Tire pressure sensing mounting system

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

0001This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/443,277, filed on Feb. 16, 2011. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

0002The present disclosure relates to tire pressure sensing devices positioned within a vehicle tire.

BACKGROUND

0003This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

0004Tires used on large earth moving, mining, farming, and heavy load bearing vehicles are commonly mechanically pressed onto the rims and locked on using a mechanically fastened ring assembly. This differs significantly from the mounting utilized commonly on automotive and commercial over-the-road vehicle tires that utilize a one-piece rim with a center recess, allowing the tire to be mounted by rolling the tire onto the rim. The same procedure applies to both radial and bias ply tires. For this reason, tire pressure sensors which wirelessly send out tire pressure signals cannot be mounted on the wheel proximate to the tire interface, and are therefore positioned within the tire and are commonly mounted by fixing the sensor using a mounting pad with both the sensor and mounting pad vulcanized, adhesively bonded, or otherwise fixed to the inner wall of the tire. When a tire pressure sensor fails, the entire sensor and its connection pad must be ground off before a new sensor can be installed. When the tire requires retreading, the tire pressure sensor would be damaged by the high temperatures required during the vulcanizing process, and therefore an otherwise functioning tire pressure sensor and its mounting pad must be ground off and a new sensor installed following the retreading process. In both instances significant cost and time are required to remove and replace the tire pressure sensor.

SUMMARY

0005This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

0006According to several embodiments, a tire pressure sensing system includes a tire patch having first and second faces. A plate fixed to the second face is oriented perpendicular to a tire patch longitudinal axis. A sensor mount is positioned on the first face and oppositely facing with respect to the plate. The sensor mount includes opposed first and second bias clips and is oriented perpendicular to the tire patch longitudinal axis. At least one plate fastener extends through the tire patch fixes the plate to the second face and the sensor mount to the first face. A tire pressure sensor is releasably retained by first and second sensor fasteners and the first and second bias clips to the sensor mount. The tire pressure sensor is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The tire patch is permanently connected to a tire inner tread wall having the longitudinal axis coaxially aligned with a tire radial centerline.

0007According to other embodiments, the first sensor fastener extends through the sensor mount proximate to the first bias clip and releasably engages the tire pressure sensor. The second sensor fastener extends through the sensor mount proximate to the second bias clip and releasably engages the tire pressure sensor.

0008Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

0009The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a top perspective view of a tire pressure sensing mounting system of the present disclosure;

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a bottom perspective view of a tire patch and mounting plate for the system of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a partial cross sectional perspective view of the system of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> mounted in a vehicle tire;

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a front right perspective view of a vehicle having the system of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a partial cross sectional front right perspective view of area <b>5</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>;

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a top perspective assembly view of the tire pressure sensor and sensor mount prior to engagement of the tire pressure sensor;

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a top perspective view of the tire pressure sensor and sensor mount following engagement of the tire pressure sensor; and

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a cross sectional end elevational view taken at section <b>8</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0018Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0019Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

0020Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

0021The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

0022When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

0023Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

0024Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated <b>90</b> degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

0025Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a tire pressure sensing system <b>10</b> has an electric signal output tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> that is releasably mounted to a sensor mount <b>13</b> such as a metal bracket. The sensor mount <b>13</b> can include oppositely positioned first and second bias clip members <b>14</b>, <b>15</b> that define bent or hooked members that elastically deflect to receive and are thereafter biased to releasably retain the tire pressure sensor <b>12</b>. The sensor mount <b>13</b> is fixed to a tire patch <b>16</b> through a first face <b>17</b> of tire patch <b>16</b> as will be described in reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. According to several embodiments, a signal transmission antenna <b>18</b> can extend outwardly from tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> (shown), or can be incorporated within an enclosure housing <b>20</b> of tire pressure sensor <b>12</b>. Tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> is further releasably connected to sensor mount <b>13</b> using oppositely positioned first and second fasteners <b>22</b>, <b>24</b>, which when removed permit lateral sliding release of tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> away from the first and second bias clip members <b>14</b>, <b>15</b>.

