This thesis presents the design of an electrically powered automatic snow chain system developed as my thesis project at AFRY. The project aimed to replace a pneumatically powered snow chain system with a compact and efficient electric alternative that meets performance requirements.
The development process involved a structured product design methodology, starting with an analysis of the existing pneumatic system to understand its mechanical limitations and performance requirements. Next, several design concepts were generated using tools like a morphological matrix and later evaluated using tools such as Pugh and Kesselring matrices. A spiroid gear-driven system was ultimately selected due to its compact design, self-locking capability, and efficiency. The final design was developed using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software as an assembly with an aim to minimize mechanical complexity.
Custom-designed components, including the housing and mounting brackets, were modeled alongside standard parts to ensure feasibility. To ensure waterproofing and durability under extreme conditions, the design incorporated RTV sealant and mechanical shaft seals, aiming for IP69 compliance.
The results indicate that the proposed spiroid gear-driven automatic snow chain system meets the key design requirements for compactness, efficiency, and reliability. While the design remains theoretical at this stage, it provides a strong foundation for further testing and refinement towards a market-ready product. Future work is recommended to include physical testing that ensure the requirements are met in different conditions.