Flexible Traction Track System for Vehicle Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traction devices for vehicles are ineffective in providing stable traction and stabilization on surfaces like ice, snow, sand, and mud, as they lack a comprehensive system to engage both sides of the tire and secure stabilization, leading to failure in extracting vehicles from stuck conditions.
Innovation Solution
A Flexible Traction Track system comprising three sections: a friction-promoting track, a detachable cable for bridging, and stabilizer stakes to secure the system in place, allowing for enhanced traction and stability by positioning the track under the tire and securing it with stakes, facilitating vehicle movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single piece of plastic traction device is placed under the tire, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot provide stable traction and is easily pulled out by the spinning tire
Solution Approach 1:
The traction device is divided into three separate sections: section one (friction-promoting track), section two (detachable cable), and section three (open framed cable construction with eye rings). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to provide stable traction and prevent the device from being pulled out by spinning tires.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple materials with different properties: friction-promoting material on section one for tire grip, flexible cable material for section two to bridge gaps, and open framed cable construction for section three to accommodate stakes. This composite approach optimizes the functionality of each component for its specific purpose.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single piece of plastic traction device is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the device lacks means to secure stabilization to the ground
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the stabilization function into section three with eye rings and detachable stakes, the manufacturing of each component remains relatively simple while the assembled system provides comprehensive ground stabilization capability that a single integrated piece cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The eye rings are pre-installed on section three during manufacturing, preparing the device for stake insertion. This preliminary preparation simplifies the field deployment process while ensuring proper stabilization capability is built into the device structure.
3Device complexity
If a single piece of plastic traction device is placed in front of the wheel, then the device design is simple, but the device cannot provide comprehensive traction coverage for both front and rear tires
Solution Approach 1:
The three-section design with detachable connections enables the device to be configured for different tire positions (front or rear drive wheels) and different vehicle types, significantly enhancing adaptability while keeping individual component designs relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The device can be used on front-wheel drive vehicles by positioning section one at the front tire, on rear-wheel drive vehicles by positioning it at the rear tire, and can accommodate different tire sizes and vehicle types through the flexible cable sections and adjustable stake placement.
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 vehicles to gain traction and move safely from challenging surfaces by creating a stable surface area, allowing operators to recover and store the system for later use, suitable for various vehicle types and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Any material capable of increasing or promoting friction may be appropriate for the tracks design
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein a system and device for providing traction for car wheels in situations in which a vehicle may be stuck or immobilized. The device or system, or Flexible Traction Track, is designed to assist a motor vehicle operator to successfully recover from being stranded off paved road surfaces such as sand, dirt, mud, gravel, ice or snow. The basic elements and features of the preferred embodiment include two tracks providing traction, connected by cables to enable proper place around or under the tire. During use, section one (1) is positioned against the front (leading) edge of a (spinning) tire mounted on any of the powered wheel (axel), between the tire and the ground cover or surface. Once section one (1) and three (3) have been bridged by section two (2) around a tire, the operator may then successfully drive over the terrain.