0026Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> and again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, tire patch <b>16</b> is shown prior to installation of sensor mount <b>13</b>. A plate <b>26</b> is fixed to tire patch <b>16</b> such as by adhesive bonding or using a vulcanizing process. Plate <b>26</b> can be made of a metal such as steel or aluminum. Plate <b>26</b> is fixed to a bonding second face <b>28</b> of tire patch <b>16</b> to which an adhesive or bonding material <b>29</b> is also applied to cover substantially all of second face <b>28</b> prior to installation of plate <b>26</b>. Bonding material <b>29</b> such as an adhesive can be applied to second face <b>28</b> during manufacture of tire patch <b>16</b>, or applied at the time of installation of tire patch <b>16</b>. At least one and according to several embodiments first and second plate fasteners <b>30</b>, <b>32</b> such as large head rivets extend through the plate <b>26</b> and are equally spaced with respect to a longitudinal axis <b>34</b> of tire patch <b>16</b> and are centered both radially and diagonally with respect to bonding second face <b>28</b>. The shanks of first and second plate fasteners <b>30</b>, <b>32</b> extend through plate <b>26</b>, second face <b>28</b> and first face <b>17</b> to fix sensor mount <b>13</b> to first face <b>17</b>.

0027According to several embodiments, plate <b>26</b> is oriented perpendicular to longitudinal axis <b>34</b> of the tire patch <b>16</b> such that tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> is also perpendicularly oriented with respect to longitudinal axis <b>34</b> when mounted to sensor mount <b>13</b>. Tire patch <b>16</b> has a length “A” which is greater than a width “B” such that longitudinal axis <b>34</b> is parallel with respect to tire patch body sides having length “A”. Plate <b>26</b> can be rectangular in shape such that longer sides of plate <b>26</b> are perpendicular to longitudinal axis <b>34</b>. This maximizes an amount of axial or longitudinal flexure permitted for tire patch <b>16</b> parallel to longitudinal axis <b>34</b> and length “A” compared to flexure with respect to width “B”. According to further embodiments, plate <b>26</b> is omitted if testing indicates the head or engagement end of the first and second fasteners <b>30</b>, <b>32</b> are sized to resist pullout of first and second fasteners <b>30</b>, <b>32</b> through tire patch <b>16</b> without the reinforcement provided by plate <b>26</b>. In these embodiments, the head or engagement end of the first and second fasteners <b>30</b>, <b>32</b> directly contact bonding material <b>29</b> and/or second face <b>28</b>. In addition, the attachment of pressure sensor <b>12</b> and sensor mount <b>13</b> to tire patch <b>16</b> is not limited by a fastener design selected, therefore other fastener or attachment designs can be used in addition to rivets, screws or bolts, including but not limited to straps, clips, barbs, staples, adhesives, and the like.

0028Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> and again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, according to several embodiments tire patch <b>16</b> is fixed such as permanently adhesively bonded or heat/vulcanized to an inner tread wall <b>36</b> of a tire <b>38</b> and centrally positioned between tire first and second side walls <b>40</b>, <b>42</b>. To minimize the potential for impacting the rotational balance of tire <b>38</b>, tire patch <b>16</b> is also aligned having longitudinal axis <b>34</b> of tire patch <b>16</b> substantially coaxially aligned with a radial centerline <b>44</b> of tire <b>38</b>. Radial centerline <b>44</b> is defined as being equidistantly spaced between first and second side walls <b>40</b>, <b>42</b> along inner tread wall <b>36</b>. In this position, a body longitudinal axis <b>45</b> of tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> is oriented perpendicular to radial centerline <b>44</b> and is therefore oriented perpendicular to a rotational direction “C” of the tire <b>38</b>. This orientation centers the mass of tire pressure sensor <b>12</b>, sensor mount <b>13</b> and tire patch <b>16</b> in alignment with radial centerline <b>44</b> to balance the rotational forces generated by tire pressure sensing system <b>10</b>. Because tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> has a greater length than width, this orientation also minimizes the dimension (width) of tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> which is oriented in the rotational direction “C” such that a deflection of inner tread wall <b>36</b> from an object in the tire travel path will minimize the potential to dislodge tire pressure sensor <b>12</b>.

0029Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> and again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 3</figref>, tire pressure sensing system <b>10</b> can be used for sensing and monitoring tire pressure conditions in any vehicle tire, and particularly in slowly rotating tires <b>38</b> such as the front steerable tire or rear tires <b>48</b> of a large heavy material hauling machine <b>46</b>. The wireless transmission signal from tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> can be received in a cab <b>52</b> of hauling machine <b>46</b> and monitored by the occupant of cab <b>52</b>.

0030Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, an exemplary installation of tire pressure sensing system <b>10</b> in tire <b>38</b> is shown having tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> oriented perpendicular to radial centerline <b>44</b> and tire patch <b>16</b> centered on inner tread wall <b>36</b>. This orientation maximizes the spacing between tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> and either of the first or second side walls <b>40</b>, <b>42</b>. Because tire deflection of the first and second side walls <b>40</b>, <b>42</b> continuously varies during tire rotation and when tire <b>38</b> (or <b>48</b>) encounters an object, this positioning of tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> minimizes deflection which could affect the bond at tire patch <b>16</b>.

