Integrated Tire Sensor Antenna for Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems require numerous electronic components and physical wiring for tire pressure monitoring, passive entry, and remote function actuation, leading to complexity and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle communications and access system with integrated microprocessor-based sensor devices and antennas that broadcast and receive tire pressure data and wireless communications, eliminating the need for multiple modules and wiring by using a combined function module to manage various vehicle electronics through wireless communication protocols like Bluetooth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate electronic modules and antennae are used for TPMS, PEPS, and remote function actuation, then each function can be independently implemented, but the device complexity and amount of physical wiring increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate electronic modules (TPMS sensor, PEPS antenna, remote function receiver) into a single integrated sensor device that performs all three functions. The sensor device includes a microprocessor, pressure sensor, and antenna that collectively handle tire pressure monitoring, passive entry, and remote function actuation, eliminating the need for multiple discrete components and reducing wiring complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors tire pressure via the pressure sensor, communicates wirelessly for PEPS operations through the antenna, and receives remote function commands. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functional independence
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated PEPS antennae are installed in multiple locations (front, middle, rear interior and exterior door handles), then passive entry coverage is improved, but the quantity of components and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple PEPS antennae located at different vehicle positions into a single antenna integrated into the sensor device. This single antenna handles all wireless communications for passive entry functions, eliminating the need to install and wire multiple separate antennae throughout the vehicle interior and exterior while maintaining comprehensive coverage
3Reliability
If TPMS sensors are equipped to broadcast tire pressure data, then tire pressure monitoring functionality is achieved, but the sensors cannot receive communications for other functions
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device's antenna is designed to perform bidirectional wireless communication: it can broadcast tire pressure data collected by the pressure sensor, and simultaneously receive wireless commands for PEPS operations and remote function actuation. This dual-mode communication capability allows the same antenna to serve both transmission and reception functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated antennae for each function
Data Source
AI summary
A communications and access system for a vehicle includes a vehicle module including a microprocessor and a sensor device integrated within each tire of a vehicle. The sensor device includes a tire pressure monitoring sensor and an antenna communicatively coupled to the sensor device. The antenna is configured to receive tire pressure data from the sensor device and a wireless communication from a device external to the vehicle. The system also includes another antenna communicatively coupled to the vehicle module. The other antenna receives the tire pressure data and the wireless communication transmitted by the sensor device via the antenna coupled to the sensor device. The system further includes logic executable by the microprocessor. The logic is configured to identify sources of the tire pressure data and the wireless communication, and transmit instructions to a body control module of the vehicle. The instructions are configured to perform a corresponding function.