Tire Chain Holding Elements Encased for Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tire chains are difficult to assemble, especially under adverse conditions and in vehicles with limited space inside the wheel, due to the complexity of applying large holding forces while preventing the chain from falling off during operation.

Innovation Solution

The tire chain design features two traction-means-shaped holding elements encased together in a radial direction, allowing for low overall height with high clamping forces distributed over both elements, ensuring easy handling and increased operational safety by preventing tangling and providing a backup holding member in case of damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If multiple holding elements are used to increase holding forces, then the holding capability is improved, but the assembly complexity and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding forceVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple holding elements (at least two traction-means-shaped holding elements) are encased together in a common casing, merging them into a single integrated unit. This allows the holding elements to work together to provide increased holding forces while being handled and assembled as one piece, thereby reducing assembly complexity despite the increased holding capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If the holding device is made compact to fit limited space, then the space requirement is reduced, but the holding capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace inside wheelVSAvoidholding force

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The holding elements are nested within a common casing, with at least two holding elements positioned side by side in the radial direction of the vehicle tire when the tire chain is attached. This nesting arrangement allows multiple holding elements to be compactly arranged to fit limited space inside the wheel while maintaining their individual holding capabilities, providing high clamping forces in a compact configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If holding elements are separate for flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of tangling and operational failure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling flexibilityVSAvoidoperational safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding elements are combined within a common casing that prevents them from becoming tangled during assembly and operation. The casing maintains the positional relationship between the holding elements, ensuring they remain organized and functional. This merging approach preserves the adaptability of multiple holding elements while significantly improving operational safety by eliminating tangling risks and providing a backup holding element if one is damaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2514614B1Tyre chain with jointly encased holding means for tensioning

Publication Date: 2013.04.10 RUD KETTENFABRIK RIEGER & DIETZ GMBH & CO

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AI summary

The chain has a holding device connected with a traction section (9), where the chain is attached to a vehicle tire (2). The traction section partially rests the chain on a flank of another vehicle tire (5) when the chain is attached to the former tire and partially extends along peripheral direction (14) of the latter tire. The holding device includes partial elastically stretchable holding elements (15) e.g. clamping unit, in cross section, where the holding elements lie close to each other along radial direction of the latter tire when the chain is attached to the latter tire.