Tire Pressure Monitor Snap-Fit Attachment Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire-pressure-monitoring systems (TPMS) face challenges in durability and cost due to the use of fasteners and materials that are not optimized for rotational stress, which affects the accuracy and longevity of tire pressure monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A tire-pressure-monitoring system design featuring a flexible member with a stem and bulb, a metal tube, and an attachment member that is integral and snap-fits onto the wheel rim without fasteners, reducing centrifugal pressure and allowing for the use of less expensive materials, while incorporating a TPMS sensor for wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fasteners and traditional materials are used in TPMS, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, attaches the flexible member to the wheel rim, and eliminates the need for separate fasteners. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining structural strength through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes fasteners from the TPMS assembly, extracting the unnecessary component that added complexity. The attachment member is designed to function without traditional fasteners, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining secure attachment to the wheel rim.
2Strength
If fasteners and traditional materials are used in TPMS, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple components into a single attachment member, the invention reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried. This integration lowers manufacturing costs through simplified production processes and reduced assembly operations while maintaining necessary structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal of fasteners eliminates the need to manufacture, source, and assemble separate fastening components. The attachment member is designed as a standalone component that achieves secure attachment without additional fasteners, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the TPMS is designed with multiple components, then assembly flexibility is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment member consolidates multiple assembly functions into a single component that can be installed as one unit. This integration reduces the number of assembly steps and fastening operations required, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining the flexibility needed for proper installation.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional TPMS components are used, then initial manufacturing cost is reduced, but durability under rotational stress decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated attachment member design distributes rotational stresses across a unified structure rather than concentrating forces at fastener connection points. This unified structure enhances durability by eliminating weak points where fasteners could fail under repeated rotational loading, while the design remains cost-effective through component reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
A tire-pressure-monitoring system includes a flexible member including a stem and a bulb, a metal tube disposed coaxially in the stem, an attachment member, and a sensor housing fixed to the attachment member. The bulb includes an outer circumferential surface including a groove. The attachment member is adjacent the outer circumferential surface and includes a rib positioned in the groove.