Spring-Loaded Spare Tire Retainer Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spare tire retainers in motor vehicles are difficult to remove due to their location and require multiple turns, making it inconvenient to access and remove the spare tire from storage positions.
Innovation Solution
A retainer assembly with opposed actuators that can be depressed to release the retainers from the post, allowing the assembly to be easily slid off, featuring a housing with guide features and biasing elements to securely engage and disengage with the post.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded retainer is used to secure the spare tire, then the spare tire is firmly held in position, but the retainer requires multiple turns and is difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic spring-loaded system with movable retainers. The coil spring provides continuous pressure to maintain firm retention, while the actuators enable quick release by overcoming the spring force, allowing the retainers to move between engaged and disengaged positions without multiple turns.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional threaded mechanical fastening system is replaced with a spring-loaded retainer system actuated by simple depression of actuators. This substitution eliminates the need for rotational movement and multiple turns, replacing complex threaded engagement with a simpler linear actuation mechanism that provides both secure retention and easy release.
2Volume of moving object
If the spare tire is positioned in a storage well underneath the load floor, then useful occupant and storage space is conserved, but the retainer is located at a difficult to reach position
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly is designed to be accessible from above through the load floor, utilizing the vertical dimension. The actuators are positioned on the top surface of the load floor, allowing users to access and operate them from the cargo area without needing to reach underneath the floor. This dimensional approach maintains the spare tire's concealed position while providing easy access to the release mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuators serve as intermediaries between the user and the retainer mechanism. By providing a simple depression action on the actuators located on the load floor surface, users can indirectly operate the spring-loaded retainers without directly accessing the difficult-to-reach position underneath the floor. The actuators translate simple user input into the complex motion required to release the retainers.
3Reliability
If a retainer is provided to prevent movement and rattling of the spare tire, then the spare tire is securely held, but the retainer adds complexity to the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retainers are combined into a single integrated retainer assembly that is spring-loaded and actuated together. Instead of having separate adjustment mechanisms for each retainer, the coil spring and actuators work in unison to simultaneously engage or disengage all retainers, reducing the overall complexity while maintaining secure positioning of the spare tire.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil spring provides self-service by automatically maintaining constant pressure on the retainers to ensure firm engagement with the post. The spring self-regulates the retention force without requiring external adjustment mechanisms, sensors, or control systems, thereby securing the spare tire reliably while minimizing the complexity of the assembly.
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 provides a user-friendly method for retaining and removing spare tires, reducing the effort required to access and remove the spare tire, enhancing customer satisfaction by simplifying the process.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing element which may be a coil spring received over one end of the first pivot pin
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for retaining a spare tire in a storage position on a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a retainer assembly and a cooperating post. The retainer assembly includes a housing and a first actuator, a first retainer and a first biasing element carried by the housing. The post includes a retainer receiver wherein the first biasing element biases the first retainer into engagement with the retainer receiver. A related method of removing a spare tire from a storage position in a motor vehicle is also presented.