Pressure measuring device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a pressure measuring device for a bicycle, comprising: a housing having a housing alignment feature; a pressure chamber disposed in the housing; and a valve device passing through the housing and in pressure communication with the pressure chamber and a tire assembly, wherein the valve device comprises a valve device alignment feature configured to interact with the housing alignment feature to fix a rotational position of the housing relative to the valve device about an alignment axis.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application date of June 28, 2018, application number 201810685953.4 and invention name “Pressure Measuring Device”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to pressure measurement devices. Background Art

[0003] Bicycles may be equipped with pneumatic tires. The characteristics of these pneumatic tires depend on the pressure contained within the tire. The optimal pressure for modern bicycle tires can range from slightly above atmospheric pressure to many times atmospheric pressure. Variables including tire size, tire type, bicycle weight, rider weight, surface conditions, and riding style all affect the optimal tire pressure for bicycle pneumatic tires. The size, weight, and packaging constraints of certain bicycle tires and tire components can determine a significant rate of pressure loss, making regular pressure measurements important even to maintain a fixed optimal pressure. Defects or damage to the tire or tire components may result in slow pressure leaks, and regular pressure measurements can identify leaks before these leaks become problematic. In addition, frequent pressure adjustments due to changing variables mean that riders will benefit from convenient and accurate pressure measurements.

[0004] Traditionally, the pressure in the bicycle tire is measured using an external pressure gauge, which can be found on floor-based tire pumps. Such a pressure gauge must be connected to the tire assembly to measure the pressure, and the tire pressure cannot be measured while the bicycle is in use and the tire assembly is rotating. It is not ideal to use such a pressure gauge to identify leaks, because many of these leaks may start from damage that occurs when riding a bicycle, so such an external device cannot detect the leak at this time. The requirement for an independent or external pressure gauge that is not designed as a permanent or semi-permanent component of a bicycle limits when the rider can perform accurate pressure regulation. For example, tire pressure can usually be increased by a tire inflation device (such as a pressurized cartridge inflator or a portable tire pump without a pressure gauge) and can be reduced by selectively opening the tire valve. However, if there is no device for accurately measuring tire pressure, these pressure regulation techniques are limited in practicality in achieving optimal tire pressure. Summary of the invention

[0005] One embodiment provides a pressure measuring device for a bicycle, the pressure measuring device having: a housing having a housing alignment feature; a pressure chamber disposed in the housing; and a valve device passing through the housing and in pressure communication with the pressure chamber and a tire assembly. The valve device has a valve device alignment feature configured to interact with the housing alignment feature to fix the rotational position of the housing relative to the valve device about an alignment axis.

[0006] Another embodiment provides a pressure measuring device for a bicycle, the pressure measuring device having: a pressure chamber, the pressure chamber being fluidly connected to a tire assembly; a sensing element, the sensing element being configured to measure the pressure of the pressure chamber; a wireless communicator, the wireless communicator being configured to transmit a pressure signal indicating the pressure of the pressure chamber; and an indicator device, the indicator device being fixed to the tire assembly and being configured to: provide a perceptible indication of the pressure of the pressure chamber; operate in a first display mode when the pressure of the pressure chamber is within a first predetermined pressure range; and operate in a second display mode when the pressure of the pressure chamber is outside the first predetermined pressure range. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a side view of a road-type bicycle that can be used to employ a pressure measuring device;

[0008] Figure 2 is a side view of an off-road bicycle that can be used to employ a pressure measuring device;

[0009] Figure 3 is a side view of one embodiment of a pressure measuring device having a pressure measuring device at least partially disposed between a spoke bed and a tire assembly bed of a bicycle rim;

[0010] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a pressure measuring device disposed at least partially between a spoke bed and a tire assembly bed of a bicycle rim;

[0011] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a pressure measuring device disposed at least partially between a spoke bed and a tire assembly bed of a bicycle rim;

[0012] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a pressure measuring device disposed at least partially between a spoke bed and a tire assembly bed of a bicycle rim;

[0013] Figure 7is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a pressure measuring device disposed at least partially between a spoke bed and a tire assembly bed of a bicycle rim;

[0014] Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a bicycle rim with a pressure measuring device and a cover in an installed state;

[0015] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a pressure measurement device;

[0016] Fig.10 is an exploded side view of a bicycle wheel rim and a pressure measuring device;

[0017] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a housing for a pressure measuring device;

[0018] Fig.12 is used for Fig.11 A perspective view of a housing of a pressure measuring device with the valve and the valve stem in an installed state;

[0019] Fig.13 is a bisected cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pressure measuring device;

[0020] Fig.14 Picture shows Fig.13 Exploded view of the pressure measuring device;

[0021] Fig.15 is a top view of a bicycle rim including a pressure measuring device;

[0022] Fig.16 is a side view of a bicycle rim having a pressure measuring device;

[0023] Fig.17 Picture shows Fig.16 A biaxial cross-sectional view of a bicycle wheel rim and a pressure measuring device;

[0024] Fig.18 is a side view of a bicycle rim and tire assembly having a pressure measuring device;

[0025] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 A three-dimensional diagram of a pressure measuring device;

[0026] Fig. 20 yes Fig.18 A plan view of a pressure measuring device;

[0027] Fig.21 Shown enlarged for clarity Fig. 20 A plan view of a pressure measuring device;

[0028] Fig. 22 yes Fig.21 Detail of an enlarged view showing the pressure measuring device at a higher pressure;

[0029] Fig.23 Pictured Fig.18 Exploded view of the pressure measuring device;

[0030] Fig.24 is a side view of a bicycle rim and tire assembly having a pressure measuring device;

[0031] Fig.25 yes Fig.24 A plan view of a pressure measuring device;

[0032] Fig.26 Pictured Fig.24 Exploded view of the pressure measuring device;

[0033] Fig. 27 Pictured Figures 18 to 26 possible relative dimensions of the barrier of the pressure measuring device;

[0034] Fig.28 yes Fig. 27 An isometric view of the barrier;

[0035] Fig.29 is a side view of a bicycle rim and tire assembly having a pressure measuring device;

[0036] Fig.30 yes Fig.29 A top view of a bicycle rim and tire assembly with a pressure measuring device;

[0037] Fig.31 yes Fig.29 A side view of a pressure measuring device;

[0038] Fig.32 It is cut along the cutting line 32c-32c Fig.31 A cross-sectional view of a pressure measuring device;

[0039] Fig.33 It is cut along the cutting line 33c-33c Fig.31 A cross-sectional view of a pressure measuring device;

[0040] Fig.34 It is cut along the cutting line 34c-34c Fig.30 A cross-sectional view of a pressure measuring device;

[0041] Fig.35 yes Fig.29 Exploded view of the pressure measuring device;

[0042] Fig.36yes Fig.29 Another exploded view of the pressure measuring device;

[0043] Fig.37A yes Fig.29 A perspective view of components of a pressure measuring device;

[0044] Fig.37B yes Fig.37A Another perspective view of components of a pressure measuring device;

[0045] Fig.38 is a flow chart demonstrating a method for measuring pressure within a tire assembly; and

[0046] Fig.39 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a pressure measurement device.

[0047] Other aspects and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, in which like or identical structures are provided with like or identical reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] A lightweight pressure measuring device configured to measure pressure during pressure regulation or during operation of a bicycle is advantageous. A pressure measuring device for a bicycle can be configured to address these needs. Integrating the pressure measuring device with a component of the vehicle can facilitate easier operation, monitoring and / or maintenance. Particularly on bicycles, an integrated pressure sensor or a component including a pressure sensor should be lightweight and compact to minimize interference and resistance to riding the bicycle. Providing a sufficiently small and lightweight pressure measuring device configured to interface with a tire assembly of a bicycle can benefit the cyclist by eliminating the need for a non-integrated pressure gauge and by facilitating the display of pressure information to the cyclist while riding the bicycle.

[0049] Additionally, the pressure measuring device may be configured to interface with the tire assembly of the bicycle in a manner that facilitates adjustment of the tire pressure without removing or disabling the pressure measuring device. In this manner, the tire pressure may be adjusted while the pressure measuring device is measuring the tire pressure. The system may be configured to allow the tire pressure to be read while increasing or decreasing the tire pressure. The system may similarly allow the tire pressure to be displayed to the rider for use in determining whether damage or defects have caused a reduction in tire pressure while the bicycle is being ridden.

[0050] Figure 1A road bicycle 10 having a pressure measuring device 32 is generally illustrated. The bicycle 10 includes a frame 12 and includes a front wheel 14 and a rear wheel 16 rotatably attached to the frame 12. The front wheel 14 and the rear wheel 16 each include a rim 20, a hub 22, and a spoke system 24. The pressure measuring device 32 is mounted to each of the front wheel 14 and the rear wheel 16. The hub 22 has an axis A extending perpendicular to a plane defined by the rotation of the associated wheel 14, 16. The rotation of the rear wheel 16 can be generated by the movement of the electric powertrain 13. Unless otherwise specified, the reference terms "axial", "radial", "circumferential", "outer" and "inner" are used to refer to the axis A. The spoke system 24 includes a plurality of spokes 26. The spoke system 24 connects the hub 22 to the rim 20. A tire assembly 28 is mounted to the rim 20 of each of the front wheel 14 and the rear wheel 16.

[0051] Figure 2 An off-road bicycle 10 is generally illustrated. The same general configuration of the pressure measuring device 32 mounted to each of the front wheel 14 and the rear wheel 16 is shown. Figure 1 The bicycle 10 shown in FIG. 1 represents a road bicycle having a drop handlebar 30, and Figure 2 The bicycle 10 illustrated in the drawings represents an off-road bicycle, but the present invention contemplates application to any type of bicycle, including time trial or triathlon bicycles and fully or partially suspended mountain bikes. The front and rear wheels 14, 16 of the bicycle may also be constructed in various ways, including having a tension or compression spoke system 24 or having an integral assembly including a rim 20, a hub 22, and a spoke system 24, such as in a disc wheel. The tire assembly 28 may have various configurations, including tubular or stitched, or clincher or tubeless.

[0052] Figure 33 is a side view of one embodiment having a pressure measuring device 32 disposed at least partially between a spoke bed 34 and a tire assembly bed 36 of a rim 20. The spoke bed 34 is configured to facilitate attachment of the spoke system 24 to the rim 20. For example, the spoke bed 34 may be configured with one or more recesses to accommodate a securing portion of the spoke system 24 (which may be generally referred to as a spoke nipple) to secure the spokes 26 to the rim 20. The tire assembly bed 36 is configured to radially locate the tire assembly 28 in an installed state by preventing radially inward movement of the tire assembly 28. The rim 20 includes a radially outer tire engaging portion 37 configured to interface with the tire assembly 28. The radially outer tire engaging portion 37 includes the radially outermost portion of the rim 20 and may prevent axial outward movement of the tire assembly 28, such as is commonly known in the case of hook and bead installation of a clincher-style configuration of the tire assembly 28. The valve stem 38 includes a compressible base 40. The valve stem 38 may be a removable component or configured to be integral with the tire assembly 28. The valve stem 38 interfaces with the housing 42 in a sealing manner. The housing 42 includes a removable power supply portion 44 and a removable circuit portion 46. A valve core 48 (such as a conventional bicycle tire valve core unit) is configured to facilitate pressure adjustment and interfaces with the housing 42 in a sealing manner. The valve core 48 is arranged radially inwardly relative to the spoke bed 34 for easy access by the user.

