Tyre Chain Rotary Lock Closure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure assemblies for tyre chains are difficult to close and open due to lack of suitable support, leading to increased force requirements and risk of damage, especially due to corrosion, which can render the process time-consuming and hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A closure assembly with a rotary lock reception member and a rotary lock that can be operated to lock and unlock the closure element without impact movements, using non-corrosive materials to prevent corrosion and facilitate easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamping pin is hammered in to close the connecting link, then the connecting link can be secured, but the process requires significant force and may damage the pin or connecting link
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional hammering mechanism with a rotary locking mechanism. The rotary lock converts rotational motion into linear motion to gradually secure the connecting link, eliminating the need for impact forces. This substitution of mechanical action (from impact to rotation) resolves the contradiction by achieving securement without high force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters from high-force impact to low-force rotational motion. The rotary lock mechanism allows gradual engagement through controlled rotation, transforming the force application mode from sudden impact to continuous, controlled movement. This parameter change enables securement with significantly reduced force.
2Reliability
If the connecting link is hammered closed, then it can be secured, but the process becomes time-consuming due to springback and repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary locking mechanism replaces the hammering process, eliminating springback issues inherent in impact-based closure. The gradual rotational engagement ensures proper positioning throughout the closing process, preventing the need for repositioning and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary lock mechanism performs preliminary positioning during the rotation process itself, ensuring the connecting link is properly aligned before final engagement. This preliminary action during closure prevents the need for subsequent repositioning operations.
3Reliability
If the clamping pin is hammered in, then the connecting link closes, but the pin may get damaged or corroded, making removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary locking mechanism replaces the clamping pin system, eliminating the corrosion and damage issues associated with pinned connections. The rotary lock's design allows for easier operation and removal without the problems of jamming or deformation that plague hammered pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the locking mechanism from a static pinned connection to a dynamic rotary system. This parameter change in the locking approach enables easier operation and removal, avoiding the corrosion-related difficulties of pin extraction.
4Force
If a tyre iron is placed below the connecting link during hammering, then support is provided, but the process requires at least four hands and is troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary locking mechanism replaces the hammering system that requires external support. The self-contained rotary design eliminates the need for additional support tools and multiple operators, simplifying the operation to a single-person task.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a closure assembly (1, 1′) for closing a connecting link (100) of a tire chain, comprising at least one closure element (10, 10′) that has at least one leg reception member (14, 14′) configured to receive therein, at least sectionwise, a leg (101) of the connecting link (100). In addition, the present invention relates to a connecting link (100) for connecting at least two links of a tire chain, comprising two legs (101) that are interconnected via a yoke (108) as well as to a tire chain, in particular a tire protection chain. In order to allow the closure assembly (1, 1′) to be secured to the connecting link (100) easily and in a repeatedly releasable manner, the closure element (10, 10′) according to the present invention comprises a rotary lock reception member (11, 11′) connected to the at least one leg reception member (14, 14′) and including a rotary lock (50, 50′), which is arranged therein at least sectionwise and which, in its closed position (S), projects into the at least one leg reception member (14, 14′) so as to lock the closure element (10, 10′) in position on the leg (101), and at least one of the two legs (101) according to the present invention is provided with an engagement portion (104), which is configured for cooperating with a closure assembly (1, 1′) according to the present invention.