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising composite moving spokes connected by a partially elastic annular belt, which can be radially displaced via a spiral positioning mechanism, allowing for a continuous contact with the road surface and featuring elastic claws for enhanced grip, can be permanently installed on driving wheels and operated automatically or manually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radial extension devices are used to provide grip on slippery roadbeds, then traction is improved, but continuous contact with the road surface is not achieved and damage occurs due to complex activation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs movable spokes that can dynamically change their radial position between a retracted configuration (inside the rim perimeter) and an extended work configuration (beyond the perimeter onto the tread). This dynamic adaptability allows the device to provide continuous contact with the road surface when needed while avoiding damage during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device divides the wheel structure into multiple independent movable spokes that can operate autonomously. Each spoke is equipped with positioning means that allow independent radial displacement, enabling continuous contact with the road surface through coordinated movement of multiple segments rather than a single complex mechanism.
2Reliability
If radial extension devices are deployed to improve grip, then traction on slippery surfaces is enhanced, but the devices are prone to damage from moving elements getting stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates elastic elements within the movable spokes that act as cushioning mechanisms. These elastic components absorb shocks and prevent damage when moving elements encounter resistance or get stuck during activation or deactivation, thereby enhancing reliability while protecting against structural damage.
3Reliability
If traditional snow chains are used to improve grip, then traction is enhanced, but they require skill and time to mount and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be permanently mounted on the vehicle and automatically deployed when needed. The movable spokes can be actuated by simple mechanisms or even automatically detect and respond to slippery conditions, eliminating the need for manual installation and removal by skilled personnel, thus reducing time loss while maintaining reliable traction.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple functions: it provides continuous contact for traction on slippery surfaces, can be permanently installed without repeated mounting/removal, and offers automatic or manual activation options. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between reliability and time investment.
4Reliability
If composite moving spokes with elastic belt are used, then continuous contact and grip are improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple functions into the composite moving spoke structure: the elastic belt connects adjacent spokes, the positioning means enable radial displacement, and the overall assembly provides continuous contact. By combining these elements into an integrated system rather than separate components, the device achieves continuous contact while managing structural complexity.
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 ensures continuous contact with the road surface, reducing the risk of damage and improving traction on slippery surfaces without the need for winter tires or snow chains, by using a combination of elastic and torsional elements to facilitate radial movement and engagement with the tread.
Implementation Method 1
whose outer or end segments (40) are connected to each other by a partially elastic annular belt (5)
Implementation Method 2
The moving spokes are of a composite type, i.e. they are made up of a plurality of segments rotationally coupled with each other according to tangential axes
Implementation Method 3
simultaneously imparting to the tread a totally continuous contact with the roadbed
Data Source
AI summary
A device to increase the grip of the tread of the wheel of a vehicle is disclosed. A base is secured to the outside of the face of the rim of a wheel, and a plurality of moving spokes whose ends are connected to claws are elastically connected to each other to form a belt whose diameter progressively increases during its positioning. The moving spokes cause the belt to switch from a retracted rest configuration having the shape of an annulus, in which the claws are arranged inside the perimeter of the base (2), to a configuration that make its extension progressively increase around the tread, wherein the claws contact a roadbed.