Tire Chain with 45 Degree Strand for Traction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tire chains have limited traction properties due to uneven distribution and stability of anti-skid elements, leading to increased wear and suboptimal driving characteristics.

Innovation Solution

The tire chain design features X or cross-shaped chain links with anti-skid elements connected to both legs of each chain link, providing denser and more flexible anti-skid element distribution, supported by both chain links and anti-skid elements on the tread, and incorporating angled traction sections for enhanced traction on hard surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional tire chains use chain links aligned parallel to the tread with only every second chain link provided with anti-skid elements, then the structure is simpler, but the traction properties are limited and wear is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraction propertiesVSAvoidchain link arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by arranging chain links in an X-shaped or diagonally cross-shaped configuration rather than alternating parallel and perpendicular orientations. This asymmetric arrangement allows every chain link to be positioned optimally for anti-skid element engagement, improving traction while maintaining a manageable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by providing anti-skid elements on every chain link rather than only on every second chain link. This ensures that each local position along the chain strand has optimal anti-skid capability, distributing wear more evenly and improving overall traction properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If anti-skid elements are connected to only one leg of a chain link, then the attachment is simpler, but the stability of anti-skid elements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of anti-skid elementsVSAvoidanti-skid element attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by connecting each anti-skid element to both legs of a chain link rather than just one leg. This combination of attachment points significantly enhances the stability of anti-skid elements during operation, preventing detachment while the vehicle encounters varying loads and terrain conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs curvature by forming the anti-skid elements with a curved or angled profile (35°-55° angle) rather than a straight configuration. This curved geometry allows the anti-skid elements to better engage with the road surface and distribute forces more effectively, improving stability while connected to both legs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If chain links are arranged in X-shape or diagonal cross-shape, then anti-skid elements are distributed more densely and evenly, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution of anti-skid elementsVSAvoidchain strand configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the chain strand into discrete chain links, each independently configured with anti-skid elements. This modular approach allows for standardized manufacturing of individual links that can be assembled into the X-shaped or diagonal cross-shaped pattern, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving dense and even anti-skid element distribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by specifying precise angular parameters (35°-55° angles for anti-skid elements, X-shaped or diagonal cross-shaped arrangements) that optimize the distribution and performance of anti-skid elements. These defined parameters provide clear manufacturing guidelines that balance performance requirements with ease of production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If anti-skid elements are supported on the tread when mounted, then the inclination of chain links is stabilized and wear is reduced, but the profile height increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestabilization of chain link inclinationVSAvoidprofile height of tire chain
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by providing support for anti-skid elements on the tread only in specific areas where it is most beneficial for stabilizing chain link inclination and reducing wear. This selective support approach achieves the stabilization effect without requiring full support across the entire chain structure, thereby controlling the overall profile height

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3272560B1Tire chain with 45 ° chain strand
Publication Date: 2019.02.06 RUD KETTENFABRIK RIEGER & DIETZ GMBH & CO
  • EP3272560B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3272560B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP3272560B1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a tire chain (1) for a vehicle tire, comprising at least one chain strand (2) consisting of at least two interlocked, flat chain links (5), each of which spans a chain link plane (4), wherein the chain link planes (4) of immediately successive chain links (5) are oriented in a slant-cross pattern to a tread surface (3) of the vehicle tire when the tire chain (1) is mounted on the vehicle tire. To improve traction properties, the invention provides that immediately successive chain links (5) of the chain strand (2) are each equipped with at least one anti-slip element (15).