Reusable Tire Valve Clamping Element for Pressure Sensor Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire pressure monitoring systems are economically and ecologically disadvantageous due to disposable union nuts that cannot be reused, and they lack a simple and cost-effective design for reliable installation.

Innovation Solution

A tire pressure monitoring system featuring an elastically deformable clamping element that clamps the valve stem within the union nut, allowing for multiple uses and improving the system's stability at higher vehicle speeds by shifting the center of gravity outward.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a union nut with a predetermined breaking point is used to secure the tire pressure sensor, then the sensor can be firmly fixed to the rim, but the union nut becomes disposable and cannot be reused, increasing costs and waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirm fixation of sensorVSAvoidreusability of union nut
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical property parameter of the clamping element from brittle (predetermined breaking point) to elastically deformable. The clamping element is designed with elastic material properties that allow it to deform under assembly torque and then maintain a secure clamping force, enabling the union nut to be reused multiple times while still achieving reliable fixation of the sensor to the rim.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the union nut is designed to be reusable with an elastic clamping element, then component versatility and cost-effectiveness improve, but the complexity of the union nut structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereusability of componentsVSAvoidstructure of union nut
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the union nut into distinct functional components: the union nut body, the elastically deformable clamping element, and the sensor fixing mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall design more manageable and easier to manufacture despite the increased functionality. The clamping element can be a separate insert or integrated component with defined elastic properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the clamping element is made elastically deformable to enable rotation release, then the assembly process becomes simpler and components can be reused, but the precision of the clamping connection may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidclamping connection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the clamping element by designing it to be elastically deformable rather than rigid. The clamping element transitions from a rigid, precision-machined component to a dynamic element that can deform elastically during assembly and then maintain a stable clamping force. This dynamic approach simplifies the assembly process by allowing automatic release at the predetermined torque while maintaining sufficient clamping precision through the elastic recovery of the material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system enables reliable and cost-effective installation with reusable components, enhancing the technical characteristics at higher speeds and reducing the risk of the clamping connection becoming loose, while also increasing the service life of the threaded connection.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastically deformable clamping element (18) which connects the tire valve (4) to the union nut (14) in a rotationally fixed manner up to a predetermined assembly torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

clamps the valve stem of the tire valve and forms a rotationally fixed connection with the union nut (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3138703B1Tyre pressure control system for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 HUF BAOLONG ELECTRONICS BRETTEN GMBH
  • EP3138703B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3138703B1 patent drawingFigure 5~10
  • EP3138703B1 patent drawingFigure 11~19

AI summary

A tire pressure monitoring system for a vehicle for determining tire-specific parameters, comprising a tire pressure sensor attachable to a rim of a pneumatic tire of the vehicle, a tire valve (4) having a valve stem with a longitudinally extending valve bore (9), a screw element which connects the tire pressure sensor and the tire valve (4) at its valve base by engaging in the valve bore (9), and a cap nut (14) serving to fix the tire valve (4) to the rim, wherein at least one elastically deformable clamping element (18) is arranged within the cap nut (14) which clamps a threadless section of the valve stem, the cap nut (14) and the valve stem are rotationally fixed to one another via the at least one clamping element (18) up to a predetermined assembly torque, and upon exceeding the predetermined assembly torque, the at least one clamping element (18) deforms elastically in such a manner thatthat the union nut (14) is rotatable relative to the valve stem.