Snow Chain Jack Tensioner and Spring-Loaded Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow chains with outside mounting require significant manual effort for tensioning and adjustment, are not adaptable to different tire sizes, and can loosen during travel due to the adapter mechanism and rigid chain configuration.
Innovation Solution
A snow chain design featuring a central hub with radially protruding arms and a jack-type tensioning device that allows easy and secure tensioning without slipping, along with an adjustable chain ring and a secure adapter mechanism that prevents loosening, accommodating various tire sizes through a spring-loaded adjustment system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual tensioning strap system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to significant manual effort required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical tensioning system with a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator that automatically tensions the snow chain. This substitution eliminates the need for manual pulling and adjustment while providing consistent, adequate tensioning force, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning system is designed to automatically adjust and maintain proper tension without user intervention. The actuator self-regulates the strap tension based on pre-set parameters, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during travel and improving ease of operation while maintaining simple device architecture.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid chain ring configuration is used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as it cannot accommodate different tire sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable connection points and flexible linkage mechanisms that allow the chain ring to dynamically adapt its configuration. The connection points can be repositioned along the tire circumference, and the linkage allows for angular adjustments, enabling the same rigid chain structure to accommodate various tire sizes while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain ring is divided into modular segments with adjustable connections. Each segment can be independently positioned and angled to match the specific tire geometry, allowing the rigid chain structure to adapt to different tire sizes and maintains stability through the modular, reconfigurable design.
3Ease of operation
If adapter device with lever is used, then ease of operation is improved for mounting, but reliability deteriorates due to potential loosening during travel
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter device incorporates a pre-loaded spring mechanism or cam lock that is engaged during the initial mounting operation. This preliminary action creates a pre-compression or pre-locking force that maintains secure attachment during travel, preventing loosening while keeping the mounting process simple and lever-operated.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter device includes a counteracting force mechanism, such as a spring-loaded locking element or friction-based retention system, that applies a force opposite to the loosening tendency. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the loosening forces generated during vehicle travel, ensuring reliable attachment while maintaining ease of mounting through the lever mechanism.
4Device complexity
If tensioning strap requires manual pulling, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time required for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual pulling with an automated tensioning mechanism that rapidly applies the required force. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual adjustment process while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through the use of standard actuator components, thereby improving mounting productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning system is pre-configured with pre-tensioned straps or pre-loaded springs that automatically engage and tension the snow chain upon mounting. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming manual pulling and adjustment, significantly improving mounting speed while maintaining simple device architecture.
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 design enables effortless and secure tensioning of snow chains, ensuring reliable traction and adaptability to different tire sizes and wear conditions, enhancing safety and ease of use during vehicle travel.
Implementation Method 1
a jack-type tensioning device that allows easy and secure tensioning without slipping, along with an adjustable chain ring and a secure adapter mechanism
Implementation Method 2
an adjustable chain ring and a secure adapter mechanism that prevents loosening, accommodating various tire sizes through a spring-loaded adjustment system
Implementation Method 3
The terminal elements of the spokes are connected to portions of chain, which follow the tyre tread. In this manner the portions of chain can scratch or bite into the sleet or the ice on the road surface to exert a greater friction and to avoid slipping or skidding of the tyres
Data Source
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AI summary
An anti-skid device (1) with mounting from the outside is described, comprising: a central hub (2) designed to be disposed to coincide with the wheel hub (101), a plurality of arms (20) protruding radially from the hub (2) and ending in terminal elements (21) designed to be disposed on the tyre tread, portions of chain (3) connected to the terminal elements (21) so as to form a ring on the tyre tread, an adapter device (5) adapted to be fixed to a wheel-fixing bolt (102) and carrying a tensioning strap (7) which passes through the hub (2) of the anti-skid device (1) to be tensioned by the user so as to move the hub (2) of the anti-skid device (1) towards the hub (101) of the wheel, a tensioning device (8) connected to the hub (2) of the anti-skid device (1), adapted to be operated by the user, to tension and to lock the tensioning strap (7). The tensioning device (8) is a jack-type device which allows the strap (7) to be pulled in the tensioning direction and does not allow it to slip in the loosening direction.