Wheel Nut Tightness Detection System for Vehicle Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current detection systems for wheel nut loosening and wheel assembly integrity issues are inadequate, leading to potential catastrophic failures, and existing cargo security systems relying on GPS are insufficient for monitoring unauthorized vehicle use.

Innovation Solution

A detection system comprising sensors and a control module that monitors wheel nut tightness and attachment integrity in real-time, providing alerts and transmitting data to a monitoring service, and a cargo security system using sensing devices to verify authorized vehicle operation through an authorization code and operator code comparison.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical barriers such as wheel guards and safety of wheel bolts are used to prevent wheel assembly separation, then wheel assembly integrity is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate due to structural modifications and additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel assembly integrityVSAvoidstructural modifications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical prevention systems (physical barriers, wheel guards, safety bolts) with a sensing and detection system that uses sensors, processors, and communication modules to monitor wheel assembly integrity and alert operators to potential issues before they result in wheel separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system enables the vehicle to self-monitor its own wheel assembly integrity through integrated sensors that continuously detect conditions such as wheel nut loosening, wheel bearing temperature, and wheel assembly separation, providing autonomous safety monitoring without requiring external inspection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If sensing of wheel nut tightness is implemented, then wheel assembly integrity is improved, but ease of operation and ease of manufacture worsen due to implementation complexity and modification requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel nut tightness monitoringVSAvoidimplementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device is designed to perform multiple monitoring functions simultaneously, including wheel nut tightness sensing, wheel bearing temperature monitoring, and wheel assembly separation detection, using a single integrated platform that reduces overall system complexity compared to multiple separate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a detection device as an intermediary component that interfaces between the wheel assembly components and the vehicle's monitoring systems, using sensors and processors to translate physical conditions into detectable signals without requiring direct modification of the wheel nuts or bolts themselves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If GPS data is used for cargo security monitoring, then vehicle location tracking is improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate because GPS cannot detect unauthorized vehicle use or operator authorization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle location trackingVSAvoidcargo security monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines GPS location tracking with additional sensing capabilities including motion sensors, authorization code verification systems, and operator identification mechanisms to create a comprehensive cargo security monitoring system that detects both location changes and unauthorized use conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor vehicle operation conditions and compare them against authorized parameters, providing real-time alerts when unauthorized use is detected and enabling corrective action before cargo theft can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9389149B2Wheel loss detection aspect and theft detection aspect system and device for vehicles

Publication Date: 2016.07.12 INNOTECH SAFETY SOLUTIONS

AI summary

There is provided a warning device for detecting attachment integrity issues of a wheel assembly of a vehicle while the vehicle is in motion, the system comprising: a rigid body having: a first side and a second side to define an axis there between; a plurality of circumferentially distributed apertures extending axially between the first side and the second side, such that a spatial distribution of the plurality of circumferentially distributed apertures corresponds to a spatial distribution of wheel hub studs configured to receive a rim of the wheel; a plurality of wheel nut mounting locations positioned about each of the plurality of circumferentially distributed apertures on the first side, each of the plurality of wheel nut mounting locations having a mating surface for mating with an underside of a respective wheel nut; one or more rim mounting surfaces on the second side for mating with an outwardly facing exterior surface of the rim; and a plurality of indicators positioned adjacent to each of the plurality of circumferentially distributed apertures, such that each indicator of the plurality of indicators is uniquely associated with a respective aperture of the plurality of circumferentially distributed apertures.