Self-Aligning Tire Health Sensor Assembly with Magnetic Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire health sensor assemblies require accurate assembly, are not self-aligning, and lack the ability to automatically reattach if knocked out of position, and are limited in their ability to measure tire-specific conditions like temperature and vibrations, especially in metal-wheeled vehicles, leading to potential damage and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, self-aligning tire health sensor assembly with a magnet assembly and duplex communication module that attaches to the tire's metal cord, includes sensors for pressure, temperature, and vibrations, and features an energy harvester for extended battery life, allowing for automatic reattachment and wireless duplex communication for real-time data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic mounting is used to attach sensor to wheel rim, then sensor can be positioned for monitoring, but assembly requires manual/accurate installation and specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly automatically attaches to the tire via magnetic attraction to the metal wheel rim, eliminating the need for manual assembly tools or specialized installation equipment. The system self-aligns and secures itself through magnetic force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, adhesives) with a magnetic field-based attachment system. This allows the sensor to be mounted without mechanical tools while maintaining secure positioning through magnetic attraction.
2Reliability
If sensor is attached to metal wheel rim, then sensor can be mounted securely, but temperature measurements are affected by wheel rim temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary thermal barrier between the sensor and the metal wheel rim. This intermediate layer or positioning structure prevents direct thermal contact, allowing the sensor to measure tire temperature accurately without being influenced by the wheel rim's thermal characteristics.
3Ease of manufacture
If sensor is fixed in position on wheel rim, then sensor can be installed, but if knocked out of position it cannot re-attach and will bounce around causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment system provides self-correcting functionality. If the sensor assembly becomes dislodged or knocked out of position, the magnetic field automatically draws it back to the wheel rim and holds it in place, eliminating the need for manual repositioning or intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as a preventive measure against sensor displacement. By maintaining continuous magnetic attraction, the system prevents the sensor from becoming completely detached or bouncing around, cushioning against potential damage before it occurs.
4Ease of operation
If free-standing sensor moves freely in tire, then sensor can be installed without tools, but sensor cannot provide reliable temperature information when wheel is stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gravity-dependent positioning (which requires vehicle motion for the rolling ball mechanism to work) with magnetic field-based positioning. The magnetic attraction holds the sensor in place regardless of vehicle motion state, enabling accurate temperature measurements both when stationary and in motion.
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 solution provides a reliable, easy-to-install tire health monitoring system that can withstand impacts, automatically reattach, and transmit data wirelessly, offering comprehensive tire condition monitoring without the need for manual assembly or specialized tools, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet assembly (30) formed at least one magnet, said magnet assembly (30) being arranged at a lower part of said housing (20) and said magnet assembly (30) being arranged for self-aligning/correcting said tire health sensor assembly (10) against a circumferential interior surface of a tire containing metal and for attaching said housing (20) to said tire
Implementation Method 2
at least one pressure sensor for measuring current tire pressure and/or for measuring tire pressure variations
Implementation Method 3
at least one temperature sensor for measuring temperature in a tire
Implementation Method 4
at least one vibration sensor for measuring vibrations in a tire
Implementation Method 5
The housing (20) will further be arranged for accommodating power means in the form of at least one battery or capacitor and/or energy harvester
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Tire health sensor assembly (10) for arrangement in a vehicle tire(100) formed by a housing (20) arranged for accommodating amagnet assembly (30) formed by at least one magnet, a sensor module (40) including at least one tire pressure sensor (42), power means (43) in the form of at least one battery or capacitor and/or energy harvester (47), and a communication module (44) wherein the magnet assembly (30) and sensor module (40) are arranged at lower part of the housing (20) providing the housing (20), and accordingly the tire health sensor assembly (10), with a centre of gravity at lower part of the housing (20) which together with magnetic force of the magnet assembly (30) are arranged to self-align/correct the tire health sensor assembly (10) in relation to an inner circumferential surface of the tire (100), and attachment to a metal cord (101) of the tire (100) or metal wheel of the tire (100).