Self-Pierce Rivet Rim Mounting for Tire Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing tire-based units in tire condition sensing systems, such as using straps, adhesives, or rivets, face issues like strap slippage, adhesive degradation, and air leaks through rivet holes, which affect the balance and reliability of tire monitoring systems.
Innovation Solution
The method employs a self-pierce rivet to secure a mounting bracket to the rim by piercing and deep drawing the rim material, eliminating the need for penetrating holes and special surface preparation, and allowing for secure attachment of the tire-based unit without air leaks or slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rivets are used to secure the mounting bracket to the rim, then the mounting bracket is firmly attached to the rim, but air leaks occur through the rivet holes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful feature of hole penetration from the traditional riveting process. The self-pierce rivet is designed to deform and expand within the rim material without creating a through-hole, thereby eliminating the air leak pathway while maintaining the secure attachment function
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of material disruption into a beneficial cold-forming process. The self-pierce rivet utilizes the rim material itself to form a secure attachment through controlled deformation and expansion, transforming what could be a harmful penetration into a beneficial mechanical interlock without air leaks
2Object-generated harmful factors
If adhesives are used to secure the tire-based unit to the rim, then no holes are needed in the rim, but the adhesive degrades over time under tire temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the chemical bonding mechanism of adhesives with a mechanical fastening system using self-pierce rivets. This mechanical solution provides superior temperature resistance and long-term reliability compared to adhesive bonding, while still avoiding the air leak issue through the non-penetrating rivet design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the attachment mechanism from chemical (adhesive) to mechanical (rivet), and changes the rivet installation method from hot-process to cold-forming. These parameter changes result in a system that maintains structural integrity and reliability under high tire temperatures without the degradation issues of adhesives
3Ease of operation
If straps are used to secure the tire-based unit to the rim, then installation is simple, but the strap slips relative to the rim affecting tire balance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the strap component entirely from the securing system and replaces it with a rigid mounting bracket attached via self-pierce rivets. This eliminates the slippage issue that compromises tire balance while maintaining ease of installation through the standardized riveting process
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a flexible strap that relies on friction to prevent slippage, the invention inverts the approach by using a rigid mechanical connection that positively locks the mounting bracket to the rim. This inversion transforms the problem of strap slippage into a solution of positive mechanical engagement
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
This solution provides a reliable and balanced attachment of tire-based units to the rim, preventing air leaks and maintaining system integrity over time, while allowing for secure and efficient installation without the drawbacks of previous methods.
Implementation Method 1
pressing the self-pierce rivet against the mounting bracket and toward the female mold portion of the press, so as to pierce a portion of the mounting bracket and to deep draw a portion of the rim into the female mold portion
Data Source
AI summary
A method of securing a tire-based unit (24) of a tire condition sensing system (12) to a rim (60) and an associated apparatus (62) are provided. The method comprising the steps of: positioning a mounting bracket (124) on the rim (60); positioning a self-pierce rivet (140, 200) against the mounting bracket (124), so that a portion of the mounting bracket (124) is interposed between the self-pierce rivet (140, 200) and the rim (60); pressing the self-pierce rivet (140, 200) against the mounting bracket (124) and toward the female mold portion of the press, so as to pierce a portion of the mounting bracket and to deep draw a portion of the rim into the female mold portion to secure the mounting bracket relative to the rim; removing the rim and secured mounting bracket from the press; and attaching the tire-based unit (24) to the mounting bracket (124).