Tire height sensor with valve stem attaching transmitter module

• US 4,554,527 A
• Filed: 03/27/1980
• Issued: 11/19/1985
• Est. Priority Date: 03/27/1980
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Motor Company
• Inventors: Muller, George H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Groody, James J.
• Application Number:
  US06/134,599
• Time in Patent Office: 2,063 Days
• Field of Search: 340/58, 200/61.22, 200/61.23, 200/61.25
• US Class Current: 340/443
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0411 Piezoelectric generators
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/06 Signalling devices actuated by deformation of the tyre , e.g. tyre mounted deformation sensors or indirect determination of tyre deformation based on wheel speed, wheel-centre to ground distance or inclination of wheel axle
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/066 by monitoring wheel-centre to ground distance

Abstract

A pneumatic tire profile height sensor system which includes a compressible sensor combined with an electrical signal generator mounted within a vehicle wheel and electrically connected through an inflation valve stem to a signal transmitter mounted on said valve stem external to the wheel.

Claims

1. A pneumatic tire profile height sensor system including:

a wheel rim for mounting a pneumatic tire;

a compressible probe extending radially from the inside of said wheel rim;

a power source between said probe and said wheel rim for generating electrical energy in response to said probe touching the inside casing of a pneumatic tire mounted on said wheel rim;

a radio frequency transmitter mounted external of said wheel rim and being electrically connected to said internal power source;

an inflation valve adjacent said probe and extending through said wheel rim, wherein said transmitter attaches to the externally extended portion of said wheel valve;

wherein said externally extending portion of said inflation valve has a base portion against said wheel rim, an extreme end opening and a plurality of exposed electrical contacts, between said base and said opening, being electrically connected to said power source; and

said radio frequency transmitter is encased within an inflation valve cap and contains a plurality of electrical contacts disposed to contact corresponding ones of exposed contacts on said inflation valve when said cap is attached to said valve.

2. A sensor system as in claim 1, wherein said valve is provided with threads at its extreme end opening and said inflation valve cap contains threads for mating with said valve thread to attach said radio frequency transmitter to said valve.

3. A sensor system as in claim 2, wherein said valve cap contains a plurality of raised portions around its outside perimeter of sufficient height to contact said wheel rim when said cover is threaded fully onto said valve threads.

4. A sensor system as in claim 2, wherein said valve cap contains an elastomer end opening which compressibly seals against the base of said externally extending valve when said cover is threaded fully onto said valve threads.

5. A sensor system as in claim 4, wherein said valve cap contains a plurality of raised portions around its outside perimeter of sufficient height to contact said wheel rim when said cover is threaded fully onto said valve threads.

6. A pneumatic tire profile height sensor system including:

a wheel rim for mounting a pneumatic tire;

a compressible probe extending radially from the inside of said wheel rim;

a power source between said probe and said wheel rim for generating electrical energy in response to said probe touching the inside casing of a pneumatic tire mounted on said wheel rim which comprises a piezoelectric generator that generates electrical energy in response to said probe communicating compressing forces at said generator;

a radio frequency transmitter mounted external of said wheel rim and being electrically connected to said internal power source;

an inflation valve adjacent said probe and extending through said wheel rim, wherein said transmitter attaches to the externally extended portion of said wheel valve;

wherein said externally extending portion of said inflation valve has a base portion against said wheel rim, an extreme end opening and a plurality of exposed electrical contacts, between said base and said opening, being electrically connected to said power source; and

said radio frequency transmitter is encased within an inflation valve cap and contains a plurality of electrical contacts disposed to contact corresponding ones of exposed contacts on said inflation valve when said cap is attached to said valve.

7. A sensor system as in claim 6, wherein said valve is provided with threads at its extreme end opening and said inflation valve cap contains threads for mating with said valve thread to attach said radio frequency transmitter to said valve.

8. A sensor system as in claim 7, wherein said valve cap contains a plurality of raised portions around its outside perimeter of sufficient height to contact said wheel rim when said cover is threaded fully onto said valve threads.

9. A sensor system as in claim 7, wherein said valve cap contains an elastomer end opening which compressibly seals against the base of said externally extending valve when said cover is threaded fully onto said valve threads.

10. A sensor system as in claim 9, wherein said valve cap contains a plurality of raised portions around its outside perimeter of sufficient height to contact said wheel rim when said cover is threaded fully onto said valve threads.