Tire Pressure Sensor Corrosion Protection via Segmented Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tire pressure sensors used in off-road pneumatic tires are prone to corrosion due to corrosive liquids and gases, leading to sensor failure, as existing protective measures like filters allow corrosive gases to reach the electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A tire pressure sensor with a housing made of gas and liquid impermeable materials, featuring a flexible membrane and epoxy encapsulation of electronic components, along with a control and processing unit for calibration and signal adjustment, to protect against corrosion and maintain accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the housing is made gas and liquid impermeable to protect components, then corrosion is prevented, but pressure information cannot reach the transducer
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into distinct functional zones: an outer corrosion-protection zone with impermeable materials, an intermediate zone with desiccant material for moisture absorption, and an inner sensing zone where pressure is transmitted. This segmentation allows the housing to simultaneously provide corrosion protection and pressure transmission by dividing the structure into specialized sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible membranes or diaphragms that are both corrosion-resistant and pressure-transmissive. These thin film structures allow pressure information to pass through while maintaining the protective barrier against corrosive substances. The flexible nature of these films ensures accurate pressure transmission without compromising the protective enclosure.
2Ease of operation
If electronic components are exposed to corrosive chemicals for mounting facilitation, then tire installation is easier, but sensor components corrode and fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the corrosive chemical treatment from the sensor components themselves and relocates it only to the external tire surface or mounting interface. The sensor housing and internal electronics are completely isolated from corrosive chemicals through impermeable barriers and protective coatings, allowing the tire to be treated for easy mounting while the sensor remains chemically protected.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing creates an inert or chemically neutral environment for the electronic components, completely isolating them from corrosive chemicals present in the tire mounting process. This is achieved through gas-impermeable materials and sealing mechanisms that prevent chemical ingress, effectively creating a protective atmosphere around the sensitive electronics during and after installation.
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 effectively prevents corrosion and maintains the accuracy of tire pressure readings over time, extending the operational life of the sensor and ensuring reliable pressure monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible membrane that is impermeable to gases and liquids so as to protect the pressure transducer from corrosive gases and liquids present in the tire interior
Implementation Method 2
The sensor's electronic components and circuitry are encapsulated in epoxy to protect against corrosion
Implementation Method 3
housing made of gas and liquid impermeable materials, featuring a flexible membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A tire pressure sensor is provided having a housing, a pressure transducer within the housing electronically coupled to a transmitter, a battery within the housing connected to deliver electrical power to the pressure transducer and to the transmitter, and a pressurized compartment within the housing bounded at least partially by a flexible membrane. A first conduit extends from the pressure transducer to the compartment. An inlet port extends through the housing to allow pressurized air within the tire to contact the membrane. In particular embodiments, the pressure transducer, transmitter and battery are rubber coated and encapsulated with epoxy.