Spare Wheel Retaining Wire Structure for Vehicle Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for retaining a spare wheel inside a vehicle, particularly in electric or hybrid vehicles, fail to securely hold the wheel during impacts or rollovers due to central fixing systems that are insufficient and may damage electrical components.
Innovation Solution
A wire structure with curved metal wire and hollow metal cylinder hinges, integrated with structural elements and locking means, providing multiple attachment points and a closure element to securely hold the spare wheel, even in the event of vehicle overturns, while avoiding damage to electrical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a central fixing system is used to retain the spare wheel, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of retaining the wheel during impacts or rollovers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wire structure is divided into multiple segments or sections that can independently engage with the wheel rim at different locations. This segmentation allows the retaining system to distribute forces across multiple attachment points, improving reliability during impacts while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point central fixing system to a distributed multi-point attachment system that engages the wheel at multiple locations around the rim. This dimensional change from one-dimensional central attachment to two-dimensional distributed attachment significantly enhances retention security without proportionally increasing complexity
2Ease of operation
If a central fixing system is used to retain the spare wheel, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors increase due to risk of damaging electrical system
Solution Approach 1:
The wire structure and its attachment points are strategically positioned and designed to engage only with structural elements of the vehicle body, deliberately excluding and maintaining safe distance from electrical system components. This extraction of the fixing system from proximity to electrical elements eliminates the harmful interaction while preserving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The wire structure acts as an intermediary retaining mechanism that interfaces between the spare wheel and the vehicle's structural elements, rather than directly contacting electrical components. This intermediary design provides a safe mechanical retention path that prevents damage to the electrical system while maintaining operational simplicity
3Reliability
If multiple attachment points are used to securely retain the spare wheel, then the reliability of wheel retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical retention at multiple attachment points, distributes impact forces across the wheel rim, and engages with existing vehicle structural elements. This multi-functionality increases reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single wire component accomplishes multiple retaining objectives
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 solution effectively retains the spare wheel during shocks and rollovers, reducing the risk of it entering the passenger compartment and ensuring the safety of electrical components, while being economical and suitable for vehicles with traction batteries and electrical systems in the trunk.
Implementation Method 1
at least one hinge secured to a structural element of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
locking means capable of being secured to at least one structural element of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
hollow metal cylinder welded to a structural element of the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
[Motor vehicle comprising a spare wheel retaining device (7) located inside said vehicle, characterized in that said device comprises a wire structure (1) formed by a bent wire applying to the spare wheel resting flat, at least one hinge (41, 42) integral with a structural element of the vehicle (6, 60, 61) and locking means (2) capable of being integral with at least one structural element of the vehicle (6, 60), said hinge and said locking means being spaced apart from each other, and at least a portion of said wire being integrated into at least one said hinge (41, 42) capable of reversibly moving said wire structure from a lowered position to a raised position, and said bent wire comprising a closing element (10) cooperating with said locking means (2).