Dashboard Relay Unit for Protected Tire Pressure Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) require multiple antennae that are often exposed to environmental conditions, making them unprotected and potentially unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A dash switch module that includes a processor to receive and process radio-frequency status signals from tire sensors, generating a signal that is transmitted to the vehicle's electronic control unit, which controls braking functions, and is designed to be positioned within the vehicle's dashboard to avoid environmental exposure while maintaining signal reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antennae are placed in various locations on the vehicle to receive RF signals from tire sensors, then signal reception coverage is improved, but the antennae become exposed to environmental conditions which reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a signal intermediary system where the RF signal from the tire sensor is received by a protected antenna, then processed and re-transmitted by a relay unit positioned in the dashboard. This intermediary approach allows the original antenna to remain protected from environmental factors while still achieving system-wide signal coverage through the relay mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the signal receiving and processing components within the vehicle's dashboard structure. The antenna system is nested within the protected dashboard environment rather than being exposed on the vehicle exterior, allowing the components to operate in a controlled, protected space while still performing their monitoring function.
2Reliability
If multiple antennae are placed in various locations on the vehicle to receive RF signals from tire sensors, then signal reception coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated relay unit housed in the dashboard. This relay unit consolidates signal reception, processing, and re-transmission capabilities that would otherwise require multiple separate antenna systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining signal reception reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay unit positioned in the dashboard serves multiple functions: it receives signals from the protected antenna, processes the RF data, and re-transmits it to the monitoring system. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for multiple specialized antennae, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Reliability
If antennae are mounted on unprotected areas such as the front axle to improve signal reception, then signal coverage is improved, but the antennae become vulnerable to environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a relay unit as an intermediary that allows the antenna to remain in a protected location (dashboard) while still achieving the signal monitoring function. The relay unit mediates between the protected antenna and the monitoring system, eliminating the need to place antennae in vulnerable locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay unit effectively creates a functional copy of the antenna's signal receiving capability within the protected dashboard environment. Instead of placing the physical antenna in an exposed location, the system copies the signal reception function to a protected location through the relay unit.
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
This solution enhances the reliability and protection of TPMS components by positioning them within the vehicle's protective framework, ensuring consistent and accurate tire condition monitoring without the need for excessive, exposed antennae.
Implementation Method 1
The signal receiving component receives a transmitted status signal from a sensor on the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A dash switch module for a vehicle includes a controller transmitting a parking brake control request message to a vehicle ECU, a signal receiving component receiving a transmitted status signal from a sensor on the vehicle indicating a status of a vehicle component, and a processor receiving the transmitted status signal from the signal receiving component. The processor generates a dash switch module signal based on the transmitted status signal. The processor transmits the dash switch module signal to the vehicle electronic control unit.