Segmented Emergency Wheel Attachment for Fast Rim Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing emergency wheel solutions for vehicles with flat tires lack ease of attachment and secure fastening, often requiring complex mechanisms and tools, which can complicate emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

A circular or annular emergency wheel attachment with a positioning device and a fastening device that can be operated independently, featuring a locking mechanism and expandable gripping elements for secure and easy attachment to the vehicle wheel rim, allowing for quick and secure installation without the need for extensive tools or expertise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing emergency wheel solutions are used, then the attachment can be provided for vehicle wheels with flat tires, but the attachment process is complex and requires extensive tools or expertise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The emergency wheel attachment is divided into two semicircular segments that can be separately handled and attached. This segmentation allows the attachment to be installed in a simpler manner compared to a complete circular attachment, reducing the complexity of the attachment process while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment incorporates movable elements including a movable support element that can shift between positions, and releasable fastening elements that can be easily engaged and disengaged. This dynamic design allows for simple attachment and removal operations without requiring complex tools or extensive expertise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If existing emergency wheel solutions are used, then the attachment can be provided for vehicle wheels with flat tires, but secure fastening is difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidtime for attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening elements are pre-configured in the attachment segments, with fastening means positioned to engage with corresponding features on the wheel rim. This preliminary arrangement allows for quick and secure fastening without requiring complex assembly operations or extensive time during the emergency attachment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment design includes self-aligning and self-fastening features where the movable support element and releasable fastening elements automatically engage with the wheel rim structure. This self-service mechanism reduces the time required for secure fastening and eliminates the need for complex manual operations or specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If a complete circular attachment is used, then the structure is stable, but the attachment is difficult to store and transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidstorage volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment is divided into two semicircular segments that can be detached from each other. This segmentation allows the attachment to be stored in a compact manner when not in use, reducing the volume required for storage and transport while maintaining structural stability when the segments are assembled and fastened to the wheel rim.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment incorporates movable elements including a movable support element that can shift between positions, enabling the attachment to transition between a compact stored state and a stable deployed state. This dynamic capability allows the attachment to maintain structural stability when installed while occupying minimal storage space when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid fixed structure is used, then the attachment is simple to manufacture, but the attachment cannot adapt to different wheel sizes or positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different wheelsVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustable mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment includes a movable support element that can shift between different positions, allowing the attachment to adapt to different wheel sizes and positions. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through relatively simple mechanical means rather than complex adjustable mechanisms, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment design allows for changes in geometric parameters such as the position of the support element and the orientation of the segments to accommodate different wheel configurations. These parameter changes enable adaptability to different wheel sizes and positions without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms, maintaining simplicity in manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables rapid and secure attachment to a vehicle wheel with a flat tire, ensuring safe driving conditions by providing a stable and reliable emergency wheel solution with minimal complexity and effort.

Implementation Method 1

the locking mechanism comprises a preferably pre-tensioned, in particular spring-loaded, locking element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a gripping device which is designed to be positioned on the vehicle wheel via a positive engagement and/or via a force-locking engagement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4079529B1Emergency wheel for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 GV ENGINEERING GMBH
  • EP4079529B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2c)
  • EP4079529B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4079529B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a spare wheel (300) with a base body (320) which can be attached to a bolt circle of a wheel hub in place of a defective vehicle wheel (12) and is circular or largely annular in shape when viewed in an axial direction (48), characterized in that the base body (320) comprises at least two circumferential segments (350).