Traction Device Cam Mechanism for Tire Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traction devices for vehicle tires, such as those with adjustable arms, require manual adjustment and may not provide a stable, evenly distributed grip, making them cumbersome and less effective in hazardous driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A traction device with a centrally located hub and extending arms featuring a cam mechanism or pulley system that automatically adjusts to grip the tire, allowing for remote actuation and secure engagement without manual adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of arm lengths is used, then the device can be adapted to different tire sizes, but the arms may not be properly adjusted to tightly grip the tire, leading to unbalanced driving arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism automatically adjusts the arm length during operation, eliminating the need for manual adjustment. The cam's rotational movement self-regulates the arm position to ensure consistent gripping force on the tire surface, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm length is made dynamically adjustable through the cam mechanism, allowing the arm to change its effective length during operation. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal contact with the tire surface regardless of initial positioning, providing consistent grip without manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If adjustable arms are used, then the device can contact the tire surface, but manual adjustment during inclement weather is not an enjoyable task
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism performs the adjustment function automatically during normal device operation, eliminating the need for separate manual adjustment steps. Users simply attach the device and the cam mechanism handles all positioning and gripping adjustments automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is pre-configured to perform the adjustment action automatically upon attachment and operation. The adjustment function is built into the normal operational sequence, so no additional manual steps are required during or after attachment.
3Reliability
If chains are used for traction, then added traction is provided, but chains are bulky and hard to attach over the tires
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential gripping function from the complex chain structure. Instead of using full chains, only the necessary gripping elements are retained and integrated into a simplified arm-based system with cam mechanisms, reducing attachment complexity while maintaining traction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical chain system is replaced with a simpler cam-based mechanical system. The cam mechanism provides the necessary gripping force through rotational motion, eliminating the need for bulky chains and their complex attachment procedures.
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 device provides improved traction by ensuring consistent and balanced grip on the tire, reducing the need for manual adjustment and enhancing vehicle control in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The device includes means for moving the gripping section from a stored position to a position making contact with the tire surface. One type of means is a reversible rotatable cam, which is attached to the arm and the gripping section. The cam or cams generally move upwardly and downwardly with respect to the central hub and rotate around and along a respective arm
Data Source
AI summary
A traction device for a tire having a hub for attachment to the tire's wheel. At least one arm extends outwardly from the hub, with the arm attached to a gripping section that is capable of contacting the tire. A reversible, rotatable cam attached to the arm and the gripping section controls the movement of the device.