U-Shaped Side Protection Cover for Anti-Skid Chain Wheel Flank Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side protection devices for anti-skid chains are either expensive, prone to dirt accumulation, or suffer from additional loads and movements during operation, leading to potential damage to the wheel flank.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped side protection cover with two independent wings, one of which has a projection to hold the chain link and connecting element, allowing easy assembly and secure fixing, while preventing the hook from contacting the wheel surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a hinged two-part shell is used to protect the hook, then the wheel flank is protected, but the device is expensive and collects dirt inside
Solution Approach 1:
The side protection cover is divided into two independent wings that are connected along a spine, allowing the structure to be segmented yet function as a unified protective element. This segmentation enables easier manufacturing and assembly while maintaining protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function is extracted from a complex hinged two-part shell and simplified into a single-piece U-shaped structure with two wings. This extraction removes unnecessary complexity while retaining the essential protection capability against the wheel flank.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the hook is completely surrounded by the protection device, then the wheel flank is protected, but additional loads are created and compensating movements cause relative movements
Solution Approach 1:
The protection cover provides localized protection only where needed - at the connection point between the track cross and side strand - rather than completely surrounding the hook. This local quality approach minimizes additional loads while still protecting the wheel flank from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of completely enclosing the hook, the invention uses partial action by providing protection only for the critical connection point. This partial coverage is sufficient to prevent wheel flank damage without creating excessive additional loads or restricting necessary movements.
3Ease of manufacture
If a U-shaped body with two wings is used, then assembly is simplified, but secure fixing of the chain link must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The projection on the inward-facing side of one wing is designed to automatically engage with the chain link during assembly. This preliminary action ensures secure fixing is built into the structure itself, providing reliable retention without complex assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The two wings are connected along a spine to form a unified U-shaped body that combines structural integrity with ease of assembly. This merging creates a single-piece structure that is both simple to manufacture and reliable in securing the chain link through the projection feature.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~13
AI summary
To protect the sidewall of a vehicle wheel from damage caused by a skid chain stretched over the wheel, a sidewall protection cover (11) is provided to receive a chain link of a chain strand (6) located above the sidewall (3). The cover has a U-shaped body. The body is preferably a single piece and has two wings connected along a back. The wings surround a space for receiving the chain link, and at least one of the wings has a retaining element on its inwardly facing side in the form of a projection for holding the chain link and/or a connecting element (5) suspended therefrom between the wings.