Tire Chain Tool With Rotatable Key Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire chain installation methods are time-consuming and difficult, especially in cold or snowy conditions, due to the challenge of applying sufficient force to tighten the chains around a tire.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a c-shaped opening and handle, featuring a rotatable key and hook, is used to engage and tighten tire chain links, providing mechanical advantage and ease of use by allowing the user to securely lock the chain in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional tire chain installation methods are used, then the chains can be installed around the tire, but the installation process is time-consuming and requires excessive manual force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tool as an intermediary device between the user and the tire chain. This tool includes a lever arm with a cam mechanism that mediates the force application process, allowing the user to efficiently tighten and lock the chain without direct manual manipulation of the chain links themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates a rotatable key or cam mechanism that transitions between different positions (first position within the slot, second position extending perpendicularly). This dynamic element allows the user to rotate the key to draw the chain ends together and then lock it in place, providing a simple yet effective mechanical action that resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and installation time.
2Force
If manual force is applied to tighten the chain, then the chain can be secured around the tire, but sufficient force is difficult to apply in cold or snowy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The tool serves as a mechanical intermediary that amplifies the user's input force. The lever arm and cam mechanism provide mechanical advantage, allowing the user to generate sufficient tightening force on the chain even in adverse weather conditions where direct manual force would be difficult to apply.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism utilizes a curved or rounded surface geometry that converts rotational motion into linear force application. This curved surface allows the user to rotate the key smoothly while the cam profile translates this rotation into the necessary tightening force on the chain, making force application easier despite cold or snowy conditions.
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 tool simplifies the tire chain installation process, reducing time and effort required, even in adverse weather conditions, by providing a mechanical advantage and ensuring secure chain tightening.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus further includes a slot therethrough adapted to support a key rotatable between a first position contained within the slot and a second position extending perpendicularly from the slot
Implementation Method 2
The handle may include a weighted distal end
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for applying chains to a tire comprises an elongate member having c-shaped opening at a first end thereof and a handle at a second end thereof. The apparatus further includes a slot therethrough adapted to support a key rotatable between a first position contained within the slot and a second position extending perpendicularly from the slot. A method of applying tire chains comprises comprising engaging a link of a tire chain within the c-shaped opening and drawing the link of the tire chain into engagement with a binder located at a distal end of the tire chain. The method further comprises locating the binder within the c-shaped opening, rotating the binder into a closed position with the elongate member, rotating a key out of the slot, engaging the key within a lock in the tire chain and locking the tire chain with the key.