TPMS Valve Stem Elastic Mechanism for Rim Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current TPMS wheel units with valve stems face installation challenges due to bulb elongation, leading to increased forces and torques, which can result in valve stem deformation and reduced maximum safe vehicle operating speed, and existing solutions either create a gap that moves the unit away from the rim or complicate the installation process.
Innovation Solution
The TPMS wheel unit is coupled to the valve stem using an elastic mechanism with an inner and outer tubular member, allowing the bulb to lengthen and accommodate the valve stem's elongation during installation, ensuring proper sealing and retention without compromising the unit's proximity to the rim.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve stem bulb is pushed through the valve hole during installation, then the valve stem achieves proper sealing and retention, but the bulb elongates causing increased forces and torques that can deform the valve stem
Solution Approach 1:
The valve stem is divided into a rigid tubular member and a separate bulb component. The rigid member provides structural strength and resists deformation, while the bulb provides sealing functionality. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A retainer component acts as an intermediary between the bulb and the rigid tubular member. The retainer maintains proper spacing and alignment, distributing forces during installation to prevent bulb elongation while ensuring the bulb achieves proper sealing against the rim.
2Reliability
If a gap is created between the valve stem bulb and TPMS wheel unit, then installation damage is reduced, but the unit moves away from the rim reducing dynamic performance
Solution Approach 1:
The valve stem assembly incorporates flexible or elastomeric components that allow controlled movement and compression during installation. These dynamic elements absorb installation forces without creating permanent gaps, maintaining both protection during installation and proper positioning during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the bulb or connecting components to change physical parameters (compression, elongation) during installation to absorb forces, then maintains a fixed, optimized position during vehicle operation. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to installation stresses while preserving dynamic performance characteristics.
3Speed
If the TPMS wheel unit is attached close to the rim, then dynamic performance is improved, but the valve stem bulb cannot elongate during installation causing installation damage
Solution Approach 1:
The bulb is nested within or alongside the rigid tubular member during installation, allowing the bulb to elongate into the space provided by the nested configuration. After installation, the nested components maintain a compact arrangement that keeps the TPMS unit close to the rim for optimal dynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The design provides elongation space for the bulb in a dimension perpendicular to the final operating position. During installation, the bulb can elongate in this alternative dimension, then the assembly is positioned to achieve the desired compact configuration with the TPMS unit close to the rim.
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
This solution allows for a secure and efficient installation of the TPMS wheel unit close to the rim, reducing the risk of deformation and dislocation, thereby maintaining better dynamic performance and extending the maximum safe vehicle operating speed.
Implementation Method 1
The TPMS wheel unit is coupled to the valve stem using an elastic mechanism with an inner and outer tubular member, allowing the bulb to lengthen and accommodate the valve stem's elongation during installation
Implementation Method 2
As the diameter of the valve stem bulb decreases, the length of the valve stem bulb increases, for example due to the Poisson effect
Data Source
AI summary
A valve stem for coupling a TPMS wheel unit to a wheel rim, TPMS wheel unit and valve stem assembly and installation thereof are disclosed. The valve stem comprises a bulb, an inner tubular member, and an outer tubular member; the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member being fixedly attached to the bulb.