Modular Tire Electronics Assembly With Interchangeable Sensor Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire condition sensing technologies lack efficient and interchangeable modular systems for integrating multiple electronic devices within a tire, limiting flexibility and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A tire electronics assembly comprising a base with mechanical and electrical attachment elements allows interchangeable attachment of modules containing electronic devices, enabling side-by-side positioning and connection for various tire sensors and transmitters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic devices are integrated within a tire using existing technologies, then tire condition sensing is achieved, but flexibility and scalability are limited due to lack of modular interchangeability
Solution Approach 1:
The electronics assembly is divided into a base component and multiple interchangeable module components. Each module contains specific electronic devices (sensors, transmitters) that can be independently attached or detached from the base, allowing flexible reconfiguration of the system based on different sensing or transmission needs without redesigning the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The base component is designed with universal mechanical and electrical attachment elements that can interface with multiple different module types. This universal interface allows a single base to support various combinations of modules, enabling the system to adapt to different functional requirements while maintaining a standardized platform.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are introduced to enable interchangeable attachment, then flexibility and scalability are enhanced, but mechanical and electrical connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical attachment element and electrical contact elements are merged into integrated components where the electrical contacts are positioned to engage automatically when the mechanical attachment is made. This combination ensures that both mechanical connection and electrical connection are established simultaneously through a single attachment action, reducing the risk of improper assembly and enhancing overall connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base serves as an intermediary component that provides a stable platform with integrated mechanical and electrical interfaces. This intermediary structure mediates between the interchangeable modules and the tire, ensuring consistent and reliable connections while allowing module substitution. The base's standardized interface design ensures that each module connects reliably to the same reference point.
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.