Automotive Spare Tire Collision Management System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spare tires within motor vehicles pose a challenge during collisions as their column strength can hinder the vehicle's ability to absorb collision energy by crushing axially, and existing methods do not effectively prevent the spare tire from participating in energy absorption.
Innovation Solution
A combination tire deflator and wheel retainer system that rapidly deflates the spare tire and secures the wheel to the compartment surface upon axial displacement, using a unitary structure with a cutter and hook portion to prevent the spare tire from relocating during an impact event.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spare tire is left intact and mounted in the compartment, then it provides structural support and protects against floor deformation, but it participates in collision energy absorption through plastic deformation which reduces the vehicle's overall crash energy management effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically deflating the spare tire before the main collision impact occurs. The deflation mechanism is triggered by initial impact forces or acceleration changes, reducing the tire's structural integrity and column strength in advance, so that during the subsequent main impact, the deflated tire does not participate in energy absorption through plastic deformation, thereby improving overall crash energy management effectiveness.
2Productivity
If the spare tire is allowed to move freely during impact, then it can be quickly deflated and restrained, but it may relocate within the compartment causing unpredictable behavior during collision
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism - a retainer device with restraining arms - that actively controls the spare tire's position during impact. This intermediary structure mediates between the deflation process and the tire's movement, ensuring the tire remains in a controlled position within the compartment while being deflated, preventing unpredictable relocation and allowing the deflation system to operate effectively without interference.
3Reliability
If a separate deflation and restraint system is used, then the functions are well-defined, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the deflation mechanism and the restraint mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The deflation system uses a cutter element that simultaneously serves as part of the restraint structure, while the restraint arms are positioned to both control tire movement and guide the deflation process. This integration reduces device complexity and minimizes space requirements while maintaining well-defined functions for both deflation and restraint operations.
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
Effectively prevents the spare tire from participating in collision energy absorption by quickly deflating and restraining it within the compartment, ensuring the vehicle can manage crash energy without excessive deformation and requiring minimal space without external control devices.
Implementation Method 1
the cutter portion will compress and impinge upon, and then cut through, the tire
Implementation Method 2
cut through, the tire before the hook portion of the combination cutter and hook assembly engages the wheel
Implementation Method 3
the hook portion will cooperate with the hold down mechanism to maintain the spare tire in its stowed position during the impact event
Implementation Method 4
a body structure displaces the spare tire in the event of an impact directed axially against the compartment and having sufficient force to deform the compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A collision management system for an automotive spare tire includes a pneumatic spare tire mounted upon a wheel, and a body structure for axially displacing the spare tire in the direction of a combination tire deflator and wheel retainer which engages the spare tire and pierces it to deflate the spare tire, while subsequently locking upon the wheel rim, so as to assist in retaining the spare tire in a desired location within a storage compartment of the vehicle.