Helical Tire Pressure Sensor Assembly for Stable RF Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire pressure sensors are large in size and weight due to the use of large antennas, leading to production inefficiencies and instability in signal transmission, and are prone to damage from vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A tire pressure sensor with a helical antenna assembly integrated through injection molding, featuring a compact design and efficient signal transmission, achieved by using a helical antenna and an antenna matching circuit, and a sensor assembly formed through injection molding processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional large-size antennas (IFA, PIFA, loop antenna) are used in tire pressure sensors, then signal transmission can be achieved, but the sensor size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The helical antenna is wound into a helical groove on the outer sidewall of the antenna support, creating a compact nested structure that reduces the antenna size while maintaining its radiation characteristics. This nested configuration allows the antenna to fit within a smaller volume compared to conventional planar antenna designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar antenna designs (IFA, PIFA) to a three-dimensional helical structure. By winding the antenna conductor in a helical path around the antenna support, the design utilizes the third dimension (height/depth) to achieve the required electrical length and radiation properties within a compact footprint, thereby reducing overall sensor dimensions and weight.
2Ease of manufacture
If various components are assembled in a prefabricated housing, then the sensor can be manufactured, but the assembling steps become complex and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple components (antenna support, circuit board, battery holder, sealing elements) into a single molded housing structure. The housing is designed as an integrated piece that combines structural support, component mounting features, and sealing functions, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing the number of parts that need to be joined together.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the antenna and circuit board, acts as a seal to protect internal components from moisture and dust, and includes integrated mounting features for assembly. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall manufacturing process by consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate components and assembly operations.
3Volume of moving object
If components are assembled in a prefabricated housing with small space, then the sensor can be compact, but gaps between components reduce vibration resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The molded housing creates a unified structural envelope that encloses and mechanically couples all internal components. The integration of the antenna support, circuit board mounting, and sealing features into a single rigid structure eliminates gaps and improves mechanical stability, thereby enhancing vibration resistance while maintaining compact dimensions.
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
The solution results in a miniaturized, lightweight sensor with stable signal transmission and improved resistance to vibrations, enabling efficient production and reliable operation under harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the antenna matching circuit is configured to transmit to an input end of the helical antenna a radio frequency signal which is output by the pressure sensing component and obtained by the pressure sensing component modulating a sensed tire pressure signal
Implementation Method 2
transmit the radio frequency signal through an antenna, such that a receiving device of a vehicle-machine system receives the radio frequency signal
Data Source
AI summary
A tire pressure sensor includes: a printed circuit board, a battery and a helical antenna assembly, processed through an injection molding process to produce a sensor assembly. The helical antenna assembly includes an antenna support and a helical antenna on an outer sidewall of the antenna support. The antenna support is internally hollow, and a helical groove is on the outer sidewall of the antenna support. The helical antenna is wound in the helical groove. A plurality of fasteners for fixing the circuit board is at a bottom of the antenna support. A pressure sensing component and an antenna matching circuit are printed on a printed circuit board. The antenna matching circuit is configured to transmit a radio frequency signal which is output by the pressure sensing component and obtained by the pressure sensing component modulating a sensed tire pressure signal to an input end of the helical antenna.