Ball jointed TPM sensor

Abstract

A tire monitoring device comprising a sensor housing and a corresponding mounting feature in a rim, the sensor housing having a connection part integral with the sensor housing, the connection part having an elongated opening, wherein a screw extends through the elongated opening and connects with the corresponding mounting feature in the rim, whereby the sensor housing is rotatable relative to the corresponding mounting feature in the rim when the screw is not fully tightened, and the sensor housing is fixed in place and not rotatable relative to the corresponding mounting feature in the rim when the screw is fully tightened.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 051,968, filed July 15, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to tire pressure monitoring devices and / or systems, and more specifically, to a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) module with adjustable angular positioning. Background Technology

[0004] Various tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) include electronic modules for housing pressure measuring / sensing devices and transmission devices (e.g., signal transmitters). The housing is attached to the tire valve and mounted inside the tire to monitor the air (gas) pressure inside the tire. The housing is shaped to abut an inner rimwell (i.e., rests on the inner rimwell).

[0005] Importantly, the angle between the housing and the internal rim groove is correct for reliability purposes, ensuring that the pressure measuring housing rests securely on and properly conforms to the internal rim groove. Equally important, the housing is shaped to advantageously contact and mate with the rim groove. However, a problem arises regarding the cross-sectional shape of the rim. The cross-sectional shape of the rim defines the required angle between the valve stem and the sensor housing. Therefore, unless the TPMS can adjust its angular configuration and have a suitable corresponding shape, the combined geometry of the valve and wheel can prevent the sensor housing from properly settling on the internal rim groove. Without proper settling, the pressure measuring housing will not be securely placed or conform well enough to the shape of the internal rim groove, and applying loads to the sensor during use and service may result in less accurate sensor measurements.

[0006] The various embodiments disclosed herein address many of the problems identified herein. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The following overview is intended to help those skilled in the art understand the different combinations of features currently disclosed. It is not intended to unduly limit the scope of protection of any pending or future claims relating to this disclosure.

[0008] Various embodiments provide a wide range of angles between the valve stem and the sensor body and a robust mounting, and are suitable for use on a variety of rim geometries.

[0009] According to an embodiment, a tire pressure monitoring device includes: a sensor housing comprising an outer shell defining an internal space, wherein the sensor housing includes a top surface and a bottom surface; at least two feet extending from and beyond the bottom surface, the two feet being adjacent to a first edge of the sensor housing; a pressure sensor device at least partially located within the internal space and communicatively connected to a region outside the sensor housing to measure pressure in the region outside the housing; a signal transmitter interfacing with the pressure sensor and transmitting an electromagnetic signal detectable by a receiver located away from the sensor housing and wirelessly representing the detected pressure outside the sensor housing; a connecting member integral with the sensor housing and positioned adjacent to a second edge of the housing, the second edge being opposite to the first edge near the at least two feet; the connecting member includes a recess facing inwardly towards a recess in the sensor housing, the recess having an elongated opening defined therein, the elongated opening being at least partially perpendicular to the ground. Extending in the direction of the second edge; the connecting member has a convex valve mating surface that is external and faces outward away from the sensor housing, and forms a convex shape; a valve seat formed by a tubular body extending in one direction, the valve seat having an internal annular member extending through it, the internal annular member defining at least partially threaded internal passages; a head located at the end of the valve seat and forming a flat circular top surface, wherein the annular member extends through the flat circular top surface; a ball-head threaded member comprising an elongated tubular body and an outer surface. The threaded portion on the surface has an elongated tubular body with an annular member defined therethrough. The threaded portion extends from one end near the elongated tubular body to the head of the ball-head threaded member. The head includes a curved convex surface facing the threaded portion. The threaded portion is adapted to mate with an internal threaded portion within the valve seat, and the curved convex surface of the ball-head threaded member is adapted to mate with a concave surface of the connecting member. When the ball-head threaded member mates with the threaded portion of the valve seat, the convex valve mating surface is held against the flat circular surface of the valve seat, preventing the sensor housing from rotating relative to the valve seat.

