Modular Tire Electronics Assembly With Interchangeable Sensor Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire sensing electronic devices lack a modular and interchangeable design that allows for easy attachment and detachment of multiple sensors, limiting their versatility and adaptability to different tire conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular electronics assembly with a base and interchangeable modules, featuring a circular array of mechanical and electrical attachment elements, enabling secure mechanical and electrical connections for various electronic devices such as air pressure, temperature, and radio frequency sensors, allowing for customizable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic devices are mounted inside the tire with fixed mounting structure, then the device can perform sensing function, but the device lacks versatility and cannot be easily reconfigured for different sensor types
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device is divided into a base portion and multiple interchangeable sensor modules. Each module can be independently attached or detached from the base, allowing the system to be reconfigured for different sensing needs without redesigning the entire device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The base portion is designed with universal attachment features that can accommodate multiple types of sensor modules. This universal interface allows a single base to support various sensor types (pressure, temperature, etc.), making the system multi-functional and adaptable to different tire monitoring requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are integrated into a single fixed device, then the device can monitor multiple parameters, but the device cannot be easily reconfigured or adapted to different tire conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a base and separate sensor modules that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing by allowing each component to be produced separately using optimized processes, then combined through simple attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism between base and modules is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing modules to be easily attached or detached as needed. This dynamic reconfigurability enables the system to adapt to different tire conditions without requiring complex manufacturing processes for each configuration.
3Ease of operation
If the electronic device uses a non-modular design, then the structure is simpler, but the device cannot be easily detached or reconfigured
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into detachable base and module components with standardized connection interfaces. This segmentation enables easy attachment and detachment of modules from the base, significantly improving ease of operation while the standardized interfaces keep the overall design relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism between base and modules is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing for quick attachment and detachment without complex tools or procedures. This dynamic feature greatly enhances ease of operation, enabling users to reconfigure the device as needed with minimal effort.
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. A plurality of mechanical attachment elements are arranged on the base in a circular array. 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 the circular array. The base further includes a plurality of electrical terminals arranged in a circular array. Each module has an electrical terminal that is configured to releasably electrically connect with any one of the electrical terminals on the base, whereby the modules are interchangeably electrically connectable with the base in the circular array.