Twisted Link Snow Chain Reducing Tire Tread Bulk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional snow chains with straight links occupy significant bulk on vehicle tires, interfering with mechanical members and requiring more space, while also being complex and costly to produce and use.
Innovation Solution
A snow chain design featuring twisted links connected by triangular joining elements that occupy minimal space, ensuring stability and safety by allowing a flattened disposition on the tire tread, using twisted links with elliptical shapes and triangular elements that twist 45° to form loops for secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional snow chains with straight links are used, then effective traction is achieved, but significant bulk is created on the tire tread interfering with mechanical members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by twisting the links from straight elliptical shapes into helical/twisted configurations. This curvature transformation allows the chain links to conform to the tire's curved surface, reducing the radial bulk while maintaining the biting edges necessary for traction on snow and ice.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar straight links to three-dimensional twisted links that wrap around the tire tread. This dimensional change allows the chain to achieve compactness in the radial direction while extending along the circumferential direction, reducing interference with mechanical members.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional snow chains with straight links and joining means are used, then chain structure is achieved, but additional bulk is created by the joining means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of joining means with the chain links themselves by making the links interlocking in nature. The twisted link design inherently provides connection points that can engage with adjacent links, eliminating the need for separate bulky joining components and reducing overall bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The twisted link design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural integrity, creates interlocking connections between adjacent links, and maintains traction capability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated joining means, reducing bulk.
3Reliability
If conventional snow chains are used, then anti-skid function is provided, but complex and costly production and usage is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the chain into standardized twisted link units that can be manufactured independently and assembled systematically. This segmentation simplifies production by allowing modular manufacturing and reduces usage complexity by enabling easier installation and maintenance of individual link segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the links from straight to twisted configurations, which fundamentally alters the mechanical behavior and interlocking characteristics. This parameter change simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for complex joining mechanisms while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
A snow chain (2) comprises an inner ring (3) and a series of portions of anti-skid chain (10,10'), disposed on the tread of the tyre (1) of the wheel, wherein at least some of said portions form the join between the outer ring and the inner ring (3). The portions of chain (10,10') are chains with twisted links, connected to each other by means of joining elements (4) comprising twisted triangular links consisting of three apexes (40) defining three substantially equal sides, in which each side comprises with respect to the resting surface of the tyre, a concave portion (41), a convex portion (42) and a central union portion (43) between the concave portion and the convex portion. Each apex (40) is defined between the concave portion (41) of one side and the convex portion (42) of the other side, so as to define a loop (45) facing towards the centre of the triangle and designed to receive the respective loop of a twisted terminal link (11) of said portions of chain (10,10') with twisted links.