Tire Sensor Installation Tool with Curved Prongs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and removal of tire pressure sensors from elastic containers can be cumbersome and time-consuming, and may damage the container material, especially when no specific tool apparatus is used.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a plurality of movably supported longitudinal prongs that expand to engage the top lip of the elastic container, allowing for the installation or removal of electronic components without damaging the container, featuring curved engagement surfaces that face at an angle to provide a smooth and reliable contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual installation and removal methods are used without specific tool apparatus, then the process is simple and requires no additional tools, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an expansion device as an intermediary tool between the operator and the elastic container. This device includes multiple prongs that can be inserted into the container and expanded to engage with the top lip, providing mechanical assistance for sensor installation and removal without requiring complex manual manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion device employs movable prongs that can transition between a compressed state (for insertion) and an expanded state (for engagement). This dynamic mechanism allows the tool to adapt to the container geometry and provide controlled expansion force, making the installation and removal process more efficient
2Device complexity
If manual installation and removal methods are used without specific tool apparatus, then no additional tools are required, but the container material may be damaged due to excess stress
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion device distributes the expansion force across multiple prongs that engage with different locations of the top lip simultaneously. This localized distribution of force prevents excessive stress concentration at any single point, thereby avoiding damage to the elastic container material while still achieving sufficient expansion for sensor installation
Solution Approach 2:
The prongs are designed to be movable and expandable, allowing the operator to control the expansion force dynamically. The prongs can be inserted in a compressed state and then expanded gradually to the required degree, providing controlled stress application that prevents container damage
3Productivity
If the prongs expand to engage the top lip of the container, then the electronic component can be installed or removed efficiently, but wear on the prongs may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The prong tips are designed with curved engagement surfaces that contact the top lip of the container. This curved geometry distributes the contact force over a larger area and allows for smoother engagement and disengagement, reducing point-load wear on the prongs while maintaining efficient installation and removal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement surfaces of theprongs are designed with specific curvature parameters that optimize the contact mechanics. By adjusting the curvature radius and contact angle, the design minimizes friction and wear during the expansion and contraction cycles, thereby extending the service life of theprongs
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An apparatus (14) for installation and removal of electronic components (10) for a tire comprises an expansion device (16) having a plurality of movably supported longitudinal prongs (18), wherein the expansion device (16) is adapted for moving at least a part of the plurality of prongs (18) between a neutral position with a least distance between the prongs (18) and at least one expansion position with a distance between the prongs (18) exceeding the least distance. The prongs (18) comprise prong tips (20), which each comprise a curved engagement surface (22), wherein each prong is adapted for engaging an exposed top lip (8) of an elastic container (2), in which the electronic component (10) is storable. The expansion device (16) is adapted for moving at least a part of the plurality of prongs (18) to an expansion position with the engagement surfaces (22) engaging the top lip (8) of the container (2), in which expansion position the top lip (8) is expanded.