[0010] According to another embodiment, a tire monitoring device includes a sensor housing and a connecting member. The sensor housing has a pressure sensor, and the connecting member is integral with the sensor housing. The connecting member includes an external mating surface that is convex in shape and an internal concave surface with a recess facing the surface of the sensor housing. The connecting member defines a slot therein that extends from the concave surface through the connecting member to the convex surface. The slot is elongated such that a threaded member having a head and a threaded body portion can extend through the slot, such that the head of the threaded member is greater than the narrowest width of the slot and is held on the concave side of the connecting member, while the threaded body portion extends through the slot and protrudes beyond the convex surface of the connecting member. The slot is adapted to allow the threaded member to travel along the length direction of the slot while remaining substantially perpendicular to the concave surface and the head of the threaded member remains in contact with the concave surface, thereby allowing the sensor housing to rotate relative to the threaded member while maintaining contact between the head of the threaded member and the concave surface. The threaded member is configured to couple to a tire valve, thereby holding the sensor housing at an angle relative to the tire valve by tightening the threaded member into a threaded connection with the tire valve.

[0011] According to an embodiment, a tire monitoring device includes: a sensor housing and a corresponding mounting feature in a rim. The sensor housing has a connecting member integral with the sensor housing, the connecting member having an elongated opening, wherein a threaded member extends through the elongated opening and connects to the corresponding mounting feature in the rim, thereby allowing the sensor housing to rotate relative to the corresponding mounting feature in the rim when the threaded member is not fully tightened, and fixing the sensor housing in place and preventing rotation relative to the corresponding mounting feature in the rim when the threaded member is fully tightened.

[0012] Other aspects and advantages of the embodiments described herein will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0013] One or more aspects of this disclosure are discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that, for simplicity and clarity, the elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn precisely or to scale. For example, for clarity, the dimensions of some elements may be enlarged relative to other elements, or several physical components may be included in a single functional block or element. Furthermore, reference numerals may be repeated in the drawings where deemed appropriate to indicate corresponding or similar elements. However, for clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. The drawings are provided for illustrative and interpretative purposes and are not intended to be limiting. In the drawings:

[0014] Figures 1A to 1C This is a representative diagram of a tire valve;

[0015] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a representative diagram of an embodiment of the disclosed tire monitoring system;

[0016] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a view of the connection components of an embodiment of the disclosed tire monitoring system;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a view of the ball socket assembly in the disclosed embodiment of the valve stem;

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown; and

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Side view of the embodiment shown.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a top view of the sensor housing according to an embodiment of the disclosed tire monitoring system.

[0021] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a view of the mounting features according to an embodiment of the disclosed tire monitoring system. Detailed Implementation

[0022] In the following detailed description, various combinations of features embodied are disclosed to provide those skilled in the art with an understanding of aspects and implementations of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that some of the specific details not elaborated may be practiced. In some examples, well-known methods, processes, components, and structures may not be described in detail so as not to obscure the details of implementations of this disclosure. The following detailed description is not intended to unduly limit the scope of any current or future claims in this application or subsequent related applications. The same features or parts or partially identical parts may be described using different names or different numerical identifiers in this disclosure. Furthermore, reference numerals may be repeated in the drawings to indicate corresponding or similar elements where deemed appropriate. However, for clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing.

[0023] Various embodiments include a TPMS having adjustable mounting features over a wide range of angles. Due to the adjustability of the design, the housing can be positioned to mate against and securely contact a wide range of rim / valve assemblies, as will be described in more detail below.

