Tire Changer TPMS Position Verification During Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire mounting and demounting processes rely heavily on operator skill to avoid damage to TPMS sensors and other components, leading to potential human errors, increased time, and disputes over damage responsibility, with existing solutions being costly and requiring frequent updates due to non-standardized frequencies and incomplete documentation of component states.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a vehicle wheel maintenance apparatus with an electric motor, rotation sensor, and control unit to automatically position the wheel such that the TPMS sensor remains at a safe distance from tools and areas of high stress, documenting the correct positioning and stress levels to ensure professional-standard maintenance and optimize logistics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual positioning and visual checking by operator is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but reliability and precision of positioning are reduced due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual checking and mechanical positioning with an optical detection system using cameras and image processing. The system automatically detects TPMS sensor position, valve position, and tool positions through optical fields, substituting human visual inspection with machine vision to achieve higher reliability and precision without significant mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical wheel assembly by capturing images with cameras and processing them to generate a virtual model. This digital copy allows for precise measurement and positioning verification without physically manipulating the actual components, enabling automated decision-making based on accurate positional data
2Measurement precision
If automated detection and positioning systems are implemented, then positioning precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional detection system where a single integrated apparatus performs multiple tasks: detecting TPMS sensor position, valve position, tool positions, and verifying correct positioning all through one unified system. This universal approach consolidates multiple detection functions into one device, improving measurement precision while managing overall system complexity through integration rather than separate specialized systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically processes detected images and makes positioning decisions without requiring external intervention. The image processing unit autonomously analyzes the captured images, determines positions, and controls the positioning mechanism, enabling the system to serve itself and reducing the need for complex external control systems
3Loss of information
If comprehensive verification and documentation systems are used, then dispute resolution capability is improved, but loss of time in documentation and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated documentation throughout the positioning verification process. Instead of separate documentation steps, the system continuously captures images, processes them, and records verification data in real-time as positioning occurs. This continuous action ensures complete documentation without adding separate time-consuming documentation phases
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and verification before the actual positioning operation. By pre-identifying TPMS sensor position, valve position, and potential conflicts in advance, the system prepares complete verification data beforehand, eliminating the need for post-positioning documentation and reducing overall processing time
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 ensures accurate and efficient tire mounting/demounting operations, minimizing damage risks, reducing operator dependency, and providing comprehensive documentation to resolve disputes and improve logistics management.
Implementation Method 1
said apparatus comprising an electric motor for putting the rotary support into rotation and at least one tool for demounting a tire from the rim or for mounting the tire on the rim
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for mounting a tire on a wheel rim and/or for removing a tire from a vehicle wheel rim. Such an apparatus is usually known as a tire changer. The tire changer of the present invention is capable of verifying that the position of the inflation valve and/or of the TPMS sensor of the wheel, relative to the position of the portions of tire most subject to stresses and/or relative to the position of the mounting/demounting tools, as well as the intensity of such stresses, lie within ranges defined as acceptable. The result of such verifications is then made available via a suitable report document.