Ski and Tire Binding System for Wheeled Vehicle Buoyancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle adaptation systems require extensive reconfiguration or removal of vehicle parts to transition between different terrains, lacking practical solutions for seamless traversal of varied landscapes.
Innovation Solution
A ski and tire binding system that attaches to and detaches from vehicle tires, providing adjustable buoyancy and stability on porous, fluid, or soft surfaces without modifying the vehicle, using L-shaped boots and tire block pins to constrain the tire, and optional brake mechanisms to prevent wheel rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vehicle is designed for one specific type of terrain, then it performs well on that terrain, but it cannot practically traverse other types of terrain without extensive reconfiguration or part replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle terrain adaptation system is divided into separate, independent components: a ski assembly that can be attached to individual wheels. This segmentation allows the ski to be mounted or removed without affecting other vehicle parts, enabling easy terrain adaptation while maintaining simple vehicle design
Solution Approach 2:
The ski assembly is designed as a universal attachment that can be applied to multiple types of vehicles and wheel configurations. The binding system accommodates different tire widths and vehicle types, allowing one apparatus to serve multiple functions across various terrains and vehicle platforms
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing vehicle adaptation systems are used to transform a vehicle for different terrains, then terrain versatility is improved, but it requires removal and replacement of vehicle parts or extensive reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The ski assembly is pre-configured with binding mechanisms and mounting features that enable direct attachment to the wheel. The L-shaped boots and tire block pins are designed in advance to interface with standard wheel structures, eliminating the need for complex assembly steps or vehicle disassembly during terrain transformation
Solution Approach 2:
The binding system acts as an intermediary component between the ski and the wheel, providing a standardized interface that simplifies attachment. The L-shaped boots engage with the wheel tire, and the tire block pin secures the assembly, creating a mediator layer that enables easy connection without direct modification of either the ski or wheel
3Reliability
If a ski and tire binding system is attached to vehicle tires, then buoyancy and control on soft surfaces is improved, but the wheel rotation must be constrained which adds operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel constraint function is merged with the ski attachment system. The L-shaped boots serve dual purposes: securing the ski to the wheel while simultaneously providing structural support for the tire block pin that prevents wheel rotation. This combination eliminates the need for separate braking or locking mechanisms
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 vehicles to navigate snow, water, and other challenging surfaces with improved control and reduced effort, allowing for versatile terrain traversal without the need for wheel removal or extensive reconfiguration.
Implementation Method 1
The present apparatus and methods increase the buoyancy of a wheeled vehicle on porous, fluid or soft surfaces
Implementation Method 2
The side walls of the L-shaped boots are configured to laterally constrain the tire or wheel of the wheeled vehicle
Implementation Method 3
at least one tire block pin for connecting the pair of L-shaped boots to one another to increase rigidity of the apparatus and to rotationally constrain the tire or wheel of the wheeled vehicle
Implementation Method 4
The apparatus are generally accessories for wheeled vehicles that serve to broaden the terrain that vehicles can traverse
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for increasing the buoyancy of a wheeled vehicle includes a ski to be disposed under at least one tire or wheel of a wheeled vehicle; a boot having a bottom wall secured directly or indirectly to the ski and side walls substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall, wherein the side walls of the boot are configured to laterally constrain the tire or wheel of the wheeled vehicle; and a tire block pin for connecting the side walls of the boot to one another to increase rigidity of the apparatus and to rotationally constrain the tire or wheel of the wheeled vehicle and/or tie downs for securing the wheel to the ski. Methods of using the apparatus are also disclosed.