[0053] Figures 4 to 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a pressure measuring device 32 disposed at least partially between a spoke bed 34 and a tire assembly bed 36 of a wheel rim 20. A housing 42 includes a pressure chamber 50. A valve stem 38 is inserted into the housing 42 in a sealing manner. The sealing manner may be achieved by an interference fit between the compressible base 40 and the housing 42 and / or by using a base seal 52 that is configured to seal between an inner width D (not shown) of a sealing surface of the housing 42 and an outer sealing width C (not shown) of the valve stem 38. For example, the valve stem 38 may have a threaded stem portion 54 that threadably engages a threaded pressure chamber portion 56 of the pressure chamber 50. The valve core 48 is connected or otherwise engaged with the pressure chamber 50 in a similar manner.

[0054] The engagement of the valve stem 38 and the valve core 48 is configured to facilitate fluid communication between the valve stem 38 and the valve core 48. For example, the threaded engagement of the valve stem 38 and the pressure chamber 50 is configured to facilitate fluid communication therethrough. The threaded engagement may be configured to facilitate fluid communication through non-sealing mechanical tolerances or by using other fluid communication techniques (such as channels or grooves). Alternatively, the valve stem 38 may be configured as Fig. 20 One or more connectivity features (not shown) in.

[0055] The sensing element 58 is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensing element 58 is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber 50 through a sensing element opening 60. The sensing element opening 60 is shown as being disposed along the threaded pressure chamber portion 56, but may also be disposed along a non-threaded portion of the pressure chamber 50. For example, the sensing element opening 60 may be located radially inward of the threaded engagement of the valve stem 38 and the pressure chamber 50, such that fluid communication through the threaded engagement is not required to achieve fluid communication between the pressure chamber and the sensing element opening 60.

[0056] The sensing element 58 is configured to measure the pressure within the pressure chamber 50. The sensing element 58 can be any type of sensor that can be operated to measure the pressure within the pressure chamber 50. The sensing element 58 can be a pressure sensor or a sensor array. For example, the sensing element 58 can be a force collector type such as a piezoresistive, piezoelectric, capacitive, electromagnetic, optical, or potentiometric type. The sensing element 58 can also be another type such as a resonant frequency, thermal conductivity, or ionization sensing type. The sensing element 58 is mounted in the housing 42 with a sensing element seal 62. The sensing element seal 62 is configured to prevent flow through the sensing element 58 so as to maintain the pressure within the pressure chamber. The valve core 48 can be threadedly engaged with the threaded portion of the housing 42 in a sealing manner. The threaded engagement between the valve core 48 and the housing 42 can be a sealed threaded engagement, and / or an elastic valve core seal 64 can be used.

[0057] The pressure measuring device 32 can be fastened to the rim 20 in a variety of ways. The rim 20 can be provided with a radial access opening 66 located in the tire assembly bed 36 portion. The radial access opening 66 can be configured to receive the pressure measuring device 32. The valve core 48 in the installed state can be inserted through the valve access opening 68 to facilitate user access to the valve core 48 and thus adjust the pressure. In order to provide a sufficient circumferential surface on which the tire assembly 28 can be mounted, the radial access opening 66 can be covered.

[0058] Reference Figure 4 , the radial access opening 66 may be covered with a flexible covering 70 that covers at least a portion of the tire assembly bed 36. The flexible covering 70, such as what may be generally referred to as a rim band or rim strip, may be adhesively mounted or physically constrained by the radially outer tire engaging portion 37 and surround the circumference of the rim 20. Additionally, the tire assembly 28 may be further configured with a base covering that is attached to the tire assembly 28 as is common in tubular or stitched tire assemblies. The valve stem 38 may then be installed into the housing 42. Thus, the pressure measuring device 32 is secured at a radially outer point by the flexible covering 70, the valve stem 38, and / or the tire assembly 28 and secured at a radially inner point by the interaction of the housing 42 and / or the valve core 48 with the valve access opening 68.

[0059] Reference Figure 5 , the pressure measuring device 32 can be fastened to the wheel rim 20 using a mounting plate 72. The mounting plate 72 can be rigid to provide a more stable mount for the pressure measuring device 32. The mounting plate 72 can be used in combination with a cover (such as a flexible cover 70) or in place of such a cover. The mounting plate 72 can be configured to dock with the tire assembly bed 36. By docking with the tire assembly bed 36, the mounting plate 72 can be constrained to a fixed position relative to the tire assembly bed 36 in the installed state. For example, the mounting plate 72 can be configured with an inner plate surface 74, and the tire assembly bed 36 can be configured with an outer bed surface 76, wherein the outer bed surface 76 has a recess 78 with a smaller opening size to create a positioning surface. In this way, the mounting plate 72 can be assembled flush with the tire assembly bed 36 while being constrained from further radial inward movement due to the smaller opening size of the recess 78. The mounting plate 72 can be further constrained by adhesive attachment, mechanical fasteners, or radial inward forces provided by the tire assembly 28.

[0060] Reference Figure 6 , the rim 20 may further include an internal structure 80. The structure may have radial walls, circumferential walls, and an axial base surface that form a compartment. The internal structure 80 may be configured to accommodate and / or position the pressure measuring device 32 within the rim 20. The internal structure 80 may be used in combination with the mounting plate 72 or in place of the mounting plate 72 to mount the pressure measuring device 32. For example, if a rigid mount is desired, such a mount may be achieved by using the internal structure 80 and the flexible cover 70 without using the mounting plate 72. The internal structure may be configured to match the outer dimensions of the housing 42 and / or be isolated to limit movement within the rim 20 and / or vibration transmission from the rim 20.

[0061] Figures 4 to 6 Each depicts a tire assembly 28 having a valve stem 38 such as used in a tubeless tire assembly. Figure 7 , the tire assembly 28 includes a valve stem 38 as an integral part of an inner tube 82. The inner tube 82 can be used in a clincher configuration similar to a tubeless tire assembly, or can be used in a tubular or sutured configuration. In this case, the compressible base 40 of the valve stem 38 is a part of the inner tube 82. The outermost portion of the tire assembly 28 is a tire cover 84. The tire cover 84 can completely surround the inner tube 82 and be adhesively mounted to the rim 20 (as in a tubular or sutured configuration), or can interact with the radially outer tire engaging portion 37 of the rim 20 in other ways (as in a clincher configuration). The pressure measuring device 32 can be fastened to the rim alone, or additional structure can be included with the rim. For example, a flexible cover 70, a mounting plate 72, a radial access opening 66, a valve access opening 68, an internal structure 80 and / or a combination thereof can be used.

[0062] Figure 8 is a partially sectional perspective view of the rim 20, wherein the pressure measuring device 32 is shown in a full perspective view in an installed state and the mounting plate 72 is shown in a cross-sectional view in an installed state. The rim 20 is shown as including a pressure measuring device axially displaced between the first sidewall portion 19 and the second sidewall portion 21 of the rim 20. The mounting plate 72 can be configured to be installed in the radial access opening 66 in only a single orientation to prevent improper installation. Alternatively, the mounting plate 72 can be configured to be installed in the radial access opening 66 in a variety of ways to facilitate a variety of applications. For example, the mounting plate 72 can be configured to be installed in the radial access opening 66 in a rotationally symmetrical manner to position various configurations of the pressure measuring device 32 with the valve access opening 68. Alternatively, the mounting plate 72 can have a variety of available configurations to facilitate similar radial displacement of the pressure measuring device 32 when the rim 20 with different radial depths is changed.

[0063] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the pressure measurement device 32. The system volume 95 of the pressure measurement device 32 may be included by various fluid communication components. The tire assembly 28 includes a tire assembly volume 86. The tire assembly volume 86 is in fluid communication with a valve stem volume 90 of the valve stem 38 via a first stem opening 88. The valve stem volume 90 is in fluid communication with a pressure chamber volume 94 of the pressure chamber 50 via a second stem opening 92. A flow path of fluid communication may be defined between the first stem opening 88 and the second stem opening 92. The flow path may extend to include flow between the tire assembly volume 86 and the valve core 48, including flow through the valve core 48.

[0064] The pressure chamber 50 interfaces with the valve stem 38 via a mechanical connection 96. The mechanical connection 96 may be a threaded pressure chamber portion 56 or may be an alternative connection (such as a compression, mortise, or integral connection). The mechanical connection 96 is configured to allow fluid to pass into a mechanical connection volume 98 containing the mechanical connection 96. For example, the mechanical connection 96 may be a threaded connection with sufficient clearance between the female and male threads to allow fluid communication along the length of the continuous thread. The valve stem 38 may include male threads configured to accept the installation of a threaded pressure chamber portion 56 having a female thread to allow such fluid communication. Alternatively, the mechanical connection 96 may include a passage (not shown), for example to facilitate fluid communication through a compression fit. In these ways or by another type of mechanical connection 96, the first stem opening 88 may accept the threaded installation of the pressure chamber 50 about the first stem opening axis 89, so that the pressure chamber 50 has a point in its threaded pressure chamber portion 56 that is coaxial with the first stem opening axis 89.

[0065] The mechanical connection volume 98 is in fluid communication with the sensing element chamber volume 100 of the sensing element chamber 102 via the sensing element opening 60. In this way, the sensing element 58 is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber without interrupting the flow path. The sensing element chamber 102 is attached to the sensing element 58. The sensing element 58 is sealingly attached to the sensing element chamber 102 using a sensing element seal 62. The sensing element 58 may be threadedly attached to the sensing element chamber 102 or may alternatively be attached, for example, using a compression fit, an adhesive connection, or an integral attachment. The sensing element 58 includes a sensing cell 104 in fluid communication with the sensing element chamber volume 100.

[0066] The sensing unit 104 may include a diaphragm or the like that seals the rest of the sensing element 58 from fluid communication, or there may be a sealing device within the sensing element 58. In another embodiment, a diaphragm is not included, and the sensing element 58 is exposed to the fluid volume. The pressure chamber volume 94 is selectively prevented from being exposed to pressure outside the system volume 95 by interaction with the valve core 48 and the valve core seal 64. The valve core 48 facilitates pressure regulation by selectively opening and closing. The valve core 48 may be: a pressure-sealed valve type, such as a Pa-static valve; a check valve type, such as a Schrader valve; or another type of valve. The mechanical connection volume 98 may be sealed by the valve stem 38 and the base seal 52 to prevent external fluid communication. The base seal 52 may be configured to be disposed in the pressure chamber 50.

