Step-Adjustable TPMS Sensor Housing with Ratchet Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire pressure monitoring systems face challenges with the installation and reliability of electronic signal housings on vehicle rims due to size variations, heat dissipation issues, and structural instability under centrifugal forces, leading to unreliable and costly solutions.

Innovation Solution

A ratchet-adjustable tire pressure monitoring sensor signal housing assembly with a D block, U-pawl, and spring mechanism, allowing for adjustable rotation angles (5°-35°) and secure attachment using concentric arcs and ratchet teeth, compatible with various rim sizes and types of valves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the electronic signal housing is completely connected to the rim, then the housing is firmly fixed, but friction heat from high-speed rotation is transferred to the housing causing overheating of electronic elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirm fixation of housingVSAvoidheat transfer to housing
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the signal housing and rim is segmented into discrete attachment points (mounting holes) rather than continuous contact. This allows heat dissipation between the housing and rim while maintaining secure fixation at specific locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The signal housing is extracted from direct thermal contact with the rim by creating a thermal break through the mounting structure. The housing is secured mechanically but thermally isolated to prevent heat transfer from the rotating rim to the electronic elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the electronic signal housing is fixed on the rim using steel strips, then the housing is securely attached, but the steel strips are liable to loosening and falling off with vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidresistance to loosening under vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure incorporates pre-designed features (mounting holes, attachment points) that enable secure fixation before vibration occurs. The structure is prepared in advance to resist vibrational forces rather than relying on components that may loosen over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the electronic signal housing is bonded on the rim with glue, then the housing is attached, but the electronic elements may be overheated and the glue adhesion deteriorates after long operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimple attachment methodVSAvoidlong-term adhesion and thermal management
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The chemical bonding method (glue) is replaced with a mechanical attachment system using mounting holes and structural fixation. This provides both secure attachment and thermal management through the mechanical connection design, avoiding the limitations of adhesive bonding under thermal and vibrational stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If one size of electronic signal housing is molded with the tire valve, then the housing is integrated, but the housing and valve cannot be rotated and adjusted for different rim sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrated structureVSAvoidadjustability for different rim sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure incorporates rotational adjustability, allowing the signal housing to be positioned at different angles relative to the tire valve. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same integrated housing to fit different rim sizes and configurations while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The signal housing design incorporates universal mounting features that allow it to adapt to different rim sizes and types. The adjustable mounting mechanism enables one housing design to serve multiple applications across different vehicle types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

5Volume of moving object

If the tire valve with electronic signal housing is made larger to contain monitoring elements and batteries, then the housing can accommodate all components, but it becomes difficult to install on the tire

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing volume for componentsVSAvoidinstallation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic signal housing is nested within or integrated with the existing tire valve structure rather than being a separate external component. This allows the monitoring elements and batteries to be contained within a compact integrated unit that maintains the original valve dimensions and installation characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 enables easy installation, secure attachment, and heat dissipation, ensuring reliable operation across different rim sizes and types, reducing product costs and improving commercial viability.

Implementation Method 1

a spring is in the bottom of the said U-pawl

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a U-pawl and a spring are installed in Slot 3 in the said connecting part, the said spring is in the bottom of the said U-pawl and the top of the said U-pawl is corresponding to the said ratchet teeth of the said D block

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRatchet mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentUS7395702B2Step-adjustable tire pressure monitoring sensor signal housing assembly
Publication Date: 2008.07.08 BAOLONG HUF SHANGHAI ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US7395702B2 patent drawing
  • US7395702B2 patent drawing
  • US7395702B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This present invention discloses a step-adjustable tire pressure monitoring sensor signal housing assembly including a valve and a valve core fixed on a rim, a sensor signal housing which consists of a housing holder and a connecting part, the connecting part has a curve connecting face where a Slot 1 is provided, and a Slot 3 is provided on the housing holder under the connecting part; a D block, which is in D shape and has a flat part and a cylinder part, a Slot 2 is provided in the center of the cylinder part perpendicular to the flat part, some ratchet teeth are provided longitudinally in the cylinder part by the side of a mounting hole; a U-pawl and a spring, which are installed in the Slot 3, the spring is in the bottom of the U-pawl and the top of the U-pawl is corresponding to the ratchet teeth on the D block; and a connector which fixes the sensor signal housing and the D block onto the tire valve through the Slot 1 in the signal housing and the Slot 2 on the D block. This present invention is applicable for all the rims of 5˜35°, and therefore is widely applicable and easy to install.