Tire Chain Connecting Lock Blind Bore Self-Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting locks for tire chains face issues such as damage during assembly due to high force requirements and corrosion, leading to difficulties in disassembly and security concerns, especially with loose chains where the locking bolt may slip.
Innovation Solution
A connecting lock design featuring a blind bore in the first longitudinal crosspiece with a threaded bore and a spring-loaded detent piece that latches into a recess on the closing bolt, allowing for tool-free assembly and easy disassembly using a screwdriver, enhancing security and preventing dirt ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spiral locking pin is used to secure chain links, then the chain links are secured from sliding out, but high insertion force is required which may cause damage to the locking pin and requires a hammer for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static insertion process into a dynamic self-locking mechanism. The closing bolt with conical end is driven into the blind bore, causing the spring-loaded detent piece to be compressed and then latch into the recess on the closing bolt, creating automatic locking without requiring excessive manual force or tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded detent piece automatically engages with the recess on the closing bolt when the bolt is inserted, creating a self-locking mechanism. The system uses its own components (spring, detent, recess) to secure itself without external tools or additional fastening steps.
2Reliability
If a spiral locking pin is used, then the chain links are secured, but disassembly requires a hammer and punch or cutting with a blowtorch due to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded detent piece provides a dynamic locking mechanism that can be easily reversed. When the closing bolt is removed, the spring automatically releases the detent piece from the recess, allowing simple disassembly without hammering, punching, or cutting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically manages both locking and unlocking functions. During disassembly, the spring's stored energy automatically disengages the detent piece when the closing bolt is withdrawn, enabling tool-free or minimal-tool removal without corrosion-related complications.
3Ease of operation
If a through-bore is used for the closing bolt, then assembly is simple, but dirt can penetrate from the tread side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the opening from the tread side by converting the through-bore into a blind bore. The bore is closed at the tread side, removing the direct pathway for dirt ingress while maintaining the functional opening on the chain link side for the closing bolt to pass through and secure the links.
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 design enables hand-tool-free assembly and secure disassembly of the connecting lock, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring the chain links remain secured without the need for hammers or torches, while providing greater security against bolt fracture and preventing dirt entry.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded detent part of the spring pressure piece being directed into the blind bore and, when a closing bolt is inserted into the blind bore, latching into a recess on the periphery of the closing bolt
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting lock for tire chains, comprising an elongate receiving opening for receiving two chain links, framed by a first longitudinal crosspiece, an opposed, a second longitudinal crosspiece interrupted by an insertion opening, and two transverse crosspieces. The chain links in the receiving opening are secured from sliding out by means of a closing bolt, which can be inserted via one end into a blind bore in the first longitudinal crosspiece. A threaded bore leads in the first longitudinal crosspiece to the blind bore, starting from a side face. A spring pressure piece is screwed into the threaded bore. A spring-loaded detent part of said spring pressure piece is directed into the blind bore. When the closing bolt is inserted into the blind bore, the spring-loaded detent is latched into a recess in the periphery of said closing bolt.