[0067] Fig.10 is an exploded side view of the rim 20 and the pressure measuring device 32 in an unmounted state. As shown, the mounting plate 72 can be used in conjunction with the flexible cover 70. The combination of the mounting plate 72 and the flexible cover 70 is used to support the housing 42 when installed in the rim 20 and to fluidly seal the tire assembly bed 36. The compressible base 40 of the removable valve stem 38 can be sealed to either or a combination of the mounting plate 72 and the flexible cover 70 to facilitate the tire assembly volume 86 as a closed volume (as in a tubeless tire system). The base seal 52 can also be sealed to either or a combination of the mounting plate 72 and the flexible cover 70. The compressible base 40 can also be sealed directly to the base seal 52 alone or in combination with any of the above-mentioned sealing arrangements.

[0068] To facilitate such a sealing arrangement, the compressible base 40 is shown as having an outer sealing width C, which can be a diameter in the generally cylindrical embodiment of the valve stem 38. The outer sealing width C can be a width range in which contact is formed between the compressible base 40 and the housing 42 in the installed state. The housing 42 is also configured to receive the installation of the valve core 48. The valve core 48 can also include a valve core nut 49 and a valve core actuator 51. The valve core nut 49 is threadedly mounted on the valve core actuator 51 and is used to lock the valve core actuator 51 in place. When the valve core nut 49 is withdrawn from the fully installed position or the locked position, the valve core actuator 51 can be depressed to move the valve core seal 64 and selectively allow fluid communication through the valve core 48 and into and out of the housing 42.

[0069] Fig.11 is a perspective view of the housing 42 of the pressure measuring device 32. The housing 42 shows an exposed pressure chamber 50. The pressure chamber 50 further includes a base seal surface 53, which is designed and shaped to interact with the base seal 52. The base seal surface 53 of the pressure chamber 50 is shown as having a chamfered configuration adjacent to the threaded pressure chamber portion 56. The base seal surface 53 can be described as having a sealing surface inner width D. The sealing surface inner width describes the maximum restrained width of the base seal 52 when it is in the installed state. The threaded pressure chamber portion 56 facilitates the mechanical connection 96. In this configuration of the base seal surface 53, the frustoconical configuration of the base seal 52 can be used to maximize the contact area and minimize the deformation between the base seal surface 53 and the base seal 52. In this configuration, the sealing surface inner width D will be measured at a radially outward position to capture the maximum restrained width of the frustoconical configuration of the base seal 52.

[0070] The base seal surface 53 may also be shaped in various ways to accommodate alternative configurations of the base seal 52. For example, the base seal surface 53 may be concave to accept a rounded configuration of the base seal 52, which has a larger contact area for the same deformation between the base seal 52 and the base seal surface 53. In this configuration, the sealing surface interior width D would be measured at a radially inward position relative to the frustoconical configuration described above to capture the maximum restrained width of the rounded configuration of the base seal 52. Alternatively, the base seal 52 may be a compressible base 40 to seal on the chamfered configuration shown. With this sealing connection, it is determined Fig.10 The relationship between the outer seal width C and the seal surface inner width D. For example, the outer seal width C can be configured to be greater (at least in some portions, if any) than the seal surface inner width D, such that one or both of the compressible base 40 and the base seal surface 53 must be deformed to facilitate sealing installation.

[0071] The removable power supply portion 44 and the removable circuit portion 46 are shown in an installed state. The removable power supply portion 44 interfaces with the removable circuit portion 46 via a first removable portion connection 45. The removable circuit portion 46 interfaces with the main body portion 43 of the housing 42 via a second removable portion connection 47. Installation and removal of the removable power supply portion 44 and / or the removable circuit portion 46 may be facilitated by surface features such as texturing, knurling, or tool receiving surface features.

[0072] Fig.12 Yes Fig.11 , which further includes a valve core 48 and a valve stem 38 mounted in the housing 42. The mounting of the valve stem 38 may or may not include a base seal 52.

[0073] Fig.13 4 is a plan view of a housing 42 of a pressure measuring device 32, showing the components inside the housing 42. The housing 42 includes a removable power supply portion 44 and a removable circuit portion 46 in an installed state. The removable power supply portion 44 includes a power supply 106. The power supply 106 can be a single piece or can have multiple components, such as a pair of button batteries. The removable power supply portion 44 and / or the removable circuit portion 46 can be configured to conduct current from the power supply 106 to the circuit unit 108. The circuit unit is electrically connected to the sensing element 58. The housing is also shown as a generally annular embodiment of a base seal 52 having a base seal installation inner diameter E. The base seal 52 can also be described as having an installation outer diameter constrained by the sealing surface inner width D.

[0074] Fig.14 Pictured Fig.13 FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a bisected cross-section of a housing 42 of a pressure measuring device 32 of FIG. The base seal 52 may be removable from the housing 42 to facilitate replacement or installation. For example, the base seal free outer diameter H of the base seal 52 may be greater than the sealing surface inner width D in which the base seal 52 is assembled. The base seal free outer diameter H may be configured to be greater than the sealing surface inner width D so that at least one of the base seal 52 and the base seal surface 53 must be deformed to facilitate sealing installation.

[0075] The base seal 52 may also be stretched and / or mounted on the valve stem 38 before being installed in the housing 42 to avoid friction wear that may occur if the valve stem 38 is installed with the base seal 52 in a non-stretched state (especially if the valve stem 38 has a threaded configuration). The base seal 52 may also be described as having a base seal free inner diameter F. As an example, the pressure measurement device 32 may be configured such that the base seal free inner diameter F is larger than the base seal installation inner diameter E to achieve an interference fit between the base seal 52 and the base seal surface 53 and facilitate sealing installation.

[0076] The removable power supply part 44 can be configured to be connected with the removable circuit part 46, as shown in the figure. The removable power supply part 44 can have a power connection part 55, and the power connection part 55 is configured to be connected to the circuit receiving part 57 of the removable circuit part 46, thereby forming a first removable part connection 45. The removable circuit part 46 can have a circuit connection part 59, and the circuit connection part 59 is configured to be connected to the main body receiving part 61 of the main body part 43, thereby forming a second removable part connection 47. The connection can be threaded or otherwise matched, so that it is easy to remove and install. For example, the power connection part 55 can have a male thread that interacts with the female thread of the circuit receiving part 57, and the circuit connection part 59 can have a male thread that interacts with the female thread of the main body receiving part 61. When in the installed state, the removable power supply part 44 and the removable circuit part 46 accommodate the power supply 106, the circuit unit 108 and the sensing element 58. To achieve such accommodation, the removable power supply portion 44 may include a power supply portion chamber 69 that is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the power supply 106 , the circuit unit 108 , and / or the sensing element 58 .

[0077] For ease of maintenance, removable power supply portion 44 may be configured to facilitate removal of power supply 106 while allowing circuit unit 108 and sensing element 58 to remain installed. For example, removable circuit portion 46 may include sensing element 58 and circuit unit 108 as permanent mounts. Removable circuit portion 46 may also include wireless communicator 120 and may therefore also be referred to as a wireless communication portion.

[0078] To facilitate transmission and / or reception of signals, the removable circuit portion 46 can be made of a radio frequency transparent material. For example, the removable circuit portion 46 can be made of ceramic, glass or plastic materials, or can be made of other radio frequency opaque materials with cutouts or other structures that facilitate radio frequency transparency.

[0079] If sensing element 58 or circuit unit 108 are damaged or otherwise rendered inoperative, removable circuit portion 46 (including a pre-installed configuration of sensing element 58 and circuit unit 108) may be facilitated for replacement as a set by using new circuit portion 46 and / or sensing element 58 parts. Removable circuit portion 46 may also be configured to facilitate individual replacement of circuit components such as wireless communicator 120, sensing element 58, or circuit unit 108. As shown, removable circuit portion 46 may be threadably mounted with body portion 43 of housing 42. Sensing element seal 62 interacts with body portion 43, removable circuit portion 46, and / or sensing element 58 in an installed state.

[0080] Fig.15 is a top view of the rim 20 and the pressure measuring device 32 in an installed state. The radial access opening 66 receives the pressure measuring device 32 for installation. The radial access opening 66 includes a recess 78 having an outer bed surface 76. The recess 78 and the outer bed surface 76 can be configured to receive the mounting plate 72. The radially outer tire engaging portion 37 of the rim 20 is shown to create an outer boundary of the tire assembly bed 36 in the radial direction to facilitate the installation of the flexible cover 70 and / or the tire assembly 28.

[0081] Fig.16 3 is a side view of the rim 20 and pressure measuring device 32 in the installed state. In this alternative installation, the pressure measuring device 32 is mounted completely radially inside the spoke bed 34 and outside the rim 20. The housing 42 is mounted to the valve stem 38, which protrudes from the rim 20 in a radially inward direction. The rest of the arrangement remains substantially unchanged. The sensing element 58 is still arranged radially between the tire assembly bed 36 and the valve core 48, as shown in FIG. Fig.17 Neither the tire assembly bed 36 nor any other portion of the rim 20 need be configured to receive the pressure measuring device 32. The valve stem 38 may be elongated depending on the radial distance between the tire assembly bed 36 and the spoke bed 34 of the particular type of rim 20 used.

[0082] Fig.17 Picture shows Fig.1620 and the pressure measuring device 32. The tire assembly 28 is shown as a tubeless construction, wherein the outer tube 84 is sealed in conjunction with the flexible cover 70. The valve stem 38 is shown as an elongated construction. Specifically, the compressible base 40 extends to the length of the valve stem 38 radially contained between the tire assembly bed 36 and the spoke bed 34. In this way, the compressible base 40 can facilitate a sealed connection in two locations. First, the compressible base 40 can be used in conjunction with the tire assembly bed 36, the flexible cover 70 and / or the mounting plate 72 (not shown). Alternatively, the compressible base 40 can be used in conjunction with at least one of the base seal 52 and the housing 42. This same arrangement can occur in the internal assembly shown in the previous figures, for example, for the same size of the wheel rim 20, the radial distance between the first sealing connection location and the second sealing connection location is smaller.

[0083] Figures 18 to 23 An alternative embodiment is illustrated. Figures 18 to 23 The example of the pressure measuring device 32 shown in FIG. Figures 3 to 17 The example shown in FIG. 4 differs in that the pressure chamber volume 94 is not in fluid communication with the sensing element 58. The housing 42 further includes a sensing chamber 63 having a sensing chamber volume 65. The sensing chamber volume 65 may be sealed from fluid communication with the pressure chamber volume 94 by a barrier 124. The barrier 124 is configured to facilitate pressure communication between the pressure chamber volume 94 and the sensing chamber volume 65. To facilitate such pressure communication, the barrier 124 may be elastic or otherwise configured to deflect due to a pressure differential. The barrier 124 includes a barrier inner surface 125, which may be configured to be in fluid contact with the pressure chamber 50. The sensing chamber volume 65 may be a sealed volume containing a pressure transmission medium. The pressure transmission medium may be an incompressible fluid. In this manner, the sensing element 58 may measure the pressure within the pressure chamber volume 94 by displacement of the pressure transmission medium. Assuming the incompressible fluid is implemented in this manner, Fig. 22 The deflection of barrier 124 shown in FIG. 1 is to be understood to be exaggerated for demonstration purposes.

