Modular Tire Electronics Base With Interchangeable Sensor Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire sensing electronic devices lack a modular and flexible attachment mechanism that allows for interchangeable and reliable electrical and mechanical connections, limiting their versatility and ease of installation within the tire.
Innovation Solution
An electronics assembly featuring a base with mechanical and electrical attachment elements arranged in a row, enabling interchangeable mechanical and electrical connections with modules, which can be attached to the tire's inner surface or embedded between its layers, facilitating the integration of various sensors and communication devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing tire sensing electronic devices are used, then the basic sensing function is provided, but the devices lack modular and flexible attachment mechanism limiting versatility and ease of installation
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device is divided into a base portion and multiple interchangeable sensor modules. Each module contains specific sensing elements (pressure, temperature, etc.) that can be independently selected and attached to the base, allowing customization without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base portion is designed with universal attachment features including mechanical attachment elements and electrical contacts that can interface with multiple different module types. This universal interface enables a single base to support various sensor configurations for different application requirements.
2Ease of operation
If existing tire sensing electronic devices are used, then the basic sensing function is provided, but the devices lack interchangeable attachment mechanism reducing ease of installation
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into discrete mechanical attachment elements and corresponding receptacles. This segmentation allows for tool-free installation by simply snapping modules onto the base, while each individual connection point maintains secure engagement through dedicated mechanical features.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical attachment elements and electrical contacts are combined into integrated module assemblies. When a module is attached to the base, both mechanical securing and electrical connection occur simultaneously, ensuring that reliable electrical connection is achieved through the same attachment action that provides ease of installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modules are made interchangeable with base, then versatility and ease of installation are improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal base design with standardized mechanical attachment elements and electrical contact patterns allows multiple different sensor modules to interface with the same base structure. This universality reduces the number of unique base variants needed, offsetting the increase from having multiple module types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into a common base platform and specialized sensor modules. This segmentation allows the base to remain relatively simple and standardized, while complexity is distributed across interchangeable modules that can be selected based on specific sensing requirements, making the overall system manageable despite multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
A tire electronics assembly includes a base and a plurality of modules. The base is mechanically attached to the tire and includes an electronic device. The base also includes a plurality of mechanical attachment elements arranged side-by-side in a row. Each module includes an electronic device and a mechanical attachment element. Each mechanical attachment element on a module is configured to releasably mechanically attach to any one of the mechanical attachment elements on the base. In this configuration, the modules are interchangeably mechanically attachable to the base in side-by side positions in row. The base further includes a plurality of electrical contacts arranged side-by-side in a row. Each module has an electrical contact that is configured to releasably electrically connect with any one of the electrical contacts on the base, whereby the modules are interchangeably electrically connectable with the base in side-by-side positions in a row.