Spare Tire Carrier with Retractable Retainer for Under-Vehicle Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spare tire handling devices require operators to crawl under vehicles to retrieve and replace tires, leading to discomfort and inefficiency, especially with larger tires where heavy tires must be manually handled in awkward positions.
Innovation Solution
A tire carrier system with a retractable wheel retainer using a threaded rod and flexible cable or chain mechanism that allows the spare tire to be lowered and positioned closer to the vehicle's side, enabling easier access and reducing the need for crawling, with options for manual or powered operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the spare tire is stored under the vehicle using a traditional winch system, then the tire can be stored outside the vehicle compartment, but the operator must crawl under the vehicle to retrieve and replace the tire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the tire retainer movable rather than fixed. The retainer can be repositioned between a stored position under the vehicle and a lowered position near the ground. This is achieved through a cable mechanism connected to a winch, allowing the retainer to be dynamically adjusted to different positions, thereby improving operator accessibility while maintaining tire storage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dimensionality change by adding vertical movement capability to the tire retainer system. Instead of only horizontal movement under the vehicle, the retainer can now move vertically between the under-vehicle storage position and a ground-near position. This vertical dimension change allows operators to access tires without crawling under the vehicle
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger than normal tires are used, then the vehicle can accommodate bigger wheels, but the operator must manually handle very heavy tires in awkward positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the tire retainer to move to a lowered position near the ground, allowing operators to handle large, heavy tires in a comfortable standing position rather than in awkward crouched positions under the vehicle. The cable-winch mechanism provides the mechanical advantage needed to move these heavy tires safely
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the cable-retainer mechanism as an intermediary between the stored tire and the operator. This intermediary system allows the operator to control and move heavy tires without direct manual handling, reducing physical strain and improving safety when dealing with larger tire sizes
3Device complexity
If the tire retainer is fixed under the vehicle, then the structure is simple, but the operator must reach under the vehicle multiple times to change a single tire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed retainer structure into a dynamic, movable one. The retainer can be quickly repositioned between stored and lowered positions using the cable-winch system. This dynamic capability allows the entire tire to be lowered in one operation, eliminating the need for multiple trips under the vehicle and reducing overall tire change time
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 system allows for safer and more efficient tire changes by keeping the tire partially outside the vehicle's footprint, reducing operator strain and time, and maintaining cleanliness by minimizing contact with the underbody.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded rod is configured to be attached to the vehicle, and capable of rotating within the first block and threadedly engaging the other or second block. This allows the flexible device to have a second end connected to one of the first and second blocks, such that rotation of the rod causes movement of the second block relative to the first block to change the position of the tire retaining device.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention involves a spare tire carrier and handling device for mounting on a vehicle. The device is adapted for moving a spare tire between a stored position under a vehicle to an accessible position. The device may be mounted so as to be accessible from the rear, side, or front of a vehicle as desired.