Wheel Fastener Alarm Sensor Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wheel fastener locks can be circumvented by thieves breaking the wheel fastener off the wheel stud, necessitating an improved solution to prevent unauthorized removal and theft.

Innovation Solution

A wheel fastener alarm system comprising a nut body with a cavity and internal thread, a cap, a non-metallic cover, and a sensor array that detects attributes such as the position or movement of the wheel stud, generating signals to activate a vehicle's alarm system and potentially alert a remote location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional wheel fastener locks are used, then wheel theft prevention is provided, but thieves can circumvent by breaking the fastener off with a strike bar

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel theft preventionVSAvoidresistance to breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical wheel fastener lock with an integrated sensor system that detects mechanical attacks (such as strike bar attempts) and triggers electronic alarms. The sensor array monitors for abnormal vibrations, impacts, or removal attempts, transforming the defense from passive mechanical strength to active electronic detection and response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a special tool is required to remove the wheel fastener, then unauthorized removal is prevented, but legitimate removal becomes less convenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunauthorized removal preventionVSAvoidwheel removal convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to detect removal attempts and provides feedback through alarm signals (visual and audible) to alert the vehicle owner or authorities. This feedback mechanism allows the fastener to remain easily removable with standard tools while still providing security through active monitoring and warning, rather than requiring special tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If sensor arrays and electronic components are added to the wheel fastener, then detection and alarm capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattack detection capabilityVSAvoidfastener structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple sensor types (vibration, impact, proximity) and electronic components (processors, transmitters, power supplies) into a single compact unit housed within the wheel fastener nut. This merging approach consolidates the complex functionality into one integrated component rather than separate parts, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining advanced detection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11034329B2Wheel fastener alarm

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 MACLEAN FOGG CO

AI summary

A wheel fastener alarm is provided with a fastener body, a cap covering the fastener body, a sensor array disposed within the fastener body, and a cover disposed over an opening in the fastener body and a hole in the cap.