[0024] See now Figures 1A to 1CThe tire valve 100 includes a stem 104 and a seat 108. The seat 108 may include a disc-shaped portion having a flat edge perpendicular to the top surface of the disc-shaped portion. When used with a rim and tire, the stem 104 is visible on the outside of the tire (not shown) and forms a conduit through which air (gas) is supplied to fill the tire. The stem 104 may be cylindrical in shape. The rim has a varying circular cross-section and is connected to and rotates relative to an axle, and the tire is attached to and surrounds the rim to form a rim and tire combination typically used with automobiles and trucks. The rim and tire together define an internal volume, referred to herein as the tire's interior (inside). When in use, the seat 108 is inside the tire and includes an internally threaded portion 112. In some embodiments, the internally threaded portion 112 of the seat 108 is tapped through an M6 threaded hole to allow for a wider mounting range in truck wheel units. The filling assembly 116 is adapted to connect to a pump (not shown) and provides fluid connection from the pump through the inner cavity 120 and the threaded portion 112 to the interior of the tire. A one-way valve (not shown in detail) is located in the filling assembly 116.

[0025] Based on the various combinations of the characteristics embodied, such as Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the tire monitoring system 200 includes a sensor housing 202. The sensor housing 202 includes an outer shell 316 having a top surface 301 and a bottom surface 302 connected by edge walls and defining an internal space (volume) 310. Two feet 303 extend from and beyond the bottom surface 302 and approach a first edge 304 of the sensor housing 202. The two feet 303 are laterally spaced physical protrusions extending along the first edge 304 to be adapted in use to form a first and a second point of contact with the rim, such that they are jointly connected to the tire valve 100 via a connecting member 210, giving the sensor housing 202 three support points. The two feet 303 are conformable to and make proper contact with rims having a range of radii and profiles, while other portions of the bottom surface 302 do not contact the rim, resulting in no more than three support points. According to various embodiments, there are cases where no more than two feet 303 exist, as three or more feet could potentially create unstable contact with rims of different sizes. For many different rim radii, a robust connection can be achieved using only two feet 303, via the two feet 303 and the tire valve 100.

[0026] Another embodiment features a stretchable material connected to the bottom surface 302. This stretchable material conforms to the rim when pressed against it, thus establishing a strong connection. The stretchable material can be rubber or other elastic materials. It can also be foam, such as memory foam. The stretchable material can be combined with or used in place of the two feet 303.

[0027] The two feet 303 can be equidistant from the connecting member 210. The two feet 303 can be equidistant from the connecting member 210 in a first direction perpendicular to the second edge 308, but not equidistant from the connecting member 210 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Pressure sensing device 305 ( Figure 6 The pressure sensor 305 can be located entirely or partially within the internal space 310 and can be communicatively connected to the pressure of a volume immediately adjacent to the outside of the sensor housing 202 (not shown) to allow measurement of the pressure immediately adjacent to the outside of the sensor housing 202 by the pressure sensing device 305. The communication connection can be established via a pathway between the internal space 310 and the volume immediately adjacent to the outside of the sensor housing 202, or via a flexible member or flexible membrane. The pressure sensing device 305 measures the pressure of the air (gas) in the volume immediately adjacent to the outside of the housing 202. A signal transmitter 306 is coupled to the pressure sensing device 305 and transmits an electromagnetic signal indicating the measured pressure and detectable by a receiver (not shown) that can be located remotely from the sensor housing 202 and can be located outside the tire. The electromagnetic signal can be any known protocol, such as FM, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), WiFi, or Zigby.

[0028] like Figure 2A As shown, the sensor housing 202 has a connecting member 210 with an elongated opening 212 that connects to a recessed region 307 in the housing, the recessed region extending longitudinally toward the elongated opening. A ball-end threaded member 204 extends through the elongated opening 212 and the recessed region 307 to connect with the tire valve 100, such that the sensor housing 202 can rotate relative to the tire valve 100 when the ball-end threaded member 204 is not fully tightened, and wherein the sensor housing 202 is fixed in place and does not rotate relative to the tire valve 100 when the ball-end threaded member 204 is fully tightened. In some embodiments, the recessed region 307 extends longitudinally toward a first edge 304 to allow clearance into the ball-end threaded member 204 when the sensor housing 202 is mounted relative to the rim at a shallow angle.

[0029] The connecting member 210 is incorporated into the sensor housing 202 and positioned away from the first edge 304 and near the second edge 308 of the sensor housing 202. The second edge 308 may be opposite the first edge 304 near the two feet 303. The connecting member 210 is adapted to facilitate an angular range in which the sensor housing 202 can be positioned relative to the valve seat 108. The sensor housing 202 is positioned relative to the top surface 311 of the valve seat 108 around axis 317. Figure 4 Rotate.

