Retractable Traction Cleats for Automated Snow Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard vehicle wheels face challenges with traction loss in icy or snowy environments, as conventional solutions like snow tires and tire chains require manual installation and are not feasible for all users, especially in situations where installation is not possible or practical, such as for robots in snowy climates or other planets.
Innovation Solution
A retractable traction system featuring grippers with cleats and struts that can automatically deploy and retract, utilizing a cleat deployment mechanism activated by a controller, allowing for enhanced traction without manual intervention, suitable for various vehicles and machines, including robots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If snow tires or tire chains are used to improve traction in snowy environments, then traction is improved, but manual installation and uninstallation are required which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The traction enhancement system transitions from static (permanent snow tires) to dynamic (retractable cleats that can be deployed only when needed). The cleats are mounted on struts that can extend radially outward from the wheel to provide traction, then retract when not needed, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic deployment and retraction mechanisms that eliminate the need for manual installation. Sensors detect snowy conditions and automatically trigger the deployment of cleats, while the system self-retracts when conditions improve, making the system self-servicing without human intervention.
2Reliability
If conventional traction solutions are used, then enhanced traction is achieved, but they require planning ahead and manual installation which increases loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of snowy conditions through sensors that monitor the environment ahead of time. When snow is detected, the system automatically prepares and deploys the cleats, eliminating the need for users to plan ahead for snow season or manually install traction devices before needing them.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic deployment system eliminates manual installation time by using sensors to detect snowy conditions and automatically triggering the deployment mechanism, saving the time users would otherwise spend on installation and uninstallation.
3Reliability
If retractable cleats are deployed to improve traction, then traction is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the wheel into functional segments: the wheel itself, retractable struts mounted on the wheel, and cleats attached to the struts. This segmentation allows each component to be independently controlled and deployed only when needed, reducing the complexity burden by modularizing the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The struts serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for mounting cleats, act as deployment mechanisms through radial extension, and enable retraction when not needed. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for retractably deploying traction of a wheel. The system includes a set of grippers, each gripper having a cleat and a radially disposed strut. The system further includes a set of first poles, each first pole coupled to one of the struts, the first pole configured to support motion of its corresponding strut between a parked position and an engaged position, wherein, in the engaged position, the corresponding cleat is axially disposed and engaged against the tread of the wheel and, in the parked position, the corresponding cleat is disengaged from the tread of the wheel. The system includes a first faceplate configured to rotate with the wheel. The system further includes a cleat deployment mechanism having a second faceplate rotatably coupled to the first faceplate, and a set of second poles, each second pole coupled to one of the struts and to the second faceplate.