Foldable Vehicle Traction Mat With Dual-Surface Cleats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle traction mats are either difficult to handle, pose a risk of injury, or are complex and prone to pin breakage, while providing inadequate traction in slippery conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle traction mat comprising a planar main segment and a foldable secondary segment, with spaced-apart knobs and cleats on the road-facing surface for enhanced traction, and corresponding knobs and cleats on the tire-facing surface for improved tire interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal studs are used to engage the snow or mud surface, then traction is improved, but the mat becomes hard to handle and poses a risk of injury to the hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the traction elements by using soft, flexible knobs made of rubber or polymer material instead of hard metal studs. This parameter change maintains the traction function while eliminating the injury risk and improving handleability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mat combines a fabric base layer with soft rubber or polymer knobs to create a composite structure that provides both flexibility for safe handling and sufficient grip for traction in slippery conditions.
2Reliability
If pins are used to provide traction, then engagement with the surface is improved, but the mat becomes complicated to manufacture and the pins may break off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the traction elements (knobs) directly into the mat structure as a single integrated component rather than using separate pins that need to be attached. This simplifies manufacturing and eliminates the risk of pins breaking off.
Solution Approach 2:
The soft knobs are designed as simple, inexpensive elements that can be easily replaced if needed, and their simplicity reduces manufacturing complexity compared to precision-engineered pins.
3Ease of operation
If a foldable design with multiple mat segments is used, then ease of storage and handling is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mat is divided into multiple foldable segments connected by flexible joints, allowing it to be collapsed into a compact form for storage while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The mat transitions from a rigid flat structure to a dynamic foldable structure that can change its configuration between deployed and stored states, improving storage convenience while maintaining simplicity through flexible connections.
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 mat provides effective traction in mud, snow, sand, and other slippery surfaces, is easier to handle and store due to its foldable design, and reduces the risk of injury and pin breakage.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of spaced-apart knobs are formed on the road-facing surface on at least one of the first or second mat segments, for providing traction between the vehicle traction mat and a road surface
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of spaced-apart knobs are formed on the tire-facing surface of the mat segment, and a plurality of spaced-apart knob cleats are formed on a top surface of at least some of the plurality of spaced-apart knobs formed on the tire-facing surface, for providing additional traction between the vehicle traction mat and a vehicle tire
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle traction mat for use to extricate a vehicle stuck on a slippery road surface is provided. The traction mat comprises at least a first mat segment having a plurality of surface cleats, knobs, and knob cleats on a road-facing surface thereof. The cleats and knobs provide traction between the traction mat and the slippery surface. The traction mat may be provided with one or more mat segments. Each of the mat segments of the vehicle traction mat may be foldably connected to opposite ends of another one of the mat segments. The traction mat may have cleats, knobs, and knob cleats on the tire-facing surface thereof.