Spare Tire Presentation Apparatus Using Four-Bar Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing spare tire presentation systems in motor vehicles are difficult to access and use, especially for individuals who are smaller in stature, weak, or have disabilities, due to the inaccessible stowed position and significant weight of the spare tire.
Innovation Solution
A spare tire presentation apparatus comprising a base, a four-bar linkage connecting the base to the vehicle, and a sliding platform with a guide track and roller bearing assembly, allowing the spare tire to be easily pivoted and shifted rearward for better access, featuring handholds for ergonomic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the spare tire is stowed in the floor recess, then the vehicle interior space is maximized, but the spare tire becomes difficult to access and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The spare tire storage system transitions from a static floor recess to a dynamic, movable platform. The base and sliding platform can be displaced from a retracted position within the floor recess to an extended position that presents the spare tire at an elevated, accessible location rearward of the vehicle, making it easy to access and remove while maintaining space efficiency when stowed.
2Device complexity
If the spare tire is kept in the floor recess, then the vehicle structure remains simple, but significant force is required to lift and remove the heavy spare tire
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical linkage system acts as an intermediary between the user and the heavy spare tire. The four-bar linkage connected to the base provides mechanical advantage, allowing a user to apply a relatively small force at the handhold to generate the large force needed to lift and displace the heavy base and spare tire from the floor recess to the extended position.
3Volume of moving object
If the spare tire is stowed in the floor recess, then the vehicle design is compact, but the spare tire is difficult to access for smaller or weaker individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The system solves the ergonomic accessibility problem by moving the spare tire presentation from a horizontal plane (floor level) to a vertical dimension. The base and sliding platform elevate the spare tire above the floor recess and position it rearward of the vehicle, presenting it at an ergonomically accessible height and location that is easily reachable by individuals of various statures and strengths.
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 easy and efficient access and use of the spare tire by reducing the force required to remove it from the stowed position and positioning it rearward of the vehicle's rear fascia, eliminating the need for lifting and simplifying the process.
Implementation Method 1
The four bar linkage includes a first bar, a second bar, a third bar and a fourth bar. The first bar includes a first end connected by a first pivot to the motor vehicle and a second end connected by a second pivot to the base.
Implementation Method 2
The spare tire presentation apparatus may include a roller bearing assembly between the sliding platform and the guide track. Such a roller bearing assembly will allow for smooth sliding action of the sliding platform when that platform is displaced between positions.
Implementation Method 3
A full size spare tire may weigh as much as 20 to 25 pounds. As a result of the relatively inaccessible position in which the spare tire is stowed and the significant weight of the spare tire, it can be very difficult to access and remove the spare tire for use.
Data Source
AI summary
A spare tire presentation apparatus includes a base, a four bar linkage and a sliding platform. The four bar linkage connects the base to the motor vehicle. The sliding platform is supported on the base. A spare tire is carried on the sliding platform.