Vehicle Spare Wheel Support Using Inclined Cable Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spare wheel support systems do not efficiently store and secure spare wheels under vehicles, particularly in non-horizontal positions, which can limit vehicle clearance and departure angles, and lack effective protection for the wheel's style surface.
Innovation Solution
A retractable cable system with a flared cable outlet and connecting post, combined with a wheel support assembly and protective cover, allows for the secure storage of spare wheels in an inclined position, enhancing vehicle clearance and protecting the wheel's style surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the spare wheel is stored in a horizontal position, then the storage space is simpler to design, but the vehicle departure angle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide outlet is designed with a flared profile that dynamically adapts to guide the connecting post during the raising motion, allowing the spare wheel to transition from horizontal to inclined storage position. This dynamic guidance mechanism enables the wheel to be stored at an optimal angle for vehicle departure while maintaining ease of installation through the flared opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the storage orientation from a simple horizontal position to an inclined position, utilizing the vertical dimension more effectively. The cable guide outlet's flared profile accommodates this dimensional change by providing a tapered entry that guides the connecting post through the motion trajectory required to achieve the inclined storage configuration.
2Ease of operation
If the cable outlet has a narrow profile, then the cable guide structure is simpler, but the alignment of the spare wheel during storage is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide outlet employs a flared, curved profile instead of a narrow straight opening. This curved geometry naturally guides the connecting post along a controlled trajectory during the raising operation, facilitating automatic alignment of the spare wheel as it is lifted into the storage position without requiring complex alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The flared profile of the cable guide outlet is pre-configured to anticipate and guide the motion of the connecting post during installation. The tapered opening performs the alignment function in advance, ensuring that the connecting post is properly oriented before it engages with the cable, thereby simplifying the overall installation process.
3Ease of operation
If the connecting means is permanently fixed, then the structure is more robust, but the introduction and removal of the spare wheel is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting means employs a dynamic releasable connection mechanism that transitions from an engaged state during storage to a disengaged state during removal. This allows the system to maintain structural robustness when the spare wheel is stored while enabling easy introduction and removal when needed, resolving the contradiction between permanent fixation and operational flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to apparatus (1 ) for supporting a spare wheel (2) under a vehicle (3). The apparatus includes a retractable cable (1 1 ) for coupling to the vehicle (3). A wheel support assembly (9) includes at least one wheel support member (14) and a connecting post (13). The at least one wheel support member (14) is configured to engage a retaining surface surrounding a bolt hole formed in the spare wheel (2). The connecting post (13) is configured to project through an opening (7) in the spare wheel (2) for connection to the cable (1 1 ). The apparatus (1 ) includes connecting means (26) for releasably connecting the cable (1 1 ) to the connecting post (13). A cable guide (28) is provided having a cable outlet (29) having an outwardly flared profile. The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle (3) including the apparatus (1 ).