[0084] The barrier 124 can be configured to mate with the lock receiving feature 131 of the housing 42. For example, the barrier 124 can include a barrier lock 130 configured to facilitate securing the barrier 124 relative to the lock receiving feature 131 of the housing 42. The barrier 124 can also be configured to mate with the base receiving feature 133 of the housing 42. For example, the barrier 124 can include a barrier base 127 configured to facilitate securing the barrier relative to the base receiving feature 133 of the housing 42. The barrier base 127 can also be configured to include the base seal 52.

[0085] Reference Fig.21 and Fig. 22, the barrier 124 can be configured to seal with the housing 42, the valve stem 38, and / or the valve core 48 or the core adapter 137 in various ways. For example, the barrier 124 can include an outer core seal 136 and an outer stem seal 140 to facilitate sealing with the housing 42. The outer core seal 136 can be configured to facilitate sealing by interacting with the lock receiving feature 131 of the housing 42, and the outer stem seal 140 can be configured to facilitate sealing by interacting with the base receiving feature 133 of the housing 42. The barrier 124 can also include an inner stem seal 142 located on the barrier inner surface 125 to facilitate sealing with the valve stem 38, and an inner core seal 138 located on the barrier inner surface 125 to facilitate sealing with the valve core 48 or the core adapter 137. The core adapter 137 can be implemented to facilitate removal and installation of the valve core 48 without directly interfering with the barrier 124. The barrier 124 may also facilitate sealing with any of the housing 42, the valve stem 38, the valve core 48, or the core adapter 137 by using an adhesive or sealant. For example, the barrier 124 may be bonded to a suitable location inside the housing 42, and / or the sealant may be allowed to flow through the system volume 95, such as is common in tubeless tire use. The housing 42 may also be configured to be completely spaced apart from the barrier 124 so as not to restrict deflection of the barrier 124.

[0086] To facilitate mating with the valve stem 38, the valve core 48, and / or the housing 42, the barrier 124 may have a hollow cylindrical configuration. The barrier 124 may also have varying thicknesses. For example, the barrier 124 may have a flange configuration, such as a lock receiving feature 131 that facilitates mating with the housing 42, wherein the flange configuration accommodates the barrier lock 130. The flange configuration of the barrier 124 may also facilitate including the base seal 52 as part of the barrier 124.

[0087] The valve stem 38 is shown as being fastened to the rim 20 in a radial direction with a fixing element 67. The fixing element 67, which may be generally referred to as a locking nut, may be used to create a sealing fit between components such as the compressible base 40, the flexible cover 70, and the rim 20. The valve stem 38 may also be configured to include at least one communication feature 126. The communication feature 126 may be an annular opening in the valve stem 38 (such as the first stem opening 88). The communication feature 126 may also be shaped and designed not to be sealed or otherwise blocked by any sealant that may flow through the valve stem 38. The pressure measuring device 32 may also be configured such that the communication feature 126 is at least partially disposed radially outward of the valve core 48 and the core adapter 137. In this way, the gap between the communication feature 126 and the valve core 48 and / or the core adapter 137 may be adjusted to balance the sealant blocking resistance against the size and weight of the pressure measuring device 32.

[0088] Figure 24 to Figure 26 An alternative embodiment is illustrated. Figure 24 to Figure 26The example of the pressure measuring device 32 shown in FIG. Figures 18 to 23 The example shown in FIG. 1 differs in that the communication feature 126 is not part of the valve stem 38. Instead, the communication feature 126 may be included on a removable communication section 128. The removable communication section 128 may include a removable communication section connecting portion 132 configured to be connected to the valve stem 38. The valve stem 38 may be further configured with a valve stem receiving portion 134, which is configured to receive the removable communication section connecting portion 132. The removability of the removable connecting portion 132 may facilitate the use of various non-professional types of valve stems 38. As an example, the type of valve stem 38 may be accompanied by a valve core 48 installed. The valve core 48 may be removed from the valve stem 38, and then both the valve core 48 and the valve stem 38 may be installed as implemented in this embodiment.

[0089] Fig. 27 and Fig.28 A possible configuration of the barrier 124 is shown. Fig. 27 , the barrier 124 is shown to include a barrier base 127 and a barrier lock 130. The barrier base 127 of the barrier 124 can be described as having a base inner width Q, a base terminal barrier width R, a base outer width S, and a base length U. These dimensions can be adjusted to facilitate locking and sealing with other components of the pressure measurement device 32. For example, the base length U can be configured to be larger than the corresponding dimension of the base receiving feature 133 of the housing 42 when the barrier base 127 is in an uncompressed state. Similarly, the base outer width S can be configured to be larger than the corresponding dimension of the base receiving feature 133 of the housing 42 when the barrier base 127 is in an uncompressed state. In each of these ways, compression of the barrier 124 can facilitate fixation or sealing of the barrier base 127 with other components of the pressure measurement device 32. The barrier base 127 may also be configured such that the base inner width Q is less than the outer seal width C of the valve stem 38, such that compression of the outer seal width C or expansion of the base inner width Q may facilitate sealing between the valve stem 38 and the barrier base 127 through the inner stem seal 142. The base terminal barrier width R may be configured to facilitate sealing interaction between the barrier base 127 and the base receiving feature 133 by allowing the barrier base 127 to move substantially radially outward relative to the first stem opening axis B at the point of its base outer width S. In the cylindrical configuration of the barrier 124, each of the above widths may be measured as a diameter. If the barrier base 127 is used as a base seal 52, the base outer width S may be equal to the base seal free outer diameter H, and the base inner width Q may be equal to the base seal free inner diameter F when the barrier 124 is in an unmounted state.

[0090] The barrier lock 130 of the barrier 124 can be described as having a lock inner width W, a lock terminal barrier width X, a lock outer width Y, and a lock length T. These dimensions can be adjusted to facilitate locking and sealing with other components of the pressure measurement device 32. For example, the lock length T can be configured to be larger than the corresponding dimension of the lock receiving feature 131 of the housing 42 when the barrier lock 130 is in an uncompressed state. Similarly, the lock outer width Y can be configured to be larger than the corresponding dimension of the lock receiving feature 131 of the housing 42 when the barrier lock 130 is in an uncompressed state. In each of these ways, compression of the barrier 124 can facilitate the fixation or sealing of the barrier lock 130 with other components of the pressure measurement device 32. The barrier lock 130 can also be configured so that the lock inner width W is less than the corresponding dimension of the valve core 48 or core adapter 137, so that expansion of the lock inner width W can facilitate sealing between the valve core 48 or core adapter 137 and the barrier base 127 through the inner core seal 138. The lock terminal barrier width X can be configured to facilitate sealing interaction between the barrier lock 130 and the lock receiving feature 131 by allowing the barrier lock 130 to move substantially radially outward relative to the first rod opening axis B at the point of its lock outer width Y. In the cylindrical configuration of the barrier 124, each of the above widths can be measured as a diameter.

[0091] Fig.29 is a side view of another embodiment of a pressure measuring device 32 . Fig.29 The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 includes an indication device 201 disposed on the housing 42. The indication device 201 may also be referred to as an embodiment of the user interface 114. The indication device 201 may be a visual indication device. For example, the indication device 201 may be a light emitting device, such as a light bulb or a light emitting diode ("LED"). Alternatively, the indication device 201 may be operated to provide a non-visual indication to the rider. For example, the indication device 201 may provide an audible or tactile feedback to the rider.

[0092] Indicator device 201 is configured to provide an indication to a user corresponding to a state, mode, or detectable change in pressure measurement device 32. In one embodiment, indicator device 201 changes state in response to a change in pressure measured by pressure measurement device 32 of tire assembly 28. For example, indicator device 201 may operate in a predetermined mode in response to the pressure measured by sensing element 58.

[0093] In one embodiment, if the pressure of the pressure chamber 50 is within a first predetermined pressure range, the indicator device 201 operates in a first display mode. The first predetermined pressure range can be adjustable to represent the desired tire pressure for a given application. The first display mode of the indicator device 201 includes a recognizable output that a user can associate with a pressure within the first predetermined pressure range. For example, light can be operated to indicate the first display mode. In one embodiment, light having a specific color (such as green) can indicate a pressure within the first predetermined pressure range. Light-emitting embodiments of the indicator device 201 can also indicate the first display mode by frequency or a specific light-emitting pattern (such as alternating short-term and long-term light-emitting).

[0094] The indicating device 201 may be configured to operate in a second display mode when the pressure of the pressure chamber 50 is outside the first predetermined pressure range. The second display mode of the indicating device 201 may be configured to be similar to its first display mode. For example, light may be operated to indicate the second display mode. In one embodiment, light with a specific color (such as red) may indicate a pressure outside the first predetermined pressure range. In one embodiment, the indicating device 201 may also indicate the second display mode by frequency or a specific light emission pattern (such as long-term or persistent light emission).

[0095] The indicator device 201 may be configured to operate in a third display mode when the pressure of the pressure chamber 50 is outside the second predetermined pressure range. The second predetermined pressure range may be wider than the first predetermined pressure range. For example, the first predetermined pressure range may represent a rider predetermined range of the most effective pressure, while the second predetermined pressure range may represent upper and lower safety limits as defined by component limitations such as tire bead strength and pinch flat resistance. The third display mode of the indicator device 201 may be configured to be similar to its first display mode and second display mode. For example, light may be operated to indicate the third display mode. In one embodiment, light with a specific color (such as red) may indicate pressure outside the first predetermined pressure range. In one embodiment, the indicator device 201 may also indicate the second display mode by frequency or a specific lighting pattern (such as long-term or persistent lighting). The third display mode of the indicator device 201 may alternatively or additionally include a sound indication indicating a potentially dangerous riding situation.

[0096] The predetermined pressure range may be adjustable. For example, different embodiments of the pressure measuring device 32 may be developed for different road and off-road configurations of the bicycle 10. In one embodiment, the user may set the limits of the predetermined pressure range. For example, the user may operate components of the pressure measuring device 32 to adjust the limits of the predetermined pressure range. Alternatively, the user may operate a connected device such as a computer or smart device to adjust the predetermined pressure range. The pressure measuring device 32 may be configured with limits of user adjustability. For example, the pressure measuring device 32 may require that the second predetermined pressure range be wider than the first predetermined pressure range by a predetermined margin, and / or may require that the limits of the predetermined pressure range do not exceed a safe high pressure limit and do not fall below a safe low pressure limit.