0031Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> and again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> is shown prior to sliding engagement with sensor mount <b>13</b>. According to several embodiments, tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> includes a first engagement end <b>54</b> having an aperture <b>56</b> for receiving first fastener <b>22</b>. A first end wall <b>58</b> extends past a raised height of first engagement end <b>54</b>. Tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> further includes a second engagement end <b>60</b> having an aperture <b>62</b> for receiving second fastener <b>24</b>. A second end wall <b>64</b> defining a mirror image configuration of first end wall <b>58</b> extends past a raised height of second engagement end <b>60</b>.

0032Sensor mount <b>13</b> includes an opening or first gap <b>66</b> centrally disposed in first bias clip member <b>14</b> having a width selected to permit contact with first bias clip member <b>14</b> material on opposite sides of first gap <b>66</b> by first fastener <b>22</b> when first fastener <b>22</b> is received therein. Similarly, an opening or second gap <b>70</b> is centrally disposed in second bias clip member <b>15</b> having a width selected to permit contact with second bias clip member <b>15</b> material on opposite sides of gap <b>70</b> by second fastener <b>24</b> when second fastener <b>24</b> is received in second gap <b>70</b>. First and second bias clip members <b>14</b>, <b>15</b> are bent or formed to create first and second partial cavities <b>68</b>, <b>72</b> that are sized to slidably receive first and second engagement ends <b>54</b>, <b>60</b> when tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> is coupled with sensor mount <b>13</b> in a lateral sliding motion in an engagement direction “D”.

0033Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> is shown after coupling with sensor mount <b>13</b>. The first and second engagement ends <b>54</b>, <b>60</b> are fully engaged in first and second partial cavities <b>68</b>, <b>72</b> when first and second end walls <b>58</b>, <b>64</b> both contact an edge <b>74</b> of sensor mount <b>13</b> preventing further sliding motion in the engagement direction “D”. When first and second fasteners <b>22</b>, <b>24</b> are subsequently engaged in first and second apertures <b>56</b>, <b>62</b> (not visible in this view) and contact walls of first and second gaps <b>66</b>, <b>70</b> are contacted by first and second fasteners <b>22</b>, <b>24</b>, tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> is prevented from release in a release direction “E”.

0034Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, the adhesive <b>29</b> is applied as a second layer of tire patch <b>16</b> and defines first face <b>17</b>. Tire patch <b>16</b> can be created from at least one layer <b>76</b> of an elastically flexible material such as a rubber or polymeric material that defines a second face <b>78</b> of tire patch <b>16</b>. A body portion <b>80</b> of sensor mount <b>13</b> is placed in direct contact with second face <b>78</b> of tire patch <b>16</b> and plate <b>26</b> is placed in direct contact with first face <b>17</b>. First and second plate fasteners <b>30</b>, <b>32</b> are extended through coaxially aligned apertures (not visible in this view) created in both plate <b>26</b> and body portion <b>80</b> and fixed to retain tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> and sensor mount <b>13</b> in the installed position shown. According to further aspects, plate <b>26</b> can be omitted and the heads of fasteners <b>30</b>, <b>32</b> can directly contact the first face <b>17</b> and adhesive <b>29</b>.

0035Tire pressure sensing system <b>10</b> of the present disclosure offers several advantages. The capability to remove tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> permits complete replacement of tire pressure sensor <b>12</b>, or replacement of a battery (or power supply) of the unit without removal of tire patch <b>16</b>. The capability to remove tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> also permits tires <b>38</b> or <b>48</b> to be retreaded without requiring removal of tire patch <b>16</b>. The tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> is removed prior to application of the high temperatures required during the vulcanizing and/or bonding process to retread tire <b>38</b> or <b>48</b>. Tire patch <b>16</b> can be exposed to retread vulcanizing temperatures, therefore removal of tire patch <b>16</b> is not required, unlike other known systems. Tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> can therefore be re-used after tire retread, or with a new tire after installation of tire patch <b>16</b>. The perpendicular orientation of tire pressure sensor <b>12</b> with respect to the tire radial centerline <b>44</b> minimizes the potential for tire impact causing displacement of tire pressure sensor <b>12</b>. The axial alignment of longitudinal axis <b>34</b> of tire patch <b>16</b> with tire radial centerline <b>44</b> minimizes the potential for impacting tire balance. The use of fasteners <b>22</b>, <b>24</b> independent of or in addition to the elastic retention capability of first and second bias clip members <b>14</b>, <b>15</b> promotes releasable engagement of tire pressure sensor <b>12</b>.

0036The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.