TPMS Valve Module Housing With Elastomer Ring Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are costly due to expensive sealing methods and are difficult to repair or recycle, leading to environmental issues and high replacement costs, especially since the battery requires special recycling.
Innovation Solution
A tire device with an elastomer body and electronic module housing made of snap-fitting half-shells, where an elastic ring surrounds the parting line between the half-shells, providing a cheap, easily maintainable, and recyclable solution by using the elastomer to hold and protect the electronic module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sealing methods (gaskets, screws, rivets, welding, or gluing) are used to assemble the housing half-shells, then fluidtightness is ensured, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastomeric sealing element (a flexible membrane or diaphragm) to seal the housing. This flexible element is integrated into the valve body and deflects under pressure to maintain the seal between the two half-shells, eliminating the need for traditional rigid sealing methods while ensuring fluidtightness and reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is divided into two separate half-shells that can be assembled independently. The elastomeric sealing element is integrated into one half-shell, allowing the other half-shell to be attached without complex sealing procedures. This segmentation enables simpler manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the seal
2Reliability
If traditional sealed housing assemblies are used, then fluidtightness is ensured, but repairability and recyclability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed as two separable half-shells connected by the elastomeric sealing element. This segmentation allows the housing to be easily disassembled for repair or recycling by simply separating the half-shells, unlike traditional welded or glued seals that require destructive methods to open
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric sealing element can be reused when the housing is disassembled for repair or recycling. The flexible nature of the element allows it to maintain its sealing properties after repeated assembly and disassembly cycles, enabling recovery and reuse of components
3Strength
If additional fastening components (screws, rivets, clips) are used to attach the housing to the valve, then mechanical strength is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sealing element is integrated directly into the valve body structure, combining the sealing function and the attachment function into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate fastening components while maintaining both the seal and the mechanical connection between the housing and valve
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric sealing element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the joint between half-shells, provides mechanical attachment of the housing to the valve, and compensates for manufacturing tolerances. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed
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 reduces manufacturing and assembly costs, allows for easy maintenance and recycling, and eliminates the need for additional fastening components, ensuring fluidtightness and protecting the electronic components while simplifying the assembly and repair process.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic ring connected to the internal shoulder of the body, receiving the housing of the electronic module therein to hold same, surrounding the parting line between the half-shells thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A device for a motor vehicle tire including an inflation valve comprising an elastomer body (2) having an internal shoulder (6) coming to bear in the tire on a rim edge, and including an electronic module of a system for monitoring pressure inside the tire that is disposed in a housing (12) made of two half-shells assembled along a parting line, the valve including an elastic ring (14) connected to the internal shoulder of the body (6), receiving the housing (12) of the electronic module therein to hold same, surrounding the parting line between the half-shells thereof.