Spare Tire Retaining Clamp with Perimeter Studs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for securing a spare tire in a vehicle are hindered by the tire blocking the view of the connector on the floor pan, especially when a central decorative medallion is present, and the spare tire tool kit complicates the process by increasing the distance between the tool kit and the floor pan, making it difficult to attach the central screw.
Innovation Solution
A spare tire retainer system featuring a plurality of studs affixed to the supporting wall, a clamp with notches to secure the wheel to the studs, and a tool container with clips to engage the wheel rim, allowing for easier assembly and secure attachment of the spare tire to the compartment floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a central screw is used to secure the spare tire to the floor pan, then the tire can be attached to the vehicle, but the tire blocks the view of the connector on the floor pan making it difficult to attach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single central attachment point (vertical dimension) to a distributed pattern of studs around the perimeter (radial distribution in horizontal plane). This dimensional shift allows the attachment points to be positioned where they are visible and accessible, eliminating the blocking issue while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The single central screw connection is segmented into multiple distributed stud connections around the wheel perimeter. This segmentation distributes the attachment function across multiple points, improving visibility and accessibility of each individual connection point while collectively providing secure mounting.
2Shape
If a decorative medallion is present on the wheel, then the wheel has aesthetic value, but the medallion blocks or restricts the central screw from being attached to the floor pan
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment function is segmented from the central medallion area to multiple peripheral locations around the wheel. This allows the medallion to remain intact for aesthetic purposes while the distributed studs provide attachment points in clear, accessible locations around the perimeter.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment function is extracted from the central medallion region and relocated to the wheel perimeter. This separation allows the medallion to serve its aesthetic purpose without interfering with the attachment mechanism, as the studs are positioned in the clear area around the wheel circumference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spare tire tool kit is stacked on top of the wheel, then the tools are stored with the spare tire, but the distance between the tool kit and the floor pan is increased making it difficult to fish the central screw through
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment process is segmented into multiple distributed points around the wheel perimeter rather than requiring a single central attachment. This eliminates the need to fish screws through stacked components, as each stud location provides direct access for attachment without requiring components to be passed through the tool kit stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The studs are pre-positioned on the floor pan at accessible locations around the wheel perimeter, eliminating the need to maneuver screws through stacked components during assembly. The tool kit can be placed on the wheel without interfering with attachment, as the studs are accessible from the sides rather than requiring vertical passage through the stack.
Data Source
AI summary
A spare tire retainer includes a plurality of studs fixed to and extending from one surface of a supporting wall. A tire is assembled to a wheel that defines a plurality of holes that are adapted to receive the plurality of studs. A clamp is assembled to the plurality of studs to secure the wheel to the supporting wall. The plurality of studs may be weld studs that are welded to the supporting wall. The plurality of studs may each define a notch in one side and the clamp may be received in the notches when the clamp is assembled to the studs. A container for a set of tools used to replace a tire is disclosed that may be assembled to the wheel. A plurality of clips is disclosed for securing the container to the wheel. The clips engage a rim of the wheel radially inside the tire. The container may be assembled to the wheel after the clamp secures the wheel to the studs.