Snow Chain Tensioning Device with Nested Elastic Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional snow chain tensioning devices face issues with space requirements, extension length, and force ratios, leading to potential loosening of the snow chain over time.
Innovation Solution
A tensioning device with an elastic tension member and an elastic component, where the elastic component exerts a prestress force to enhance resilience and create a longer pull-out path within a compact space, utilizing a pulley-like mechanism to achieve high clamping forces and prevent snow chain loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional tensioning elements are used, then the snow chain can be tensioned, but the device requires significant space and has limited extension length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the elastic component is positioned within the housing, and the tensioning element passes through the housing interior. The connecting section deflects within the confined housing space, creating a compact nested arrangement that maximizes extension length while minimizing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by deflecting the connecting section of the tensioning element within the housing interior. This creates a pulley-like effect where the tensioning element changes direction, effectively using the housing's internal volume to extend the functional length without increasing the device's external footprint.
2Reliability
If conventional tensioning elements are used, then the snow chain can be tensioned, but the force ratio is insufficient to prevent loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic component serves as an intermediary element that amplifies the force applied to the snow chain. By positioning the elastic component to act on the connecting section, it creates a mechanical advantage that increases the force ratio, ensuring sufficient tension to prevent loosening while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic tensioning mechanism where the elastic component can deflect and store energy, providing a continuously adapting force ratio. This dynamic system automatically adjusts to maintain optimal tension, preventing loosening under varying load conditions without requiring excessive initial force.
3Volume of moving object
If the device is made compact to reduce space requirements, then space is saved, but the pull-out path is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved or deflected connecting section within the housing, creating a pulley-like path for the tensioning element. This curved geometry allows the tensioning element to traverse a longer effective path within the compact housing volume, increasing the pull-out distance without enlarging the device's external dimensions.
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 device effectively maintains tension in snow chains with reduced space requirements, achieving high clamping forces and preventing loosening, even in narrow wheel arch clearances.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic component. The elastic component under a prestress exerts a force on the connection portion of the elastic clamping member such that the first end portion of the clamping member acts toward the interior of the housing by the force exerted by the prestressed elastic component
Implementation Method 2
as a result of the deflection of the connecting section, with the deflected section being movable relative to the housing, the pull-out of the tensioning element is lengthened. Here the advantages of a pulley block are exploited: by deflecting the connecting section and the effect of the elastic component on the deflection area, a pulley block is provided that allows a greater extension
Implementation Method 3
By combining a tensioning element with an elastic component, both of which are optionally made of rubber, or at least the tensioning element and/or preferably the elastic component are provided as a spring, the following effect is produced due to the special, point-by-point combination: The elastic tensioning element is produced an enhanced resilience through the use and interaction with the elastic component
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The apparatus (1) has a resilient clamping element (3) with an end section (31) extended into an inner space (14) of a housing (10) by an aperture (13). A connection section and another end section (32) of the clamping element are run in the inner space. A partial section of the latter end section is more stationarily arranged in the inner space. A pre-tensioned elastic component (5) standing under a bias exerts a force on the connection section of the resilient clamping element such that the former end section acts towards the inner space by the force applied from the elastic component. The pre-tensioned elastic component is designed as a pressure spring.