[0030] The connecting member 210 may be integral with the sensor housing 202, including a recess 309 and opening adjacent to and toward a recessed region 307 of the sensor housing 202, the sensor housing 202 being defined by the recessed region 307 in the top surface 301 of the sensor housing 202. The connecting member 210 has two opposing edge walls 224 extending from the top surface 301 of the sensor housing 202 to the bottom surface 302 of the sensor housing 202. Each edge wall 224 includes a notch 226 that provides a mechanical lock between the connecting member 210 and the sensor housing 202 and prevents the connecting member 210 from disengaging from the sensor housing 202 when exposed to load vibrations and centrifugal forces experienced during operation.

[0031] The connecting member 210 may be formed of the same material as the sensor housing 202 or a different material (such as high-strength stainless steel). The connecting member 210 and the sensor housing may be continuous material portions, for example, formed from a single plastic or metal piece, or separately formed and integrated by mechanical connection, adhesive, or welding. In some embodiments, the connecting member 210 may be manufactured using a metal injection molding (MIM) process. In other embodiments, the connecting member 210 may be manufactured by metal stamping. In other embodiments, it may be made by additive manufacturing (3D printing). When assembled, the recess 309 faces the recessed region 307. The recess 309 has an elongated opening 212 (FIG. 3) defined in the recess 307 and extending at least partially in a direction perpendicular to the second edge 308. The elongated opening 212 may extend along the recess 309 and from the bottom surface 302 to the top surface 301. The elongated opening 212 may serve as a threaded part receiver.

[0032] The connecting component 210 has a concave valve mating surface 214, which may have a concave shape facing the recessed area 307 of the sensor housing 202.

[0033] The ball-head threaded part 204 couples the sensor housing 202 to the threaded portion 112 of the tire valve 100.

[0034] In some embodiments, the ball-head threaded member 204 couples the sensor housing 202 to a corresponding mounting feature 802 in the rim, for example, as Figure 8A and Figure 8B The band-mounted tire monitoring system 800 is shown.

[0035] The connecting component 210 of the tire monitoring system 200 includes an elongated opening 212 and a concave valve mating surface 214. The outer surface of the connecting component 210 includes an external valve mating surface 216 to allow the sensor housing to rotate on the valve seat 108. The concave valve mating surface 214 may have a curved surface, a concave surface, an arcuate surface, a curved planar surface, a curved planar surface with a constant radius, or a curved planar surface with a non-constant radius, or a combination thereof. The valve mating surface 216 may have a curved surface, a convex surface, an arcuate surface, a curved planar surface, a curved planar surface with a constant radius, or a curved planar surface with a non-constant radius, or a combination thereof. The valve mating surface 216 may be adjacent to the second edge 308, and the valve mating surface 216 may be flush with the surface of the second edge 308 immediately adjacent to the valve mating surface 216. The valve mating surface 216 may contact the top surface 311 of the base 108 of the tire valve 100 and allows for angular adjustment and configuration of the connecting component 210 and the sensor housing 202 relative to the valve seat 108.

[0036] The valve seat 108 may be formed of a cylindrical, disc-shaped, or tubular body having an internal annular member 313 extending therethrough and defining an internal annular member 313 having a threaded portion 112. The valve seat 108 has a top surface 311 on a head 312. The top surface 311 may be a flat surface and has an annular member 313 extending therethrough. The flat surface may be circular.