[0097] The display mode of the indicator device 201 may be always on or may be intermittent. For example, the indicator device 201 may operate only during certain time periods. In one embodiment, the indicator device 201 operates for a limited duration in response to the sensor 122 indicating that the bicycle 10 is in motion. Alternatively, the indicator device 201 may remain operational for the duration of the bicycle operation detected by the sensor 122. In such an embodiment, it may be advantageous to use a low power consumption configuration of the indicator device 201 (such as in an unmanned solid state lighting embodiment).

[0098] Fig.29 The embodiment also depicts a housing protrusion 203. The housing protrusion 203 can facilitate installation or maintenance of the housing 242. For example, the housing protrusion 203 can be sized and shaped to facilitate the injection of fluid into the housing 242 and / or the valve device 205.

[0099] The valve device 205 is configured to facilitate pressure communication from the tire assembly 28 to the sensing element 258. The valve device 205 may include features of the valve stem 38, the removable communication section 128, the housing 42, and / or other related components from the previous embodiments. The valve device 205 is shown with a valve device mounting portion 209 extending into the rim 20. In one embodiment, the valve device mounting portion 209 is fastened to the rim using a fixing element 267 and interacts with the valve stem 38 inside the rim 20. Alternatively, the valve stem 38 may be fastened to the outside of the rim using a fixing element 267, for example as described above with reference to the sealing fit between the components. The fixing element 267 may also be used to facilitate the bearing and / or support of the components. For example, the fixing element 267 may fasten the valve device 205 to the rim 20 and limit the movement of the pressure measuring device 32.

[0100] Fig.29The embodiment illustrated in the Figure includes features related to those in the previous embodiments. For example, a removable power supply portion 244 is shown as being attached to a main body portion 243 of a housing 242. The removable power supply portion 244 can be threadedly mounted or mounted with another rotational or linear mounting or locking method. For example, the removable power supply portion 244 can be snap-fit ​​or can be rotated into a locked position.

[0101] The first axial fastening feature 271 is shown above the housing 242, and the second axial fastening feature 275 is spaced apart from the first axial fastening feature 271 and disposed on an opposite side below the housing 242. The first axial fastening feature 271 and the second axial fastening feature 275 can be configured in various ways to position the housing 242 axially along the alignment axis V. For example, the first axial fastening feature 271 and the second axial fastening feature 275 can be fixed to the valve device 205 or can be removed from the valve device 205. In one embodiment, the second axial fastening feature 275 is formed as part of the valve device 205, and the first axial fastening feature 271 can be threadedly mounted to the threaded valve device portion 207 of the valve device 205 about the alignment axis V.

[0102] Fig.30 Depicted Fig.29 A top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. Fig.30 2 depicts how the body portion 243 of the pressure measuring device 32 is aligned with the rim 20. The specific alignment of the body portion 243 can help reduce aerodynamic drag and / or reduce interference with other components of the bicycle 10. For example, the specific alignment of the body portion 243 can inhibit or prevent the pressure measuring device 32 from contacting the frame 12 of the bicycle 10 during operation.

[0103] Fig.31 Depicted is a tire assembly 28 removed from the tire assembly 28. Fig.29 FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a pressure measuring device 32 shown in FIG. Fig.31The valve device mounting portion 209 is depicted with a valve device mounting portion seal 211. The valve device mounting portion seal 211 can be configured to interface with the valve stem 38 (e.g., the valve stem receiving portion 134 described above). Alternatively, the valve device mounting portion seal 211 can be configured to seal with the rim 20 or other components described with respect to the compressible base 40. The valve device mounting portion seal 211 can be compressed to form a seal, can be configured to compress the valve stem 38, can include complementary sealing features (not shown), and / or can use adhesives or mechanical sealants. The interaction of the valve device mounting portion seal 211 and the valve stem receiving portion 134 can be configured to facilitate tightening or loosening of the threaded interaction while maintaining a sealing interaction therebetween. In one embodiment, rotation of up to twenty (20) degrees in a clockwise and / or counterclockwise direction about the alignment axis V is facilitated while maintaining a sealing interaction. The variable sealing arrangement can utilize elasticity and / or multiple sealing devices to facilitate and can facilitate fine adjustment of the alignment of the housing 242.

[0104] Fig.32 It is cut along the cutting line 32c-32c Fig.31 206. A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pressure measurement device 32 is shown in FIG. The internal structure of the pressure measurement device 32 may share features of the aforementioned embodiments and may include various differences. For example, a removable power supply portion 244 may be rotatably secured to contain the power supply 206. A power supply seal 245 may be included to seal the interior of the pressure measurement device. A power connection portion 255 may be provided to secure the removable power supply portion 244 to the housing 242.

[0105] A housing support structure 251 may be provided. The housing support structure 251 may increase the rigidity of the housing 242. For example, the housing support structure 251 may support, position and / or place components within the housing 242 on one or more surfaces. In one embodiment, the housing support structure 251 positions the circuit unit 208 within the housing 242. The housing support structure may also support and / or position the sensing element 258 within the housing 242.

[0106] The support for the circuit unit 208 can be configured to provide rigidity and / or isolation. For example, the housing support structure 251 can be configured to allow controlled and / or damped movement of the circuit unit 208 and / or other components within the housing 242. The housing support structure 251 can include elastic components and / or adhesive components. The circuit unit 208 can be shaped and sized to fit within the contour of the housing 242. For example, the circuit unit can be non-rectangular and can include one or more curved portions.

[0107] Fig.32A power contact 247 is depicted for transmitting power from the power source 206. The power contact 247 is in electrical communication with the power source 206 and the circuit unit 208. The power contact 247 may be a single contact or may be a plurality of contacts. For example, the power contact 247 may be a pair of negative and positive contacts or may be a positive contact in the case where the housing 242 or another component facilitates completing the circuit by common grounding.

[0108] The housing protrusion 203 is shown as being sealed with a housing protrusion sealing element 213. The housing protrusion sealing element 213 can be threadedly mounted into the housing protrusion 203 as shown, or can be adhesively mounted, press-fitted, or mounted by other suitable methods. In one embodiment, the housing protrusion sealing element 213 is formed of an epoxy resin. For example, the housing protrusion sealing element 213 can be an adhesive and / or structural compound injected into the housing protrusion 203 and cured to seal the sensing element path 299. The housing protrusion sealing element 213 can facilitate sealing the interior of the housing 242 and can be used to keep the loaded fluid inside the housing 242.

[0109] The housing protrusion 203 provides an opening for the sensing element path 299 and the housing protrusion sealing member 213 facilitates sealing of the sensing element path 299. The sensing element path 299 facilitates the pressure chamber 250 (eg, Fig.34 200 and the sensing element 258. The sensing element path 299 may provide fluid communication therebetween or may only provide pressure communication. For example, the barrier used in the aforementioned embodiments may be employed. Additionally or alternatively, the sensing element path 299 may contain a relatively high density fluid. The relatively high density fluid may be selected and / or configured to operate with a relatively low density fluid (such as atmosphere, nitrogen, or other fluid used to inflate the tire assembly 28). For example, the sensing element path 299 may contain grease that is loaded through the housing protrusion 203 before the housing protrusion sealing element 213 is installed. Limiting fluid communication from the tire assembly 28 to the sensing element 258 may help protect the sensing element 258 from the adhesive content of the tire assembly 28 (e.g., tire sealant compound). For example, selective fluid communication of a relatively low density fluid (such as atmosphere or nitrogen) but not a relatively high density fluid (such as a tire sealant compound fluid) may protect components (such as the sensing element 258) from interference and / or obstruction.

[0110] Sensing element 258 may include structures for facilitating its operation. For example, sensing element 258 may include sensing element protrusion 259. Sensing element protrusion 259 may contain functional elements of sensing element 258 and / or may facilitate pressure communication of sensing element 258 with sensing element path 299. For example, sensing element protrusion 259 may accommodate a capacitive pressure sensor of a diaphragm-type configuration.

[0111] The sensing element protrusion 259 may be secured to the sensing element 258 or may be attached to or positioned adjacent to other arrangements. The sensing element 258 and / or the sensing element protrusion 259 may interact with one or more other components to seal the interior portion of the housing from communication with the tire assembly 28 and / or external ambient pressure and / or fluid. A sensing element seal 262 may be provided. In one embodiment, the sensing element seal 262 forms a seal with the housing 242, the sensing element protrusion 259, and / or the sensing element 258. The sensing element seal 262 may be an elastomeric seal such as an O-ring, may be an adhesive compound, and / or may have a substantially incompressible sealing configuration.

[0112] Fig.33 It is cut along the cutting line 33c-33c Fig.31 0047 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a pressure measuring device 32 shown in FIG. Fig.33 Alignment features of the pressure measuring device 32 are depicted. Alignment features can be included on various components of the pressure measuring device 32. For example, the valve device 205 can include a valve device alignment feature 217, and / or the housing can include a housing alignment feature 219. In one embodiment, the valve device alignment feature 217 and the housing alignment feature 219 are sized and shaped to interact with each other. For example, the housing alignment feature 219 can be configured to set the relative position of the valve device alignment feature 217 about the alignment axis V. The alignment features 217, 219 can be splined, keyed, or otherwise sized and shaped to set the alignment between the housing 242 and the valve device 205.

[0113] Fig.34 It is cut along the cutting line 34c-34c Fig.30 0047 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a pressure measuring device 32 shown in FIG. Fig.34 A pressure chamber 250 is depicted disposed between a valve device first seal 252 and a valve device second seal 253. The pressure chamber 250 can be configured to be in pressure communication with a barrier or dense fluid as discussed above with reference to this embodiment and the previous embodiment. The pressure chamber 250 can also be an atmospheric chamber that is proportional to the relative volume therebetween and includes contents similar to the tire assembly 28. As shown, the pressure chamber 250 is in communication with the sensing element 258. For example, the pressure chamber 250 can be in pressure communication with the sensing element 258 through the sensing element path 299 and the sensing element protrusion 259.

[0114] Fig.35 yes Fig.29205 is shown as including a valve device sealed portion 221 disposed between a valve device first seal 252 and a valve device second seal 253. The valve device sealed portion 221 may form part of a pressure chamber 250. The valve device sealed portion 221 is shown as including a valve device first communication opening 215 that communicates with a tire assembly 28. In one embodiment, the valve device first communication opening 215 is in fluid communication with the tire assembly 28. Alternatively, the valve device first communication opening 215 may be separate from fluid communication with the tire assembly, the pressure transmission barrier as discussed with reference to the previous embodiments.

[0115] The housing 242 is shown to be fastened to the valve device 205 using a first axial fastening feature 271. In one embodiment, the first axial fastening feature 271 positions the housing 242 on the second axial fastening feature by being threadedly attached to the threaded valve device portion 207. To facilitate installation, the first axial fastening feature 271 may include a fastening feature thread 270 configured to engage the threaded valve device portion 207 and / or a fastening feature mounting portion 272 configured to facilitate manual or tool installation. In one embodiment, the fastening feature mounting portion 272 is a knurl formed in the first axial fastening feature.

