Directional RF Wake-Up for Selective TPMS Sensor Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) face challenges in reducing power consumption for RF transmission, managing cost due to dual communication technologies, and minimizing cross-talk between TPMS sensor modules using RF signals, which complicates configuration and communication with individual sensor modules.
Innovation Solution
A TPMS system utilizing a communication interface device with a directional RF beam and a TPMS sensor module that measures signal strength to trigger a response only when the signal meets a predetermined threshold, allowing for selective communication and reducing unnecessary activation of nearby sensor modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If LF receiver is replaced with RF receiver to use single RF technology for bidirectional communication, then cost is decreased, but risk of cross-talking with other TPMS sensor modules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the RF receiver selectively responsive to RF signals within a specific signal strength range. The receiver distinguishes between configuration signals (higher signal strength) and sensor module transmissions (lower signal strength), allowing single RF technology to be used without cross-talk interference from other sensor modules.
2Ease of manufacture
If RF signals are used for uplink communication instead of LF signals, then cost is decreased by implementing one RF technology, but the range becomes much longer causing cross-talk between multiple sensor modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of signal strength threshold to control the effective communication range. The RF receiver is configured to accept signals only within a specific strength range, effectively limiting the operational range to prevent cross-talk while maintaining the benefits of RF technology for bidirectional communication.
3Reliability
If configuration unit uses LF signal for downlink to sensor module, then short range ensures only one sensor module receives the signal, but configuration unit needs to be very close to the sensor module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical proximity requirement with an electronic signal strength discrimination system. Instead of requiring physical closeness to ensure selective communication, the system uses RF signal strength thresholds to automatically distinguish between the intended sensor module and others, allowing flexible positioning during configuration.
4Reliability
If two communication devices with two communication channels are used for bidirectional communication, then proper individual communication with each sensor module is achieved, but cost of the overall TPMS sensor module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the RF transceiver in the sensor module multi-functional by enabling it to both transmit pressure data and receive configuration signals on the same RF frequency. This eliminates the need for separate LF receiver hardware while maintaining reliable bidirectional communication capabilities.
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 approach reduces power consumption, decreases costs by using a single RF technology for bidirectional communication, and effectively selects and communicates with individual TPMS sensor modules, minimizing cross-talk and improving configuration efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna array configured to transmit each wake-up signal as a directional RF beam
Implementation Method 2
a second processing circuit configured to measure a signal strength of the at least one wake-up signal
Data Source
AI summary
A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) includes a communication interface device configured to communicate with a target TPMS sensor module. The communication interface device include a radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured to generate at least one wake-up signal; an antenna array configured to transmit each wake-up signal as a directional RF beam; a processing circuit configured to monitor for a response signal in response to the antenna array transmitting the at least one wake-up signal; and a power amplifier configured to set a power of each wake-up signal according to an adjustable power setting such that the power of each subsequent wake-up signal is increased in discrete steps until the response signal is received by the RF transceiver.