Bicycle Pump Pressure Sensor for Automatic Tire Type Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for inflating bicycle tires do not accurately determine the optimal pressure based on the tire type, leading to inefficient power transfer and increased accident risk due to inadequate pressure checks.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that detect pressure sensor signals at two points in time during inflation, using the pressure difference and optionally temperature variables, to identify the tire type and control the inflation process to achieve optimal pressure settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the user manually checks tire pressure by pressing with thumb, then the checking process is simple and quick, but the pressure accuracy is insufficient and cannot ensure optimal tire pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetire pressure measurement accuracyVSAvoidpressure detection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical thumb-pressing method with an electronic pressure sensor system that automatically detects and measures tire pressure during the inflation process, providing accurate real-time pressure data without requiring manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the pressure sensor continuously monitors tire pressure during inflation, and the control unit uses this feedback information to automatically adjust the inflation process and provide real-time recommendations to the user, ensuring optimal pressure is achieved

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If different tire types require different optimal pressures, then each tire type can perform optimally, but the user cannot determine the correct pressure without additional information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimal tire pressure settingVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the inflation system to automatically identify the tire type through pressure characteristics during inflation and self-determine the optimal pressure setting, eliminating the need for the user to manually input or search for tire type information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary that analyzes pressure sensor data, identifies tire type based on pressure characteristics, and automatically determines optimal pressure, serving as a mediator between the sensor and the user to provide intelligent pressure management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If the pumping process is manually controlled, then the device structure is simple, but the user cannot prevent overpressure or achieve optimal pressure efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure control precisionVSAvoidpumping process automation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic feedback control where the pressure sensor continuously monitors tire pressure and the control unit adjusts the pump operation based on real-time pressure data, automatically stopping inflation when optimal pressure is reached to prevent overpressure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the pumping system dynamic and adaptive by enabling the control unit to adjust pump operation in real-time based on detected pressure characteristics and identified tire type, optimizing the inflation process for different tire types rather than using a fixed manual procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the user to inflate tires to their optimal usage pressure automatically, preventing overpressure and potential tire damage, by using a controllable pump and valve system integrated with a pressure and temperature sensing mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

detecting a first pressure sensor signal at a first point in time during an inflation process, which signal represents the pressure inside the tire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Implementation Method 2

a temperature variable is additionally detected and taken into account when deriving the tire type, which represents the ambient temperature or the temperature of the air inside the tire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 3

the device which controls the pumping process on the basis of this information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic inflation: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP3434539B1Method and device for identifying a type of tyre on a vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3434539B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3434539B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention according to the present claims claims a method and a device for identifying a tire type on a two-wheeled vehicle, in particular a bicycle, as well as a control method and a control device that controls an inflation process depending on the identified tire type. This control device can be used in the context of a bicycle pump or as an application in a mobile device.