[0116] The housing 242 may include a housing aperture 227. For example, the housing aperture 227 may be a portion of the housing 242 that is configured to receive the valve device 205. The housing aperture 227 may also include a housing alignment feature 219. For example, the housing aperture 227 may include a splined housing portion 220 that is sized and shaped to interact with the splined valve portion 223. The housing aperture 227 may include, for example, a splined housing portion 220 that is sized and shaped to interact with the splined valve portion 223. Fig.34 An external sealing member 273 is shown to seal the housing bore 227. The external sealing member 273 may be a secondary seal of the pressure chamber 250 in addition to the valve device secondary seal 253, or alternatively may be a primary seal of the pressure chamber 250.

[0117] The valve device 205 may include a valve device mounting feature 225. In one embodiment, the valve device mounting feature 225 is configured to accept a tool for fastening the valve device 205 to another component, such as the valve stem 38. The valve device mounting feature 225 may also be configured for tool-less installation (e.g., with texturing or knurling). As shown, when the valve device 32 is in the installed state, the valve device mounting feature 225 is covered by the housing 242. However, the valve device mounting feature 225 may be located outside the housing 242 to allow adjustment while the valve device 32 is in the installed state.

[0118] Fig.36 yes Fig.29 Another exploded view of an embodiment of the valve device 32. Fig.36A valve device second communication opening 216 is depicted in communication with the valve device first communication opening 215. As described above, communication between the tire assembly 28 and the pressure chamber 250 may be achieved in a variety of ways via the valve device communication openings 215, 216. For example, the valve device 205 may be sized and shaped to facilitate unimpeded fluid communication between the valve device first communication opening 215 and the valve device second communication opening 216.

[0119] Fig.36 Also depicted is a housing 242 having a circuit portion 246. The circuit portion 246 may be removable or may be configured to be permanently installed, such as with certain adhesives or bonding techniques. The circuit portion 246 is shown to include a circuit portion fastening element 239 that is configured to be installed with a body fastening element 241 of the housing 242. The fastening elements 239, 241 may facilitate a sealing interaction between the circuit portion 246 and the body portion 243.

[0120] Fig.37A The first board surface 295 of the circuit unit 208 is depicted. The indicating device 201 is shown as being arranged on the first board surface 295. In one embodiment, the indicating device 201 is an LED, as described above. The indicating device 201 can be partially arranged outside the housing 242. For example, the indicating device 201 can include a lens, such as made of a translucent or transparent material, thereby forming part of the housing 242. The housing 242 can also be configured to facilitate the operation of an embodiment of the indicating device 201 that is completely arranged within the housing 242. For example, the housing 242 can be partially or completely transparent or translucent to facilitate reading the indicating device 201.

[0121] The sensing element 258 may be configured with various structures, such as the configurations of the sensing elements discussed above with reference to the previous embodiments. Fig.37A The sensing element 258 shown in FIG. 2 includes a sensing element protrusion 259. The sensing element protrusion 259 may have a hollow configuration, such as containing a diaphragm, so that the sensing element path 299 continues into the sensing element protrusion.

[0122] Fig.37A Also depicted is a power contact 247 disposed on the first plate surface 295. The power contact 247 can be flexible to accommodate movement of the power supply 206 and / or changes in size of the power supply 206. The power contact 247 can bias the power supply 206 onto the removable power supply portion 244. This biasing can facilitate installation and removal of the power supply 206.

[0123] Fig.37BThe sensing element 258 is depicted as being disposed on a second board surface 293 opposite to the first board surface 295. The sensing element 258 may pass through the circuit unit 208 from the first board surface 295 to the second board surface 293. The sensing element 258 may be used as Fig.37A Sensing element support structure 297 is shown supporting the sensing element 258. Sensing element support structure 297 may be provided to strengthen circuit unit 208 against forces from tire assembly 28, improve sealing around sensing element 258, and / or increase the rigidity of sensing element 258.

[0124] The circuit unit 208 may have only one side on which the associated components are arranged. For example, the circuit unit 208 may be mounted against or formed as an inner wall of the housing 242. The circuit unit 208 may be rigid or flexible and may be configured to isolate the sensing element 258 and / or other components from vibration or shock as described above.

[0125] Fig.37B Processor 210 is depicted disposed on second plate surface 293. Processor 210 may be configured as described above and below. For example, processor 210 may be configured to control one or more of wireless communicator 120, power source 206, sensing element 258, and indication device 201. In one embodiment, processor 210 is configured to adjust a measurement frequency of sensing element 258. The measurement frequency represents how often sensing element 258 acquires a pressure reading of pressure chamber 250. In one embodiment, the measurement frequency is between 0.05 Hz and 0.15 Hz. In one embodiment, power source 206 is disposed on a side of circuit unit 208 opposite processor 210, wireless communicator 120, and / or sensing element 258.

[0126] The modes of the above-mentioned indicating device 201 can be controlled by the processor 210. For example, the processor 210 can be configured to adjust the timing, pressure limits and functions of the first display mode, the second display mode and the third display mode. Similarly, the processor can be operated to control the first predetermined pressure range and the second predetermined pressure range.

[0127] Fig.37B Also shown is wireless communicator 120. Wireless communicator 120 may be constructed as described above and below. In one embodiment, wireless communicator 120 includes a plurality of communication devices. For example, wireless communicator may include a first radio transmission device (not shown) spaced apart from a second radio transmission device (not shown). Wireless communicator 120 is operable to send and / or receive signals for processor 210. Signal transmission from wireless communicator 120 may be adjustable to optimize battery consumption and system latency. For example, a transmission frequency may be set. In one embodiment, the transmission frequency is between 1 Hz and 4 Hz and may be referred to as a communication frequency.

[0128] Fig.38 is a flow chart illustrating a method for measuring pressure within a tire assembly 28. As presented in the following paragraphs, the following, described below, may be used. Fig.39 The actions may be performed by any combination of components indicated in . For example, the following actions may be performed by at least one of wireless communicator 120, processor 110, memory 112, pressure measurement device interface 116, and circuit unit 108, as well as additional or other components. Additional, different, or fewer actions may be provided. For example, action 301 may be omitted. The actions may be performed in the order shown or in other orders. The actions may also be repeated.

[0129] The method may include periodically sensing motion (act 301). The motion sensing act may be performed with a wake-up sensor configured to detect motion, such as an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope. The sensing act may be performed by one or more sensors 122. The sensing act may include, for example, determining motion by processor 110 based on input, rather than directly measuring motion. For example, processor 110 may determine that there has been motion based on a change in proximity of a magnetic field measured by Hall effect type sensor 122.

[0130] In action 302, a determination is made as to whether a motion reaches a motion threshold, such as the motion detected in action 301. The motion sensed directly or indirectly in action 301 must reach the motion threshold in order to result in a positive determination of this action. The motion threshold may be adjustable over a range of values ​​related to the motion of bicycle 10 or a component thereof. For example, the motion threshold may be a value corresponding to an acceleration value. In one embodiment, only sensed motion corresponding to an acceleration greater than 0.003 g (-.0294 m / s 2 ) will reach the motion threshold. In this way, this requirement provides a useful method to exclude false or minimal motion information.

[0131] If it is determined in act 302 that the motion sensed in act 301 has reached the motion threshold, the method enters a wake-up state. If it is determined that the motion sensed in act 301 has not reached the motion threshold, sensing motion is periodically repeated (act 303). The wake-up state may activate functions in other components (such as circuit unit 108). Alternatively, the wake-up state may increase the sensing frequency and thus increase the possible transmission frequency. For example, when the threshold is reached, operational power may be provided to circuit unit 108.

[0132] The method further includes measuring the pressure level with a sensing element (act 304). The sensing element may be sensing element 58. The sensing element may provide only a component of the measurement and may work in conjunction with other components, such as processor 110, to measure the pressure level.

[0133] The method further includes transmitting the stress level signal with wireless communicator 120 (such as a radio) (act 305). The transmitting act may be configured to communicate with a component of the bicycle (such as user interface 114), or may be configured to communicate with another device (such as a mobile phone or a global positioning service unit). Facilitating communication may be accomplished through a pairing process, by which wireless communicator 120 establishes a connection with such a device.

[0134] In action 306, it is determined whether the motion sensed periodically in action 301 has not reached the motion level threshold determined in action 302 within the first time period. The periodicity of motion sensing provides useful information about the status of the bicycle and / or bicycle components. For example, determining that no motion is detected on the bicycle rim 20 may indicate that the bicycle is no longer in use and pressure information is not needed. Thus, if it is determined that the sensed motion has not reached the motion threshold within the first time period, the method will exit the awake state but continue to periodically sense motion. Exiting the awake state may be accompanied by withholding operable power from one or more components of the pressure measurement device 32 for an extended time interval. The benefit of limiting the creation of unwanted pressure information by regulating the operable power supplied to the components of the pressure measurement device 32 is that energy from the power supply 106 is conserved. Conversely, if it is determined that the sensed motion has reached the motion threshold within the first time period, the method will proceed in the awake state.

[0135] The method may also include pausing the measurement of the sensing element during a first pause period (action 307). Pausing the measurement is a technique to save energy, for example, from the power supply 106 and may completely disable the measurement function or only limit this function to achieve the energy saving goal. The first pause period may be adjustable to achieve a balance between measurement regularity and energy saving.

[0136] In action 308, it is determined whether a second time period has elapsed from the time the method proceeds to the awake state. This determination is used to adjust the frequency of measurements relative to the amount of time the bicycle has been in use. This determination provides a useful measurement adjustment tool because pressure adjustments are often made within a limited time from when the bicycle is first moved (i.e., just after the bicycle is removed from the storage location while the rider is inflating the tires). Thus, if it is determined that the second time period has not elapsed, the method will proceed to the awake state, including pausing measurements during the first pause time period (action 307). However, if it is determined that the second time period has elapsed, the method will proceed further in the awake state.

[0137] Once act 304 has been performed at least once, it is determined in act 309 whether the pressure level difference measured between subsequent pressure level measurements reaches a pressure level difference threshold. For example, one embodiment provides that the subsequent pressure level measurement change must be at least 1 lb / in 2(~6.89kPa) in order to achieve the pressure level difference threshold. This determination action provides a useful tool for adjusting the measurement frequency in the event of a significant pressure change. For example, if a significant pressure change occurs between measurements, it may mean that the user actively adjusts the pressure level, or that the tire assembly 28, the rim 20 and / or other components have been damaged. In such a case, it is advantageous to change the balance between energy saving and measurement frequency to favor the measurement frequency. Thus, if it is determined that the pressure level difference reaches the pressure level difference threshold, the method continues to enter the wake-up state, including pausing the measurement during the first pause time period (action 307). If the pressure level measurement difference does not reach the pressure level difference threshold, then there may be no reason to expect damage or adjustment. It can be seen that in such a case, if the threshold is not reached, the method further enters the wake-up state.

