Emergency Wheel Attachment for Flat-Tire Traction on Snow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wheel systems lack a secure and simple method to enable driving with a flat tire, particularly in adverse conditions like ice or snow, as conventional solutions do not effectively address the reduced tire function effectively.
Innovation Solution
An attachment system for vehicle wheels featuring a tread portion with a detachable and pivotable design, utilizing form-fitting and friction-based connections to secure the attachment to the rim, including grip devices and clamping mechanisms, allowing for secure fastening and easy mounting without removing the wheel from the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tire repair methods are used, then the tire can be temporarily restored, but the vehicle cannot operate safely in adverse conditions like ice or snow with reduced tire function
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment is divided into separate functional components: a mounting portion that attaches to the rim and a tread portion that provides the driving surface. This segmentation allows the attachment to be securely mounted while providing specialized functionality for adverse conditions, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment fundamentally changes the operational parameters by enabling vehicle operation with a flat tire or reduced tire function. By providing an alternative tread surface with appropriate friction characteristics, the attachment maintains driving safety and adaptability in adverse conditions where conventional tires would fail.
2Reliability
If the attachment uses complex fastening mechanisms, then the attachment security is improved, but the mounting complexity and time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting portion combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated component that attaches to the rim. By merging the form-fitting engagement and friction-based connection mechanisms into one unified mounting structure, the attachment achieves high security without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The form-fitting engagement mechanism automatically provides secure attachment through its geometric design, eliminating the need for additional fasteners or complex adjustment mechanisms. The friction-based connection self-regulates to provide optimal securing force, reducing mounting complexity while maintaining attachment security.
3Reliability
If the attachment uses multiple connection methods, then the attachment security is improved, but the mounting time and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment is pre-configured with both form-fitting engagement features and friction-based connection surfaces in their optimal positions. This preliminary arrangement allows both security mechanisms to be activated simultaneously during a single mounting operation, achieving high fastening security without increasing mounting time.
4Ease of operation
If the attachment is designed to be detachable, then the ease of removal is improved, but the structural complexity and potential for incorrect mounting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable connection structure employs asymmetric design features that allow removal in only one direction while preventing incorrect mounting. This asymmetric geometry provides easy removal functionality while simultaneously reducing the risk of improper installation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device 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
Enables safe and stable driving on reduced tire function conditions by providing a secure attachment that maintains traction and stability, allowing the vehicle to operate without the need for tire inflation, thus addressing the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
via a connection, preferably a friction-based connection, in the region of the bolt circle of the rim
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment is provided for a vehicle wheel for enabling a driving operation with restricted tire functions. An attachment system may include such an attachment and a wheel disc of the vehicle wheel.