Sensing Sealant Container with Co-moulded Conductive Tracks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensing sealant liquid containers lack flexibility in positioning electrical interface terminals, which can hinder proper connection and activation of the compressor in tire repair kits.

Innovation Solution

A sensing sealant liquid container with co-moulded conductive tracks on the inner volume elements allows for flexible positioning of electrical terminals, enabling secure connection and simplified visual inspection, and the cover ensures correct angular positioning for electrical coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If electrical interface terminals are arranged in close proximity to a retention clip holding the container at the base of the kit, then the connection structure is simplified, but the positioning flexibility of the terminals is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection structureVSAvoidterminal positioning flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical electrical terminals with conductive tracks integrated into the container wall. These conductive tracks are formed by depositing conductive material (such as silver paint or conductive polymer) directly onto the container surface, eliminating the need for separate mechanical terminal components and their associated mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive tracks are protected by an insulating layer (such as paint or coating) that is applied over the conductive material. This protective layer isolates the conductive tracks from the sealant liquid and external environment, preventing short circuits while maintaining the electrical conductivity function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Ease of manufacture

If electrical interface terminals are positioned in a lower area of the container, then the connection to the base is simplified, but the geometric flexibility of the container is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection to baseVSAvoidgeometric flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection system is segmented into multiple independent conductive tracks that can be positioned independently on the container surface. This allows the container to maintain its geometric flexibility and shape while still providing electrical connection points at various locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing rigid mechanical terminals with flexible conductive tracks deposited directly on the container surface, the container's geometric flexibility is preserved. The conductive tracks can accommodate various container shapes and orientations without requiring specific structural features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11279101B2Sensing sealant liquid container and inflatable article repair kit comprising the same

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 TEK GLOBAL SRL

AI summary

A sensing sealant liquid container for repairing an inflatable article, preferably a tyre, comprises a first portion produced by injection moulding and a second portion produced by injection moulding, the first and the second portion being connected to each other to delimit a volume inside which a sealant liquid is retained, an outlet tube for the sealant liquid when the container is pressurized and a sensor for verifying the functional connection of the tube to the inflatable article, and at least one track electrically connected to the sensor and co-moulded on one of the first and the second portion, the track defining a contact releasable electrical connection.