[0138] If the second time period has not elapsed (action 308) and the pressure level difference threshold has not been reached (action 309), the method further includes pausing the measurement with the sensing element 58 for a second pause time period (action 310). The second pause time period may be longer, shorter, or equal to the first pause time period. Both the first pause time period and the second pause time period may correspond to a quiescent mode of the sensing element 58: the sensing element does not measure pressure or otherwise enters a power saving state. After the second pause time period has elapsed, the method may enter a wake-up state.

[0139] Fig.39 is a block diagram of an exemplary pressure measurement device 32. The pressure measurement device 32 may be used alone to communicate and / or control bicycle components or other devices. The pressure measurement device 32 includes a circuit unit 108, which includes at least one processor 110 and a memory 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit unit 108 also includes a user interface 114, a pressure measurement device interface 116, and a wireless communicator 120. The circuit unit 108 may also include component connectors and / or electrical connection materials embedded in the substrate material. The system also includes at least one sensing element 58 in communication with the wireless communicator 120. Additional, different, or fewer components may be used for the pressure measurement device 32. For example, the user interface 114 may not be included in the circuit unit 108 and / or the pressure measurement device 32. In addition, other sensors 122 (such as wake-up sensors) may be included. In an exemplary embodiment, an accelerometer, a Hall effect sensor, and / or a gyroscope sensor may be used to trigger the function of the pressure measurement device 32. In addition, the components may be combined.

[0140] Processor 110 may include a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"), a field programmable gate array ("FPGA"), an analog circuit, a digital circuit, a combination thereof, or other processors now known or later developed. Processor 110 may be a single device or a combination of devices, such as by sharing or parallel processing.

[0141] The circuit unit 108 can be operated to interpret the signal indicating the pressure from the sensing element 58 and determine the corresponding pressure. For example, the signal can be transmitted from the sensing element 58 to the processor 110, and the processor 110 can apply the conversion technique of deflection or other input to pressure. The pressure value that causes the amount of deflection that can be measured by the sensing element 58 can be known from the characteristics of the sensing element system. For example, these values ​​or indications of these values ​​can be stored in the memory 112. The measured deflection value can be matched with these values ​​by the processor 110 to determine the pressure measurement value within the tire assembly 28.

[0142] The memory 112 may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. The memory 112 may include one or more of a read-only memory ("ROM"), a random access memory ("RAM"), a flash memory, an electronically erasable program read-only memory ("EEPROM"), or other types of memory. The memory 112 may be removable from the pressure measurement device 32 (such as a secure digital ("SD") memory card). In a specific non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable medium may include a solid-state memory, such as a memory card or other package that accommodates one or more non-volatile read-only memories. In addition, the computer-readable medium may be a RAM or other volatile rewritable memory. In addition, the computer-readable medium may include a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tape or other storage device. Therefore, the present disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium and other equivalents and successor media in which data or instructions may be stored.

[0143] The memory 112 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium and is described as a single medium. However, the term "computer-readable medium" includes a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed memory structure, and / or an associated cache that can be operated to store one or more sets of instructions and other data. The term "computer-readable medium" should also include any medium that can store, encode, or carry a set of instructions executed by a processor or cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.

[0144] In alternative embodiments, dedicated hardware implementations such as ASICs, programmable logic arrays, and other hardware devices may be constructed to implement one or more methods described herein. Applications of the devices and systems that may include various embodiments may broadly include various electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein may use two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals or as parts of an ASIC to implement functions, and the related control and data signals may be communicated between or through the modules. Therefore, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

[0145] The power source 106 is a portable power source. The power source may involve, for example, the generation of electricity using a mechanical generator, a fuel cell device, a photovoltaic cell, or any other power generation device. The power source may include a battery, such as a device consisting of two or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. The power source 106 may include a combination of multiple batteries or other power providing devices. Specially assembled or constructed battery types or standard battery types such as CR 1025, CR 2016, and / or CR 2032 may be used.

[0146] The wireless communicator 120 provides data and / or signal communication from the pressure measuring device 32 to another component of the bicycle or an external device (such as a mobile phone or other computing device). The wireless communicator 120 uses any operable connection to transmit data. An operable connection can be a connection in which signals, physical communications, and / or logical communications can be sent and / or received. An operable connection can include a physical interface, an electrical interface, and / or a data interface. The wireless communicator 120 can be configured for wireless communication and therefore include one or more antennas 121. The antenna 121 can be integral with the wireless communicator 120 or can be a separate component. The wireless communicator 120 provides wireless communication in any format now known or later developed. Although this specification describes components and functions that can be implemented with reference to specific standards and protocols in specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these standards and protocols. For example, standards for Internet and other packet switching network transmissions (e.g., TCP / IP, UDP / IP, HTML, HTTP, or HTTPS) represent examples of the prior art. These standards are regularly replaced by faster or more efficient equivalents having substantially the same functionality. Alternatively or additionally, and / or ANT+ TM Therefore, replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functionality as those disclosed herein are considered equivalents thereof. In one embodiment, wireless communicator 120 may be configured to transmit a signal indicating a pressure determined from an input to sensing element 58. In addition, the determined pressure may be transmitted wirelessly.

[0147] The pressure measurement device interface 116 provides data and / or signal communication from one or more sensing elements 58 to the circuit unit 108. The interface 116 communicates using wired and / or wireless communication techniques. For example, the interface 116 can communicate with the sensing element 58 using a system bus or other communication techniques. The pressure measurement device interface 116 may include additional electrical and / or electronic components, such as additional processors and / or memory for detecting, transmitting and / or otherwise processing signals from the sensing element 58.

[0148] The wake-up sensor 122 provides direct or indirect detection of motion. The wake-up sensor 122 may detect motion by acoustic, optical, radio, or microwave detection. Alternatively, the wake-up sensor 122 may detect motion of the bicycle 10 or a component thereof by using a Hall effect sensor, a reed switch, an accelerometer, or another relative position detection or motion indication type of sensor.

[0149] The wake-up sensor 122 may be referred to as a motion element. As described above, the motion element may be used to directly detect motion of the bicycle 10 (e.g., through the interaction of a reed switch or a Hall effect sensor through a magnetic field). Alternatively, the wake-up sensor 122 may detect motion indirectly. For example, the wake-up sensor 122 may respond to pressure changes measured due to deflection of the tire assembly 28 during operation of the bicycle 10.

[0150] The user interface 114 may be one or more buttons, keypads, keyboards, mice, styluses, trackballs, rocker switches, touchpads, voice recognition circuits, or other devices or components for transmitting data between a user and the pressure measurement device 32. For example, the user interface 114 may be or may include features and / or operations of the indicating device 201 as described above. The user interface 114 may be a touch screen, which may be capacitive or resistive. The user interface 114 may include a liquid crystal display ("LCD") panel, an LED, an LED screen, a thin film transistor screen, or other types of displays. The user interface 114 may also include audio capabilities or speakers.

[0151] In one embodiment, the user interface 114 includes an LED indicator. The LED indicator illuminates to indicate input of a command or other action by the pressure measurement device 32. The LED indicator may operate as an indication device 201, for example, to indicate pressure data to a user as described above.

[0152] The wireless communicator 120 is configured to send data such as control signals and / or commands to and / or receive data such as control signals and / or commands from bicycle components. The wireless communicator 120 uses any operable connection to transmit data. An operable connection may be a connection in which signals, physical communications, and / or logical communications may be sent and / or received.

[0153] In one embodiment, a rim for a bicycle wheel is provided. The rim includes: a tire assembly bed; a valve, the valve being arranged radially inwardly of the tire assembly bed relative to a hub axis; and a sensing element, the sensing element being arranged radially between the tire assembly bed and the valve relative to the hub axis. The rim is further configured to accept the installation of a tire assembly radially outwardly of the tire assembly bed relative to the hub axis, and the sensing element is configured to measure the pressure within the tire assembly. Optionally, the rim may further include a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall extending between the tire assembly bed and the spoke bed of the rim.

[0154] The sensing element may be disposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. In one embodiment, the sensing element may be disposed radially between the tire assembly bed and the spoke bed relative to the hub axis.

[0155] In one embodiment, the tire assembly bed includes an access opening. The access opening may be configured to facilitate removal of the sensing element. The rim may further include a cover configured to cover the access opening. In one embodiment, the access opening includes a positioning surface configured to position the cover in a radial direction relative to the hub axis when the cover is in an installed state. The cover may position the sensing element in the radial direction and in an axial direction relative to the hub axis when the cover is in the installed state.

[0156] In one embodiment, the rim further comprises a valve configured to control flow into the tire assembly.Alternatively, the valve may be arranged radially inwardly of the spoke bed relative to the hub axis.

[0157] In one embodiment, a pressure measuring device for a bicycle is provided. The pressure measuring device includes a pressure chamber. The pressure chamber may also include a valve arranged in a first opening of the pressure chamber, the valve being configured to facilitate regulating the pressure in the pressure chamber. The pressure measuring device may also include a sensing element operable to measure the pressure during the pressure regulation. Optionally, the pressure measuring device may include a second opening of the pressure chamber to facilitate fluid communication between the pressure chamber and a tire assembly. The sensing element may be arranged between the first opening and the second opening.

[0158] In one embodiment, a pressure measuring device for a bicycle is provided. The pressure measuring device may include: a housing having a housing alignment feature; a pressure chamber disposed in the housing; and a valve device passing through the housing and in pressure communication with the pressure chamber and a tire assembly. The valve device may include a valve device alignment feature configured to interact with the housing alignment feature to fix a rotational position of the housing relative to the valve device about an alignment axis. A sensing element may be disposed in the housing. The sensing element may be configured to measure a pressure in the pressure chamber.

[0159] In this embodiment, the valve assembly alignment feature includes a threaded valve assembly portion and the housing alignment feature includes a housing bore configured to axially receive the threaded valve assembly portion along the alignment axis.

[0160] In this embodiment, the housing alignment feature further includes a splined housing portion configured to interface with a splined valve portion of the valve device alignment feature to secure the rotational position of the housing relative to the valve device about the alignment axis. The valve device may further include a valve device mounting portion configured to sealingly interface with a valve stem of the tire assembly. The valve device mounting portion may be configured to threadably engage the valve stem of the tire assembly about the alignment axis. In one example, the valve device mounting portion may be configured to maintain a sealing interaction with the valve stem as the valve device mounting portion rotates up to twenty (20) degrees relative to the valve stem about the alignment axis.

[0161] In this embodiment, the valve device may include a valve device communication opening and a valve device first seal, the valve device first seal being configured to engage the housing bore axially spaced from the valve device communication opening. The valve device may also include a valve device second seal, the valve device second seal being configured to engage the housing bore axially spaced from the valve device communication opening, such that the valve device communication opening is axially disposed between the valve device first seal and the valve device second seal.

