Tire Traction Device With Movable Gripping Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire traction devices are difficult to install on vehicles due to the need for balanced forces between secure anchoring and maintaining tire integrity, and they often damage fragile wheels during installation.
Innovation Solution
A traction device with first and second gripping elements that are longitudinally movable between extended and retracted positions, allowing secure attachment to the wheel rim with adjustable positioning and resilient deformation to accommodate various tire and wheel sizes, facilitating easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the coupling force between the tire and the traction device is increased to securely secure them to each other, then the security of attachment is improved, but the integrity of the tire and the tire/wheel coupling may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The traction device is divided into two separate gripping elements that independently engage with the wheel rim. Each gripping element applies force locally at different positions, distributing the coupling force to avoid concentrating stress on the tire, thereby securing the traction device while preserving tire integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying coupling force directly to the tire in the radial direction, the gripping elements engage with the wheel rim in a different dimensional space (at the rim flange), bypassing the tire entirely. This dimensional shift allows strong attachment without compromising tire integrity.
2Strength
If the traction device is designed to securely grip the wheel, then the anchoring strength is improved, but the complexity of installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second gripping element is designed to be movable relative to the first gripping element, allowing it to be positioned in an extended state for easy installation and then moved to a retracted state for secure anchoring. This dynamic adjustment simplifies installation while maintaining strong anchoring strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping elements are pre-configured with grooves and contact surfaces that automatically align with the wheel rim features during installation. This preliminary configuration reduces installation complexity by eliminating the need for precise manual alignment while ensuring proper engagement for strong anchoring.
3Ease of manufacture
If the traction device uses fixed gripping elements, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the adaptability to various tire and wheel sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable second gripping element allows the traction device to adapt to different wheel sizes and configurations. By adjusting the position of the second gripping element, the device can accommodate various tire and wheel dimensions while maintaining secure engagement, all without complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance between the gripping elements can be varied to match different wheel and tire dimensions. This parameter adjustment capability provides versatility across multiple sizes while keeping the basic structure and manufacturing process simple and unchanged.
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 traction device provides secure anchoring for improved traction while being easily adjustable and simple to manufacture, reducing the risk of wheel damage during installation and allowing quick attachment and detachment from vehicle wheels.
Implementation Method 1
the first gripping element being substantially resiliently deformable at the first gripping element contact surface... the second gripping element being substantially resiliently deformable at the second gripping element contact surface
Data Source
AI summary
A traction device attachable to a wheel having a rim to which a tire is mounted. The traction device includes first and second gripping elements facing each other, the second gripping element being longitudinally movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the first and second gripping elements being closer to each other in the retracted position than in the extended position. When the traction device is operatively mounted to the wheel with the second gripping element in the retracted position, the traction device extends across the tire thread and the first and second gripping elements grip the wheel therebetween at the rim, and, when the second gripping element is in the extended position, the traction device is removable from the wheel.