Automated Tire Chain Deployer Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire chaining devices do not effectively deploy a single closed-loop chain around a vehicle tire for enhanced traction on slippery surfaces, requiring manual installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
An automated tire chaining device with a housing positioned above the tire, featuring a closed-loop chain that can be deployed and retracted using a deploying unit with rollers and actuators, allowing the chain to extend in front of the tire for improved traction and facilitating easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual installation and removal of tire chains is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the vehicle's own motion and existing components (winch, rollers) are used to automatically deploy and retrieve chains, eliminating the need for manual labor while keeping the added complexity minimal by utilizing already-present vehicle systems
Solution Approach 2:
The chain deployment system transitions from static manual handling to dynamic automated deployment using a winch mechanism that can rapidly extend and retract the chain along the tire, significantly improving operational speed and ease while adding only minimal device complexity
2Reliability
If conventional tire chains are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but traction effectiveness on slippery surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chain system is segmented into multiple functional sections including a closed-loop chain for traction, a deployment section with rollers, and a retrieval section, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Rollers are introduced as intermediary components that facilitate the chain's interaction with the tire and ground, enabling reliable traction deployment without complex manufacturing by using simple cylindrical elements that guide and support the chain
3Productivity
If automated deployment mechanism is added, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The winch mechanism serves multiple functions including chain deployment, retrieval, and storage, while existing vehicle components like rollers and the chain itself perform multiple roles in the system, improving productivity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment system merges the winch mechanism with the chain and roller assembly into an integrated unit that automatically deploys and retrieves chains, achieving high productivity by combining multiple functions into a single coordinated system rather than adding separate complex mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A automated tire chaining assembly includes a housing that is positioned above a respective one of a plurality of tires on a vehicle. A chain is formed into a closed loop and the chain extending through each of an entry and an exit of the housing. The chain is positionable in a deployed position having the chain being dropped downwardly around the respective tire to enhance traction of the tire on a slippery surface. A deploying unit is movably attached to the housing and the deploying unit engages the chain. The deploying unit urges the chain between the stored position and the deployed position. Additionally, the chain extends in front of the respective tire when the deploying unit urges the chain into the deployed position thereby facilitating the respective tire to roll over the chain.