Methods for Use by Ice Adaptive Tire Systems

A method for providing a reciprocating bolt by a bolt assembly having a bolt assembly body, a cap affixed to the bolt assembly body, and a base affixed to the bolt assembly body opposite the cap, the method comprising:

• biasing a bolt carrier in the bolt assembly body in a retracted position relative to the bolt assembly, resulting in a center portion of a diaphragm disposed between the cap and the bolt assembly body being deflected toward the cap;
• applying an actuation force to the bolt carrier so as to move the bolt carrier from the retracted position to an extended position relative to the bolt assembly by oppositely deflecting the center portion of the diaphragm toward the base;
• and
• discontinuing the applying of the actuation force while the bolt carrier is in the extended position.

A method of operating an adaptive tire having at least one bolt mounted for movement along a radial direction between a retracted position and an extended position, at least one actuator configured to move the bolt between the extended and retracted positions, and at least one lock device configured to lock the bolt in the retracted and extended positions, the method comprising:

• unlocking the at least one lock device so as to allow the bolt to move between the retracted and extended positions;
• applying an actuating force with the at least one actuator to move the bolt from the retracted position to the extended position;
• locking the at least one lock device so as to lock the bolt in the extended position;
• and
• terminating the actuating force such that the bolt is maintained in the extended position by the at least one lock device.