Wheel Loosening Sensor with Sealed Housing and Disc Spring Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel loosening sensors are complex, costly, and prone to failure due to dynamic seals and movement-related issues, leading to potential damage during vehicle use and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A wheel loosening sensor with a permanently sealed, statically sealed housing that uses a disc spring and gasket to connect electrical terminals when the bias is overcome, eliminating the need for dynamic seals and simplifying construction, while a bracket secures the sensor to the wheel to detect loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dynamic seals are used to allow switch movement, then the sensor can detect wheel loosening, but the sensor becomes complex and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into two separate sections: a sealed housing containing the electronics and a separate switch mechanism. This segmentation allows the sealed housing to remain static and simple while the switch mechanism handles the detection function, eliminating the need for dynamic seals and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch mechanism is extracted from the sealed housing, allowing it to operate independently. This extraction eliminates the need for dynamic seals between moving and stationary parts, as the switch is now a separate component that can move freely outside the sealed enclosure.
2Reliability
If dynamic seals are used to allow switch movement, then the sensor can detect wheel loosening, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sensor into a sealed housing and a separate switch mechanism, the manufacturing process is simplified. The sealed housing can be mass-produced using standard sealing techniques, while the switch mechanism can be manufactured separately and attached, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Extracting the switch from the sealed housing eliminates the need for expensive dynamic seal components and their associated manufacturing processes. This separation allows for simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing of both the sealed housing and the switch mechanism independently.
3Reliability
If the sensor protrudes from the wheel hub, then it can detect loosening effectively, but it becomes susceptible to damage during use and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
A protective bracket is provided that can be fitted over the sensor to cushion and protect it from damage during vehicle use and maintenance operations. This protective element is prepared in advance and can be installed when needed, allowing the sensor to protrude for effective detection while being protected when vulnerable.
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 complexity and costs, enhances durability by eliminating dynamic seals, and provides a low-profile design that minimizes damage during use and maintenance, while ensuring effective detection of wheel loosening without dynamic seals.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive element biased away from the at least two electrical terminals and configured to electrically connect the two electrical terminals when the bias is overcome
Implementation Method 2
the gasket comprises a resiliently deformable material configured to bias the electrically conductive element away from the at least two electrical terminals
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel loosening sensor configured to detect loosening of a wheel of a vehicle, the wheel loosening sensor including: a water tight housing that is permanently sealed, wherein at least two electrical terminals are exposed at an exterior of the water tight housing. Within the water tight housing, there is a transmitter and a battery, the transmitter being configured to receive electrical power from the battery and to transmit a signal when the at least two electrical terminals are disconnected. The water tight housing including an electrically conductive element biased away from the at least two electrical terminals and configured to electrically connect the two electrical terminals when the bias is overcome.