Tyre Chain Wheel Positioning Through Controlled Wheel Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of attaching and detaching tyre chains on vehicles is time-consuming and cumbersome, especially in adverse weather conditions, requiring precise vehicle movement which can be difficult due to limited space or traction problems caused by slippery surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A computer system that receives operator inputs to control wheel rotation, load adjustment, and positioning, facilitating tyre chain deployment by rotating the wheel in response to inputs, optionally combined with load reduction or suspension adjustments, allowing attachment or detachment without the operator needing to enter the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the operator manually positions the vehicle to attach tyre chains, then the chain attachment process can be completed, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetyre chain deployment speedVSAvoidtime required for chain attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the vehicle to perform self-positioning for tyre chain deployment by automatically rotating wheels and adjusting suspension based on operator input, eliminating the need for manual vehicle movement and making the process less cumbersome

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical vehicle positioning with an automated electronic control system that receives operator input and automatically executes wheel rotation and suspension adjustment commands to position the vehicle for chain attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the operator drives the vehicle forward or backward to position chains, then the chains can be passed around the wheel, but precise movement becomes difficult due to limited space or slippery surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of chain attachmentVSAvoidprecision of vehicle movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces unreliable manual vehicle driving with an automated electronic control system that precisely rotates individual wheels and adjusts suspension to position the vehicle accurately for chain attachment, overcoming limitations of slippery surfaces and limited space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters from whole-vehicle movement to individual wheel rotation and suspension height adjustment, enabling precise positioning of the wheel for chain attachment without moving the entire vehicle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the wheel is rotated while under full vertical load, then the wheel can be rotated, but the rotation becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of wheel rotationVSAvoidtime required for wheel rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary suspension adjustment to reduce the vertical load on the wheel before rotation is commanded, making the subsequent wheel rotation easier and faster to complete

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the suspension height in real-time to optimize wheel rotation conditions, raising the wheel to reduce load during rotation and lowering it afterward to restore normal vehicle posture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4563373B1Wheel positioning for tyre chain deployment

Publication Date: 2026.03.04 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~3

AI summary

A computer system is disclosed comprising processing circuitry configured to receive a message relating to a wheel rotation step of a tyre chain deployment process for a vehicle, and, in response to receiving the message, cause a rotation of the at least one wheel of the vehicle. A computer-implemented method, computer program product, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium are also disclosed.