[0037] The ball-end threaded member 204 includes an elongated tubular body 314 and a threaded portion 315 on the outer surface of the elongated tubular body 314, the elongated tubular body 314 having an annular member 208 defined therethrough. The threaded portion 315 extends from one end near the elongated tubular body 314 to a head 222, the head 222 having a curved mating surface 206. The curved mating surface 206 is convex in the direction facing the threaded portion 315. The threaded portion 315 is adapted to mate with an internal threaded portion 112 within a valve seat 108. The mating surface 206 is adapted to mate with a concave valve mating surface 214 of a valve connecting member 210. The threaded portion 315 of the ball-end threaded member 204 mates with the threaded portion 112 of the valve seat 108, and the valve mating surface 216 of the connecting member 210 is held against the top surface 311 of the valve seat 108, preventing rotation of the sensor housing 202 relative to the valve seat 108. In some embodiments, the ball-end threaded part 204 may be a two-part threaded part with a detachable connection or a threaded part with a curved washer.

[0038] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As further shown, the ball-end threaded member 204 has an annular portion 208 to allow airflow from the tire valve 100 for tire inflation or deflation. The ball-end threaded member 204 further includes a bent mating surface 206 that complementarily mates with a recess 309 of the connecting member 210, the recess 309 defining a bent dimple in the concave valve mating surface 214, such as... Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, the ball-end threaded member 204 is inserted through the elongated opening 212, and the curved mating surface 206 rotatably sits within and abuts against a curved recess defined by the concave valve mating surface 214, thereby allowing the ball-end threaded member 204 to lock the sensor housing 202 at an angle relative to the rim when it is installed and tightened into the threaded portion 112 of the tire valve 100. This angle can be selected from a range of angles and is fixed by rotating and tightening the ball-end threaded member 204.

[0039] When properly tightened, the installation torque of the ball-end thread 204 is sufficient to prevent the sensor housing 202 from lifting under the centrifugal load experienced during operation. During installation, the bent mating surface 206 can induce a lateral force acting on the opening of the elongated opening 212. A reinforced material bridge 218 can be included on top of the bent recess in the concave valve mating surface 214 to reinforce the valve connection 210 and provide resistance to the lateral forces applied during installation to protect the sensor housing 202 from damage. The reinforced material bridge 218 also provides limitation on the rotation of the ball-end thread 204.

[0040] Each tire pressure monitoring system may be supplied as a kit, wherein the components are provided along with instructions for attaching the tire pressure monitoring system to the tire valve assembly. The instructions may be included with the kit, provided on the Internet, or provided by any other means. The tire valve assembly may not be included in the kit as a tire valve assembly; it may, for example, already be installed in the tire, i.e., when the tire pressure monitoring system is replacing a faulty unit or when the tire valve assembly is provided separately from the tire pressure monitoring system, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0041] Therefore, an exemplary kit of the tire monitoring system 200 (which will be applicable to the description provided herein) will include a sensor housing 202 having a coupled valve connection part 210, a ball thread part 204, and a set of installation instructions (not shown).

