Inner Tube Sensor Mounting Assembly With Threaded Plug Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire pressure monitoring systems are not suitable for vehicles equipped with inner tubes, as they cannot access the air cavity to measure temperature and pressure effectively.

Innovation Solution

An assembly comprising a base film, a ring with internal threads, and a plug with external threads, which allows for the attachment of an electronic device module to the inner tube, enabling accurate monitoring of conditions inside the tube.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sensors are attached to the valve-stem assembly or inner liner of tubeless tires, then tire pressure monitoring is enabled, but this solution is not applicable to vehicles equipped with inner tubes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability to inner tube vehiclesVSAvoidmonitoring capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the monitoring system into separate components: a base film attached to the inner tube, a ring with internal threads, and a removable plug with external threads. This segmentation allows the system to be adapted to inner tube vehicles while maintaining reliable monitoring through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base film acts as an intermediary element between the inner tube and the sensor module. It provides a mounting surface and structural support that enables sensor attachment to the inner tube without interfering with the tube's function or the tire's operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a permanent sealing structure is used to access the air cavity, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the module cannot be easily replaced or updated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of temperature and pressure sensingVSAvoidreplaceability of electronic module
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism transitions from a permanent seal to a dynamic, removable connection using threaded fasteners. This allows the plug to be securely attached for accurate measurement while enabling easy removal and replacement of the electronic module when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The base film and ring are pre-installed on the inner tube during manufacturing, creating a prepared mounting structure. This preliminary action enables later easy attachment and replacement of the plug and electronic module without requiring complex installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the base film is manufactured separately as a patch, then manufacturing flexibility and quality control are improved, but additional assembly steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of assembly components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base film is manufactured separately as a distinct component with a hole through it, allowing independent production and quality control. This segmentation enables the base film to be manufactured at different facilities and then assembled with the ring and plug in a modular fashion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separately manufactured base film serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, creates a mounting surface for the ring, and allows access to the air cavity. This multi-functionality justifies the additional assembly step by consolidating several requirements into a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4070967B1Assembly for an inner tyre tube
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 NOKIAN TYRES
  • EP4070967B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP4070967B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly (100) for an inner tube (110) for a tire or of an inner tube (110) for a tire, comprising a base film (101, 201), which is forming a part of the inner tube (110) or configured to be attached to the inner tube (110). The assembly (100) further comprises a ring (102), which is inserted into a hole through the base film (101, 201), said ring (102) comprising internal threads of a fasten mechanism. The assembly (100) further comprises a plug (103), which is removably insertable in the ring (102), said plug (103) comprising external threads of the fasten mechanism, a first end having a first surface (103a) adapted to face outwards a cavity of the inner tube when inflated, and a second end having a second surface (103b) adapted to face inwards the cavity of the inner tube and adapted for attaching a module (104) comprising an electronic device.