Tire Sensor Installation Tool With Indexed Push Rod Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for installing sensors in tires lack an indexing feature for proper sensor orientation, and their design limits the use of materials and manufacturing methods, making them difficult to use and manufacture effectively.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a housing with inwardly biased fingers and a push rod with an indexing feature, allowing the sensor to be correctly oriented and inserted into the tire container by expanding the container with the fingers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fingers are used to open the container, then the container can be opened effectively, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple fingers that can move independently relative to each other. Each finger is a separate component that can be actuated individually or collectively to open the container, allowing the system to maintain reliability while reducing overall complexity compared to a monolithic structure
Solution Approach 2:
The fingers are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their positions to open the container. The fingers can move from a closed position to an open position, providing the necessary flexibility to effectively open the container without requiring a complex fixed mechanism
2Reliability
If multiple materials are used for the fingers and housing, then the functional requirements are met, but the manufacturing methods are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The housing and fingers are designed to be made from the same material, eliminating the need for multiple material types. This homogeneity allows for simplified manufacturing processes such as injection molding or 3D printing of the entire assembly as a single material type, while still meeting functional requirements through proper geometric design
Solution Approach 2:
The housing and fingers are combined into an integrally formed single piece structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate manufacturing of multiple components and materials, allowing the entire assembly to be produced using a single manufacturing process and material type, thereby improving manufacturing flexibility
3Device complexity
If no indexing feature is provided, then the device is simpler, but the sensor orientation cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
An indexing feature in the form of a tooth or asymmetric element is provided on the push rod. This asymmetric feature engages with a corresponding feature on the housing or sensor, ensuring that the sensor is oriented in the correct position during installation. The asymmetric design provides a unique orientation that cannot be confused with other positions, ensuring manufacturing precision without significantly increasing overall device complexity
4Ease of operation
If the fingers are made separate from the housing, then they can be made of flexible material, but the device requires multiple parts and manufacturing methods
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with local flexibility at the finger regions while maintaining overall structural rigidity. The fingers are formed as integral parts of the housing but with different local properties - the finger portions are made flexible to allow opening motion, while the main housing body remains rigid for structural support. This local quality differentiation achieves the desired flexibility without requiring separate parts
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 enables accurate sensor orientation, simplifies the installation process, and allows for the use of fewer materials and manufacturing methods, improving flexibility and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
A tire sensor install tool includes a housing and a push rod. The housing includes a housing base and a first finger and a second finger that extend from the housing base. The first and second fingers are biased inwards towards an axis
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for installing a sensor into a tire is provided that has a housing with a housing base that defines a housing base opening with an axis. A first finger extends from the housing base so as to extend both away from the housing base in the axial direction and towards the axis upon initial extension from the housing base and is located towards the axis without external force applied to the first finger. The housing also has a second finger that extends from the housing base. Also included is a push rod with a push rod base and a rod that extends from the push rod base. The rod has an operative end configured for engagement with the sensor. The rod is configured for moving through the housing base opening such that the operative end is configured for moving through the housing base opening.