Modular Tire Thermocouple Sensor with Detachable Needle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pin-on thermocouple temperature sensors used for tire temperature measurement are prone to frequent breakages due to stress, requiring complete replacement of the sensor when components like the ball chain, measuring cable, or hypodermic needle fail, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary waste.

Innovation Solution

A modular pin-point temperature sensor design featuring a detachable hypodermic needle and extensible connection cable, with a retractable protective cover and adjustable depth, allowing for easy replacement and protection of the needle, enabling variable penetration depth and reducing the need for full sensor replacement upon component failure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single-piece body design is used for the sensor, then the sensor structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sensor is prone to frequent breakages and requires complete replacement when components fail

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidsensor durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is divided into separate modular components: a reusable sensor body and a detachable hypodermic needle assembly. This segmentation allows the needle to be replaced independently when worn or damaged, while the sensor body continues to serve its measurement function, thereby improving reliability without complicating the overall manufacturing process significantly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the hypodermic needle is permanently attached to the sensor body, then the sensor structure is simple, but the needle cannot be replaced and the entire sensor must be discarded when the needle fails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor structure complexityVSAvoidneedle replaceability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The hypodermic needle is separated from the sensor body into a detachable assembly that can be easily removed and replaced. This modular approach enables needle replacement without discarding the sensor body, improving ease of repair while maintaining relatively simple overall structure through straightforward connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design enables selective discarding of only the worn needle component while recovering and reusing the sensor body. This partial discarding approach reduces waste and costs compared to complete sensor replacement, while the detachable mechanism keeps the structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If a protective cover is added to protect the hypodermic needle, then the needle is protected when not in use, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle protectionVSAvoidsensor structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cover is designed to slide over and nest within the existing sensor body structure, utilizing the cylindrical tip space. This nesting approach provides effective needle protection when not in use while adding minimal structural complexity, as the cover integrates with rather than adds to the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Device complexity

If the connecting cable is permanently attached to the sensor body, then the sensor structure is simple, but the cable cannot be replaced when damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor structure complexityVSAvoidcable replaceability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting cable assembly is segmented from the sensor body through a detachable connector interface. This allows the cable to be separated and replaced independently when damaged, while the sensor body remains functional. The connector provides a simple mechanical interface that maintains structural simplicity while enabling easy maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 modular design allows for simple and cost-effective maintenance and protection of the hypodermic needle, extending the sensor's lifespan and reducing waste by enabling separate replacement of components, while ensuring reliable temperature measurement of tires.

Implementation Method 1

a protective cover for the hypodermic needle sliding in the cylindrical tip against a return spring to allow release of the hypodermic needle by retraction of the cover when the sensor is punctured

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a hypodermic needle carrying a thermocouple

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a hypodermic needle carrying a thermocouple

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermocouple: Thermocouple

Data Source

PatentEP4372340A1Thermocouple quilt temperature sensor for tires

Publication Date: 2024.05.22 PYROCONTROLE

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

A pricking temperature sensor (10) intended to be connected to a measurement recorder by means of an extensible link cable (12) attached to the sensor, the sensor comprising a body (100) receiving a hypodermic needle (102) carrying a thermocouple, and the hypodermic needle is mounted in a holder (104) inserted in the body of the sensor and detachable from both the sensor body and the extensible link cable when changing the hypodermic needle.