TPM Sensor Mounting Tool Cam Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire pressure monitoring (TPM) sensor mounting tools are complex, fragile, and require significant maintenance, leading to increased downtime and costs due to frequent breakages, especially when inserting the sensor's rubber valve stem into the rim hole.
Innovation Solution
A TPM sensor mounting tool that facilitates easy attachment of the sensor to the tire rim with a single user motion, using a push pin mechanism to move a roll pin and secure the sensor through the rim opening, reducing the number of components and maintenance needs, and decoupling wheel rotation from sensor translation to minimize stress and breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex mounting tool is used to insert TPM sensor valve stem into rim hole, then the sensor can be securely mounted, but the tool becomes fragile and requires frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting tool is divided into distinct functional modules: a sensor holding section that secures the TPM sensor, a push pin mechanism for inserting the valve stem, and a lever for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance by isolating wear-prone elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to pull the sensor through the rim hole, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple push pin mechanism that pushes the valve stem through the hole from the outside, reversing the traditional insertion direction and dramatically simplifying the tool design.
2Manufacturing precision
If a complex mounting tool with multiple components is used, then the sensor insertion can be controlled precisely, but the tool experiences frequent breakages and requires maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The push pin mechanism combines the functions of sensor positioning, valve stem alignment, and insertion force application into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates multiple separate parts that would otherwise require assembly and maintenance, while still achieving precise sensor insertion through the rim hole.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever-actuated push pin mechanism is designed to be self-regulating, where the lever's mechanical advantage automatically provides the necessary insertion force without requiring complex control systems or multiple adjustment mechanisms, reducing both complexity and maintenance needs.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting tools are used, then the sensor can be installed, but significant downtime occurs due to tool maintenance and breakages
Solution Approach 1:
The push pin is designed as a simple, replaceable component that can be quickly swapped if worn or damaged, rather than being part of a complex, expensive mechanism. This disposable approach to wear-prone parts minimizes downtime by allowing rapid replacement without tool disassembly or specialized maintenance procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve stem insertion function is extracted as a separate, simple push pin mechanism that operates independently from the sensor holding and positioning systems. This extraction allows the insertion component to be optimized for simplicity and rapid replacement, reducing overall tool maintenance time.
4Device complexity
If wheel rotation is coupled with sensor translation in the mounting tool, then the mechanism can be compact, but stress and breakage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel rotation function is extracted and decoupled from the sensor translation mechanism. The wheels serve only for tool handling and positioning, while the push pin mechanism independently handles sensor insertion through linear actuation by the lever, eliminating stress transmission between rotational and translational motions.
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 tool enables quick and robust sensor insertion with reduced maintenance demands, decreased downtime, and cost savings by simplifying the mounting process and minimizing stress on internal components.
Implementation Method 1
a cam selectively coupled to the lever; and a push pin selectively coupled to the cam, wherein the cam translates the rotational movement of the lever into a liner or translational movement of the push pin
Data Source
AI summary
A tool is configured to install a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) sensor in a tire rim of a vehicle tire. The tool includes a lever having a rotational movement about a rotational axis; a cam selectively coupled to the lever; and a push pin selectively coupled to the cam. The cam translates the rotational movement of the lever into a liner or translational movement of the push pin. The linear or translational movement is effective to impact or move a roll pin of a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) sensor disposed at the tool, such that portions of the TPM sensor or pushed through an opening in a tire rim.