Tire Thermocouple Lead Shielding via Patch Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire temperature measurement methods using thermocouples face significant cyclic stress issues due to rotation, leading to fatigue and distorted measurements, as the conductive leads are exposed and subjected to strong stresses at the interface with the tire surface.
Innovation Solution
A tire temperature measurement apparatus and method that encloses the thermocouple conductive leads within a patch of similar material to the tire at the interface where they exit the surface, reducing cyclic stress and incorporating a temperature measurement circuit with a reference junction to compensate for signal distortions from dissimilar metal junctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thermocouple conductive leads are exposed at the tire surface interface, then the temperature measurement can be implemented, but the cyclic stress during tire rotation causes fatigue and distorted measurements
Solution Approach 1:
A patch material is introduced as an intermediary between the thermocouple conductive leads and the external environment. This patch material surrounds and protects the conductive leads at the interface where they exit the tire surface, acting as a mediator that reduces cyclic stress concentration while allowing the leads to function for temperature measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch material functions as a flexible protective shell that envelops the conductive leads. This flexible structure accommodates the dynamic conditions at the tire surface interface during rotation, reducing stress on the leads while maintaining their functionality for signal transmission.
2Reliability
If a patch material is introduced to protect the conductive leads, then cyclic stress is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patch material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the conductive leads from cyclic stress, provides structural support at the interface, and maintains the electrical connection integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate protective components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 reduces fatigue and distortion in temperature measurements by shielding the conductive leads within the patch, providing accurate and reliable tire temperature readings while extending the lifespan of the thermocouple.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage produced by the junction of the two conductive leads is directly proportional to the temperature at the junction according to the well known Seebeck effect
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus and method for tire temperature measurement is disclosed. The apparatus includes a thermocouple having a measurement junction and a pair of first and second conductive leads. The measurement junction is mounted in a passage provided in the tire. The pair of first and second conductive leads extend through the passage in the tire and exit the tire at an interface. A patch is mounted to the tire at the interface. The pair of first and second conductive leads extend from the interface into a passage provided in the patch. The first and second conductive leads are surrounded by the patch at the interface where the first and second conductive leads exit the surface of the tire.