Paddle Accessory for Vehicle Tire Traction on Sand

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle tires lack sufficient traction on granular surfaces, such as sand, which can lead to reduced driving stability and control.

Innovation Solution

A paddle accessory is designed to be wrapped around the tire, featuring a band with elongated paddles that engage granular material upon rotation, coupled with a retaining mechanism to secure the paddles in place, enhancing traction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a paddle accessory is added to the tire to engage granular material, then traction is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetractionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tire surface is segmented by attaching discrete paddle elements around the circumference of the tire. Each paddle acts as an independent traction-enhancing component that engages with granular material, allowing the system to improve traction without requiring a complete redesign of the tire structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The paddles serve as intermediary elements between the tire and the granular material surface. Rather than relying on the tire tread alone to interact with the surface, the paddles act as mediators that actively engage with and propel through the granular material, transferring force more effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If paddles are attached around the entire circumference of the tire, then traction on granular surfaces is enhanced, but the weight of the tire assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetractionVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than requiring complete circumferential coverage with paddles, the system achieves effective traction enhancement with a sufficient number of paddles distributed around the tire. The exact number and distribution can be optimized to provide adequate traction improvement while minimizing the additional weight added to the tire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 paddle accessory significantly improves traction on granular surfaces by effectively engaging the tire with the material, enhancing driving stability and control.

Implementation Method 1

A paddle is coupled to the band so the paddle may engage a granular material when the tire is rotated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9221310B1Paddle accessory for use with a vehicle tire

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 CAMERON JODY L

AI summary

The tire traction assembly for increasing traction in a granular material includes a band that may be wrapped around a tire. A paddle is coupled to the band so the paddle may engage a granular material when the tire is rotated. A coupler is coupled to the band so the coupler retains the band on the tire.