Multifunctional Snow Chains: A Design for Safety and Rescue

Rescue and Safety

The inspiration for this design came from the observation of existing automotive supplies, particularly anti-skid chains and escape plates. The designers noticed that escape plates occupy a significant amount of car space, leading them to develop a multifunctional snow chain that can also be transformed into escape boards.

What sets this design apart is its dual functionality and application scenarios. Firstly, the snow chains can be easily attached to the wheels, ensuring safe driving on icy urban roads during winter. Secondly, in situations such as deserts, silt, or swamps, where the wheels may encounter crisis, the snow chains can be modularly assembled into escape boards, providing a solution for unexpected emergencies.

The snow chains are designed with handles on both sides that can be rotated to accommodate different wheel sizes. The materials used include a black frosted strip to enhance friction, a silver frosted metal buckle, a red silicone pad to improve stability and protect the wheels, and a durable black canvas strap.

With dimensions of 234 mm x 68 mm x 17 mm for the snow chains and 1192 mm x 234 mm x 17 mm for the escape boards, this design caters to most tire sizes on the market while maintaining optimal functionality.

The project was initiated in Shenyang in January 2019 and completed in January 2020. The design team, consisting of Li Fengze, Gao Ping, Qiao Liyuan, Li Xuesong, Cao Weizhi, Yue Guangpeng, Yin Hang, Chen Jiangbo, Wei Jingye, Feng He, and Jia Qiupeng, overcame challenges related to optimizing product functionality and appearance, as well as ensuring the design met the basic elements of outdoor product use.

The multifunctional snow chain's ability to provide both rescue and anti-slip functions makes it a valuable addition to automotive supplies. Its versatility and compact storage solution address the limitations of traditional escape plates. This design has been recognized for its excellence and practicality, receiving the Iron A' Design Award in the Vehicle Parts, Auto Accessories, and Care Products category in 2020. With its commitment to innovation and functionality, the Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts continues to push the boundaries of design in the pursuit of safer and more convenient outdoor activities.