Replaceable Traction Members for Vehicle Recovery Ladders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Four-wheel drive vehicles often become stuck in sand and mud, and existing recovery ladders face issues with traction member wear or melting during wheel spinning, which hampers their performance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle recovery ladder with traction members that can be readily released and replaced, featuring a chemical and mechanical bond for secure attachment, and designed to be less durable than tires, using materials like polymeric, metal, or ceramic for durability and ease of replacement, with rotational release mechanisms and inhibitors to prevent unintentional release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traction members are made durable to withstand wheel spinning, then their service life is extended, but they may melt or wear in extreme circumstances hampering ladder performance
Solution Approach 1:
The traction members are designed as separable, modular components that can be independently replaced. Each traction member is a discrete element that attaches to and detaches from the ladder body, allowing damaged members to be replaced without replacing the entire ladder structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies that traction members be made from materials with specific properties (polymeric materials, elastomers, thermoplastics, nylon, metal alloys, ceramic materials, or rubber materials) that balance durability with resistance to melting and wear under extreme conditions.
2Strength
If traction members are permanently bonded to the body, then structural integrity is maintained, but damaged members cannot be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic reversible connection. Traction members can be securely attached during normal use through chemical and/or mechanical bonds, but can be deliberately detached when replacement is needed, providing both structural integrity and repairability.
Solution Approach 2:
Release mechanisms (rotational release means, tool recesses, locks, inhibitors) are pre-integrated into the traction member design, enabling straightforward detachment and replacement without requiring complex tools or procedures.
3Ease of repair
If traction members are designed to be replaceable, then maintenance is improved, but attachment security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system combines multiple bonding mechanisms - chemical bonds and mechanical bonds - to create a multi-faceted connection that provides both security during use and controllability for replacement. This composite approach ensures traction members remain securely attached while allowing deliberate removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate structural elements (threads, tool recesses, locks, inhibitors) that mediate between the traction member and ladder body, providing both secure attachment and controlled release capabilities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional shovels or timber are used for vehicle recovery, then no specialized equipment is needed, but effectiveness is limited and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The traction members are designed as relatively simple, replaceable components that can be easily manufactured and replaced at low cost. When damaged or worn, individual traction members can be replaced without replacing the entire ladder, making the system economically sustainable.
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 ensures continuous performance by allowing damaged traction members to be easily replaced, preventing tire damage, and maintaining traction without the need for frequent replacements, thus enhancing the recovery process for stuck vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The traction members may be bonded to the body with a chemical and/or mechanical bond
Implementation Method 2
The traction members may be bonded to the body with a chemical and/or mechanical bond
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle recovery ladder includes a body and traction members fastened to the body. Advantageously, in one embodiment any damaged traction members may be readily released and replaced to maintain the performance of the ladder. The traction members may be fastened to the body during forming of the body, Advantageously, the traction members are releaseably fastened to the body.