Textile Grip Chain for Vehicle Wheels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal chains for vehicle wheels on snow are difficult to install, heavy, and produce parasitic noises, with complex production processes increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A textile grip chain with a knitted net made of polyester or polyamide cords, featuring elastic edges and tensioning cables for easy installation and secure positioning, which reduces weight and production complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional metal chains are used, then adhesion grip is provided, but weight is heavy and installation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to textile (polyester, polyamide, or CORDURA®), fundamentally altering the weight and flexibility characteristics. This material substitution enables the chain to be significantly lighter while maintaining adhesion functionality, and the textile nature allows for easier installation by hand without requiring heavy tools or complex positioning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible textile belt structure with a knitted net tread instead of rigid metal links. This flexibility allows the chain to conform to the wheel contour and be easily installed by stretching it over the tire, eliminating the laborious positioning and securing required for traditional metal chains.
2Weight of moving object
If textile belts are used to reduce weight, then weight decreases, but production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tread and side parts into a single integrated textile belt structure. The knitted net is formed by assembling cords through knitting, creating a unified piece that eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for different components, thereby reducing production complexity despite using textile materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies particular textile materials (polyester, polyamide, or CORDURA®) with defined properties to ensure the knitted net achieves the necessary strength and durability. By selecting materials with appropriate characteristics and using knitting as the manufacturing method, the patent simplifies production while maintaining performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If metal chains are used, then adhesion is provided, but parasitic noises occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material from metal to textile, fundamentally altering the noise characteristics. The textile material (polyester, polyamide, or CORDURA®) inherently dampens vibrations and eliminates the metallic clattering and parasitic noises associated with traditional chains, while the knitted net structure maintains reliable adhesion through its grip on the tire tread.
4Ease of operation
If chains are installed at the last moment in substantial snow depth, then adhesion is needed, but installation becomes laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible textile belt structure allows the chain to be easily stretched over the tire and positioned without requiring complex tools or multiple persons. The elasticity and flexibility of the textile material enable quick installation even in substantial snow depth, reducing both the time and effort required compared to rigid metal chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain's design allows a single user to install it without assistance or specialized equipment. The textile construction enables the user to simply stretch the belt over the tire and secure it, making the installation process self-serviceable and eliminating the need for laborious positioning and securing operations.
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 textile grip chain provides improved installation ease, reduced weight, and enhanced traction on snowy surfaces while maintaining secure attachment to the wheel, preventing premature detachment and noise issues.
Implementation Method 1
the outermost cord coming to define with the immediately adjacent cord the outer meshes of the two lateral edges of the net is provided with elastic properties. For this purpose, this cord consists of an elastic core, for example rubber, inserted simultaneously with the knitting or knitted in combination with the other constituent fibers
Data Source
AI summary
This chain for improving the adhesion of a motor vehicle wheel (1) comprises an adhesion strip (5) intended to come into contact at least with the tread strip (4) of the wheel in question, and held by tensioning cables, an outer one (21) and an inner one (16). This adhesion strip consists of a mesh made of textile, produced by knitting strands (7), themselves produced by knitting, so as to define the cells of the said mesh.