Vehicle Wheel Electronic Unit Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic units for vehicle wheels face challenges in ensuring a secure and easy assembly of inflation valves and electronic modules, particularly due to the need for specialized tooling and potential imperfect installations, which can impair performance and longevity.
Innovation Solution
The electronic unit features a locking mechanism with transverse notches and a plate latch on the rigid tube, combined with optical tracking using a projecting lug, allowing for verification of proper alignment and locking without requiring specific tooling, ensuring consistent assembly across various rim thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with transverse notches and plate latch is used, then locking security is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into discrete elements: transverse notches positioned at specific locations on the rigid tube, and a plate latch with a locking tooth that engages with these notches. This segmentation allows the mechanism to provide reliable locking while maintaining simplicity through modular, easily manufactured components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-securing through the engagement of the plate latch with the transverse notches. The elastic means automatically position the locking tooth into the appropriate notch without requiring external tools or complex actuation systems, achieving reliable locking through self-service operation.
2Measurement precision
If optical tracking with projecting lug is implemented, then assembly verification precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical tracking system utilizes the projecting lug as a visual reference element that can be observed during assembly. The lug's position relative to the electronic module and rim orifice provides optical verification of correct alignment and assembly precision without requiring complex electronic sensors or measurement instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The projecting lug serves as a self-verifying feature that allows assembly personnel to visually confirm proper installation. The optical tracking capability is inherent in the geometric design of the lug and its relationship to other components, eliminating the need for separate verification devices or complex measurement systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized tooling is used for locking device positioning, then locking precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically position itself through the engagement of the plate latch with the transverse notches. The elastic means provide self-aligning forces that guide the locking tooth into the correct notch without requiring specialized tooling for positioning, achieving both precision and ease of operation through self-service operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse notches act as intermediary elements that mediate between the locking mechanism and the rigid tube. These notches provide predetermined positioning points that ensure locking precision while allowing the plate latch to engage automatically without specialized tooling, thus maintaining ease of operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple locking positions are provided for different rim thicknesses, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid tube is equipped with multiple transverse notches positioned at different longitudinal locations, each corresponding to a specific rim thickness. This segmentation of the locking positions allows the same locking mechanism to adapt to various rim thicknesses without requiring different components or complex adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism with multiple transverse notches serves multiple functions: it provides secure locking for different rim thicknesses using the same plate latch and elastic means. The universal design allows a single locking mechanism to accommodate varying rim specifications by engaging different notches, eliminating the need for multiple specialized locking devices.
Data Source
AI summary
The electronic unit includes an inflation valve adapted to be secured to a wheel rim and including an abutment head against the rim, extending in the continuation of which are a rigid tube, an electronic module mounted in a slidable manner along the tube, and elements for the relative locking in translation of the module along the tube, defining at least two positions of relative locking, each adapted to correspond to a preselected thickness of the rim intended to be equipped with the unit. The module and abutment head include two complementary front faces adapted in order to come into correspondence at a predetermined minimum distance from each other that is identical for all the preselected widths of rims intended to be equipped with the unit. Optical tracking devices are provided to permit verification of whether the distance separating the two complementary front faces corresponds to the predetermined minimum distance.