[0162] In one embodiment, the sensing element is configured to periodically measure the pressure of the pressure chamber at a measurement frequency. The pressure measuring device may include a wireless communicator disposed in the housing. The pressure measuring device may include a processor disposed in the housing and configured to control the wireless communicator, the sensing element, and / or a power supply, the power supply providing power to the processor, the wireless communicator, and the sensing element. The wireless communicator may be configured to periodically transmit a pressure signal indicating the pressure of the pressure chamber at a communication frequency. In one example, the measurement frequency may be between 0.05 Hz and 0.15 Hz, and the communication frequency may be between 1 Hz and 4 Hz. In another example, the measurement frequency may be between 0.05 Hz and 0.15 Hz, and the communication frequency may be between 1 Hz and 4 Hz.

[0163] In this embodiment, the pressure measuring device may include a visual indication device. The visual indication device may be configured to operate in a first display mode when the pressure of the pressure chamber is within a first predetermined pressure range, and to operate in a second display mode when the pressure of the pressure chamber is outside the first predetermined pressure range.

[0164] The pressure measurement device may include a moving element disposed in the housing, the moving element being configured to change a sensing element operation mode of the sensing element.

[0165] In one embodiment, a pressure measuring device for a bicycle is provided. The pressure measuring device includes: a pressure chamber, the pressure chamber being in fluid communication with a tire assembly; and a sensing element, the sensing element being configured to measure the pressure of the pressure chamber. The pressure measuring device may also include: a wireless communicator, the wireless communicator being configured to transmit a pressure signal indicating the pressure of the pressure chamber; and / or an indicating device, the indicating device being fixedly mounted to the tire assembly. The indicating device may be configured to provide a perceptible indication of the pressure of the pressure chamber, operate in a first display mode when the pressure of the pressure chamber is within a first predetermined pressure range, and operate in a second display mode when the pressure of the pressure chamber is outside the first predetermined pressure range.

[0166] The pressure measurement device may include a housing. The housing may contain each or any one of the sensing element, the wireless communicator, and the indicating device.

[0167] The indicating device may be configured to operate in a third display mode if the pressure of the pressure chamber is outside a second predetermined pressure range wider than the first predetermined pressure range.

[0168] The housing may include a power source. The power source may provide power to each or any one of the sensing element, the wireless communicator, and the indicating device.

[0169] The indicating device may be arranged partially outside the housing.

[0170] The pressure measuring device may include a first alignment feature fixed relative to the tire assembly and a second alignment feature fixed relative to the housing. The first alignment feature may be configured to engage with the second alignment feature to set the alignment of the housing relative to the tire assembly. The alignment may be around an alignment axis. The first alignment feature and the second alignment feature may have a slotted structure and engage along the alignment axis. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the methods described herein may be implemented with a software program that can be executed by a computer system (such as circuit unit 108). In addition, in an exemplary non-limiting embodiment, the implementation may include distributed processing, component / object distributed processing and / or parallel processing. Alternatively, a virtual computer system process may be constructed to implement one or more methods or functions described herein.

[0171] A computer program (also referred to as a program, software, software application, script, or code) may be written in any form of programming language (including compiled or interpreted languages) and may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program may be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files storing one or more modules, subroutines, or portions of code). A computer program may be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communications network.

[0172] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by special purpose logic circuits (e.g., FPGAs or ASICs), and the devices can also be implemented as special purpose logic circuits.

[0173] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" refers to all of the following: (a) hardware circuit implementations only (such as implementations in analog and / or digital circuits only) and (b) combinations of circuits and software (and / or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of a processor; or (ii) multiple portions of a processor / software (including a digital signal processor, software, and memory that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions) and (c) circuits such as a microprocessor or a portion of a microprocessor that require the software or firmware to operate even if the software or firmware is not physically present.

[0174] This definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of the term in this application. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover implementations of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware and other electronic components. For example, and if applicable to the particular element, the term "circuitry" would also cover a baseband integrated circuit or application processor integrated circuit used in a similar integrated circuit in a mobile computing device or server, a cellular network device or other network device.

[0175] For example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include both general and special purpose microprocessors and any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, the processor receives instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, the computer also includes one or more mass storage devices (such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data or is operably coupled to receive data from and / or transfer data to the one or more mass storage devices. However, a computer does not necessarily have such devices. Moreover, the computer can be embedded in another device, such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant ("PDA"), a mobile audio player, a global positioning system ("GPS") receiver, or a pressure measurement device 32, to name a few. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, for example: semiconductor storage devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0176] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide an overall understanding of the structures of the various embodiments. These illustrations are not intended to be used as a complete description of all elements and features of the equipment and systems utilizing the structures or methods described herein. After reading this disclosure, many other embodiments may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from this disclosure so that structural and logical replacements and changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In addition, the illustrations are merely representative and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions in the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Therefore, this disclosure and the accompanying drawings are considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0177] Although this specification contains many details, these details should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the invention or the scope that may be claimed, but as descriptions of features peculiar to a particular embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment in this specification may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Moreover, although the features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed, one or more features from the claimed combination may be deleted from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or a variation of the sub-combination.

[0178] Similarly, although operations and / or actions are depicted in the accompanying drawings and described in a specific order herein, this description should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in order, or all illustrated operations are performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the above-mentioned embodiments should not be understood as requiring this separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that any described program components and systems can usually be integrated together in a single software product or encapsulated in multiple software products.

[0179] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be referred to herein individually and / or collectively by the term "invention", solely for convenience, and without the intention to voluntarily limit the scope of the present application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangements designed to achieve the same or similar purposes may replace the specific embodiments shown. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent modifications or variations of the various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the specification.

[0180] It is to be understood that the public abstract will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims when it is submitted. In addition, in the foregoing detailed description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of simplifying the present disclosure. The present disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than those expressly recited in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the appended claims, the subject matter of the present invention may involve less than all the features of any disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the appended claims are incorporated into the specific embodiments, wherein each claim is independent of defining the subject matter that is individually claimed.

[0181] The foregoing detailed description is intended to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that the appended claims, including all equivalents, are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be interpreted as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to this effect. Therefore, all embodiments that fall within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their equivalents are required to be the present invention.

[0182] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0183] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No. 15 / 635,974 filed on June 28, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein.

Claims

1. A pressure measuring device for a bicycle, the pressure measuring device comprising: a housing having a housing alignment feature; a pressure chamber disposed in the housing; as well as a valve device extending through the housing and in pressure communication with the pressure chamber and the tire assembly, Wherein, the valve device includes a valve device alignment feature, the valve device alignment feature being configured to interact with the housing alignment feature to fix a rotational position of the housing relative to the valve device about an alignment axis.

2. The pressure measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a sensing element arranged in the housing, wherein: The sensing element is configured to measure a pressure of the pressure chamber.

3. The pressure measuring device according to claim 2, wherein: The valve assembly alignment feature includes a threaded valve assembly portion, and the housing alignment feature includes a housing bore configured to axially receive the threaded valve assembly portion along the alignment axis.

4. The pressure measuring device according to claim 3, wherein: The housing alignment feature further includes a splined housing portion configured to interface with a splined valve portion of the valve assembly alignment feature to fix the rotational position of the housing relative to the valve assembly about the alignment axis.

5. The pressure measuring device according to claim 4, wherein: The valve assembly further includes a valve assembly mounting portion configured to sealingly interface with a valve stem of the tire assembly.

6. The pressure measuring device according to claim 5, wherein: The valve device mounting portion is configured to threadably engage the valve stem of the tire assembly about the alignment axis.

7. The pressure measuring device according to claim 6, wherein: The valve device mounting portion is further configured to maintain sealing interaction with the valve stem for up to twenty degrees of rotation of the valve device mounting portion relative to the valve stem about the alignment axis.

8. The pressure measuring device according to claim 3, wherein: The valve device further comprises: The valve device communicates with the opening; a valve assembly first seal configured to engage the housing bore axially spaced from the valve assembly communication opening; and A valve device second seal is configured to engage the housing bore axially spaced from the valve device communication opening such that the valve device communication opening is axially disposed between the valve device first seal and the valve device second seal.

9. The pressure measuring device according to claim 2, wherein: The sensing element is configured to periodically measure the pressure of the pressure chamber at a measurement frequency.

10. The pressure measuring device according to claim 9, further comprising: a wireless communicator disposed in the housing; a processor disposed in the housing and configured to control the wireless communicator and the sensing element; as well as a power supply that provides power to the processor, the wireless communicator, and the sensing element, The wireless communicator is configured to periodically transmit a signal indicating the pressure of the pressure chamber at a communication frequency.

11. The pressure measuring device according to claim 10, wherein: The measuring frequency is between 0.05 Hz and 0.15 Hz, and the communication frequency is between 1 Hz and 4 Hz.

12. The pressure measurement device according to claim 2, further comprising a visual indication device, wherein the visual indication device is configured to: operating in a first display mode when the pressure of the pressure chamber is within a first predetermined pressure range; and The device operates in a second display mode when the pressure of the pressure chamber is outside the first predetermined pressure range. 13 . The pressure measuring device according to claim 2 , further comprising a moving element disposed in the housing, the moving element being configured to change a sensing element operation mode of the sensing element.

14. A pressure measuring device for a bicycle, the pressure measuring device comprising: a pressure chamber in fluid communication with the tire assembly; a sensing element configured to measure a pressure of the pressure chamber; a wireless communicator configured to transmit a signal indicative of a pressure of the pressure chamber; as well as An indicator device, the indicator device is fixed to the tire assembly, the indicator device is configured to: providing a perceptible indication of the pressure of the pressure chamber; operating in a first display mode when the pressure of the pressure chamber is within a first predetermined pressure range; and operating in a second display mode when the pressure of the pressure chamber is outside the first predetermined pressure range, wherein the pressure measuring device further comprises a housing, the housing containing each of the sensing element, the wireless communicator and the indicating device, Wherein, the pressure measuring device further comprises: a first alignment feature fixed relative to the tire assembly; and a second alignment feature fixed relative to the housing; wherein the first alignment feature engages with the second alignment feature to set an alignment of the housing relative to the tire assembly about an alignment axis.

15. The pressure measuring device according to claim 14, wherein: The indicator device is further configured to operate in a third display mode if the pressure of the pressure chamber is outside a second predetermined pressure range, the second predetermined pressure range being wider than the first predetermined pressure range.

16. The pressure measuring device according to claim 14, wherein: The housing also includes a power source that provides power to each of the sensing element, the wireless communicator, and the indicating device.

17. The pressure measuring device according to claim 16, wherein: The indicating device is partially arranged outside the housing.

18. The pressure measuring device according to claim 14, wherein: The first alignment feature and the second alignment feature each have a slotted configuration and engage along the alignment axis.

Images