[0042] It should be understood that the details of the construction and arrangement of the components described in the specification or illustrated in the drawings are not limiting. Other ways of practice or implementation exist. Furthermore, it should be understood that the phrases and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0043] Although various aspects have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible and within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A tire pressure monitoring device, comprising: The sensor housing (202) includes an outer shell defining an internal space, wherein the sensor housing includes a top surface (301) and a bottom surface (302). At least two feet (303) extend from and beyond the bottom surface, the at least two feet (303) being adjacent to a first edge (304) of the sensor housing (202). A pressure sensor (305) is located at least partially within the internal space and communicatively connected to a region outside the sensor housing (202) to measure pressure in the region outside the sensor housing; A signal transmitter (306) is interactively connected to the pressure sensor (305) and transmits an electromagnetic signal representing the detected pressure outside the sensor housing (202), the signal being detectable by a receiver located away from the sensor housing (202). A connecting component (210) is integral with the sensor housing (202). The connecting component (210) is positioned adjacent to a second edge (308) of the sensor housing (202), which is opposite to the first edge (304) and is away from the at least two feet (303). The connecting member (210) includes a concave surface (214) facing inward toward a recess (307) of the sensor housing (202), the concave surface (214) having an elongated opening (212) defined in the concave surface, the elongated opening extending at least partially in a direction perpendicular to the second edge (308); The connecting component (210) has a convex valve mating surface (216) that is externally and outwardly away from the sensor housing (202) and forms a convex shape. A valve seat (108) and a head (312), the valve seat being formed of a tubular body extending in one direction and having an inner annular member (313) extending through the valve seat, the inner annular member defining at least partially threaded internal passages to form an internal thread portion (112), the head being located at the end of the valve seat (108) and forming a flat circular top surface (311), wherein the annular member (313) extends through the flat circular top surface; A ball-end threaded component (204) includes an elongated tubular body (314) and a threaded portion (315) on the outer surface of the elongated tubular body (314), the elongated tubular body having an annular portion (208) defined through the elongated tubular body, the threaded portion (315) extending from one end near the elongated tubular body (314) toward a head (222) of the ball-end threaded component (204), the head (222) including a curved convex surface (206) facing the threaded portion (315). The threaded portion (315) is adapted to engage with the internal threaded portion (112) of the valve seat (108), and the curved convex surface (206) of the ball-end threaded member (204) is adapted to engage with the concave surface (214) of the connecting member (210), such that the head (222) of the ball-end threaded member (204) is held against the concave surface (214) of the connecting member. When the ball-head threaded part (204) engages with the internal thread (112) of the valve seat (108), the convex valve mating surface (216) is held against the flat circular top surface (311) of the valve seat (108), thereby preventing the sensor housing (202) from rotating relative to the valve seat (108).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting component further includes opposing edge walls, each edge wall including a notch configured to provide a mechanical lock between the connecting component and the sensor housing.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting component and the sensor housing are continuous material components.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting component is formed by metal injection molding (MIM).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting component is made of high-strength stainless steel.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The internal thread of the valve seat is M6 x 1 mm.

7. A tire monitoring device, comprising: Sensor housing (202), in which a pressure sensor (305) is arranged; as well as A connecting component (210) is integral with the sensor housing (202). The connecting component (210) includes an external convex valve mating surface (216) that is convex in shape and an internal concave surface (214) of a recess (307) facing the sensor housing (202). The external convex valve mating surface (216) is configured to mate with a tire valve (100). The connecting member (210) defines an elongated slot that extends from the concave surface (214) through the connecting member (210) to the external convex valve mating surface (216). The elongated slot is elongated such that a threaded member (204) having a head (222) and a threaded portion (315) can extend through the elongated slot, such that the head (222) of the threaded member is larger than the narrowest width of the elongated slot and is held on the concave surface (214) of the connecting member (210), while the threaded portion (315) extends through the elongated slot and protrudes beyond the external convex valve mating surface (216) of the connecting member (210). The elongated slot is adapted to allow the threaded member (204) to travel along the longitudinal direction of the elongated slot, while the threaded member (204) remains substantially perpendicular to the concave surface (214) and the head (222) of the threaded member (204) remains in contact with the concave surface (214), thereby allowing the sensor housing (202) to rotate relative to the threaded member (204) while maintaining contact between the head (222) of the threaded member and the concave surface (214). The threaded component (204) is configured to be coupled to the tire valve (100) so that the sensor housing (202) is held at an angle relative to the tire valve (100) by tightening the threaded component (204) to the tire valve (100) into a threaded connection.

8. The tire monitoring device according to claim 7, wherein, The connecting component further includes opposing edge walls, each edge wall including a notch configured to provide a mechanical lock between the connecting component and the sensor housing.

9. The tire monitoring device according to claim 7, wherein, The threaded component is a ball-end threaded component, and the first opening of the elongated slot forms a bend recess, which is used to couple to the head of the ball-end threaded component and prevent the ball-end threaded component from being further inserted into the elongated slot.

10. The tire monitoring device according to claim 9, further comprising: The ball-head threaded member is configured to be inserted into the opening of the elongated slot to couple the connecting member to the tire valve and to maintain the sensor housing relative to the tire valve at an angle within a predetermined angular range.

11. The tire monitoring device according to claim 7, wherein, The threaded component has at least two parts connected to each other via a detachable connector.

12. The tire monitoring device according to claim 7, wherein, The threaded component includes a curved washer adapted to mate with the concave surface of the connecting member.

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