Tire Valve Fixing Element for Electronic Unit Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 'snap-in' tire inflation valves are limited by small volume for electronic units, subject to stress, and require complex mounting processes, making them unsuitable for high-speed applications and increasing costs.

Innovation Solution

A fixing element with an interface piece, housing, and attachment piece that allows easy and cost-effective mounting of electronic units on 'clamp-in' valves, merging air-tightness and fixing functions, and featuring multiple bearing parts and a stiffening rod to manage stress and sealing effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a snap-in valve is used to fix an electronic unit inside a tire, then the assembly is compact, but the electronic unit undergoes considerable stress and is at risk of destruction during mounting and removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume for electronic unitVSAvoidrisk of destroying electronic unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the electronic unit from the valve assembly by introducing a detachable fixing element. The electronic unit is mounted on a fixing element that can be independently attached to or removed from the valve, allowing the electronic unit to be secured in a stable position away from the stress points of the valve mechanism, thereby reducing stress and destruction risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing element acts as an intermediary component between the valve and the electronic unit. It provides a dedicated mounting interface that isolates the electronic unit from the mechanical stresses experienced by the valve during mounting and removal operations, protecting the electronic unit while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If a snap-in valve is used, then the assembly is compact, but it is limited to low inflation pressures and certain rim thicknesses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume for electronic unitVSAvoidsuitability for high-speed applications

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element is designed with universal adaptability to work with different valve types (snap-in and clamp-in), various rim profiles, and multiple inflation pressure ranges. By providing a standardized interface that can accommodate different mounting scenarios, the electronic unit becomes suitable for diverse applications including high-speed vehicles without requiring redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an electronic unit is fixed on a clamp-in valve with a ball-and-socket joint, then the sensor can be adapted to various rim profiles, but an extra screwing operation is required increasing mounting complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to rim profilesVSAvoidmounting process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the adaptation function and the fixing function into a single integrated fixing element. The fixing element incorporates both the ball-and-socket joint mechanism for adapting to various rim profiles and the mounting interface for securing the electronic unit, eliminating the need for separate screwing operations and reducing overall mounting complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing element is designed to automatically adapt to different rim profiles through its ball-and-socket mechanism without requiring manual adjustment or additional fastening operations. The self-adjusting nature of the mechanism allows the electronic unit to be securely mounted while accommodating various rim geometries, simplifying the mounting process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If a support with an articulated contact wall is used to fix the sensor, then the sensor is positioned close to the rim without manual adjustment, but the support must be fixed onto the valve by a screw increasing complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic positioning of sensorVSAvoidnumber of fixing pieces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the support structure with the fixing element into a single integrated component. The articulated contact wall mechanism is incorporated directly into the fixing element, eliminating the need for separate support pieces and screws. This integration maintains the automatic positioning capability while reducing the number of components and simplifying the mounting process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8776850B2Tire valve fixing element

Publication Date: 2014.07.15 MICHELIN RECH & TECH SA

AI summary

A fixing element (470) that enables an electronic unit (440) to be fixed on the inside of a tire-wheel assembly, on the tubular insert (433) of an inflation valve (430) of the tire-wheel assembly, the fixing element comprising: an interface piece (471) comprising means to establish a connection with the tubular insert of the valve and a housing (488) for a seal (460); at least one container (473) holding or designed to hold the electronic unit; and at least one attachment piece (472) that enables elastic coupling between the interface piece and the container. A method for mounting an electronic unit (440) on a tire-wheel assembly is also disclosed.