Motorized Spare Tire Deployment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underbody spare tire storage systems require manual effort using a mechanical crank to lower the tire, making it difficult for individuals to access and retrieve, especially for larger vehicles where the tire is heavy and positioned low under the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for stowing and deploying a vehicle tire using a raising and lowering mechanism with a motor to wind and unwind a cable from a drum, allowing the tire to be easily accessed by lowering and extending laterally, and a latch system for secure stowage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical crank is used to manually lower the spare tire, then the tire can be deployed from underbody storage, but the system becomes difficult to operate and access, especially for heavy tires on larger vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical crank system with an automated motor-driven winch system. The motor automatically winds and unwinds the cable to deploy and stow the spare tire, eliminating the need for manual cranking operations and making the system easier to operate regardless of tire weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lateral extension dimension by incorporating a slide mechanism that moves the tire horizontally outward from the vehicle body during deployment. This additional dimensional movement brings the tire within easy reach of the user, solving the accessibility problem without adding complexity to the vertical lifting mechanism.
2Volume of moving object
If the spare tire is stored under the vehicle body, then space is optimized, but the tire becomes difficult to access and retrieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a horizontal sliding dimension to the tire deployment mechanism. The slide mechanism extends the tire laterally outward from the underbody storage position, bringing it within easy reach of the user while maintaining compact vertical storage when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cable and winch system as an intermediary mechanism between the underbody storage position and the accessible deployment position. The cable connects the tire to the motorized winch, enabling automated retrieval and lateral positioning without direct manual manipulation.
3Ease of operation
If a cable system is used to lower the tire, then the tire can be positioned on the ground, but the cable must be manually manipulated to free the tire for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual cable manipulation with an automated motor-driven winch system. The motor automatically winds and unwinds the cable to deploy and retrieve the tire, eliminating the need for users to manually handle the cable and perform complex manipulation tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the cable system to service itself through automated motor control. The winch motor automatically manages the cable tension, winding, and unwinding operations, freeing the user from any manual cable manipulation and simplifying the overall operation.
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 solution enables easy retrieval and deployment of the spare tire without manual cranking, reducing physical effort and improving accessibility, especially for larger vehicles where the tire is heavy and positioned low.
Implementation Method 1
a raising and lowering mechanism with a motor to wind and unwind a cable from a drum
Implementation Method 2
a cable system so that the spare tire ends up on the ground directly below where it was stored
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for stowing and deploying a vehicle tire from a rear portion of a vehicle, the apparatus including: a raising and lowering mechanism for moving the tire a stowed position to a deployed position, wherein the tire when in the deployed position is lowered and extended laterally in order to provide access to the tire. An apparatus for stowing and deploying a vehicle tire from a rear portion of a vehicle, the apparatus including: a raising and lowering mechanism for moving the vehicle tire a stowed position to a deployed position, wherein the raising and lowering mechanism has a feature that is configured to be engaged by an adapter of a hand held power driver so that the vehicle tire can be stowed and deployed via the hand held power driver. An apparatus for stowing and deploying a vehicle tire from a rear portion of a vehicle, the apparatus including: a raising and lowering mechanism for moving the vehicle tire between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the raising and lowering mechanism has a fixture that releasably engages a rim of the vehicle tire, the feature having a first configuration where the fixture engages opposite sides of the rim of the vehicle tire and a second configuration where portions of the fixture can pass through an opening in the rim of the vehicle tire.