RFID Tire Positioning via Signal Delay Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire monitoring systems require initialization steps when tires are rotated or replaced, leading to complex operations and potential inaccuracies due to signal processing challenges in metallic vehicle environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using RFID tags with a single reader antenna to determine tire positions by measuring signal delays and ordering them based on predetermined distances, eliminating the need for initialization and allowing independent tire location identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single reader is used to monitor several tires, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal reflection and perturbation in metallic vehicle environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful signal reflections from metallic vehicle structures into a useful measurement parameter. Instead of treating reflections as noise to be eliminated, the system measures the time delay of reflected signals to determine tire position. The reflection, which was previously a source of measurement error, becomes the basis for accurate location identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signal time delay measurement as an intermediary parameter to resolve the contradiction. Rather than directly measuring signal strength (which is affected by reflections), the system uses time delay of reflected signals as an intermediate measurement that accurately indicates tire position without being corrupted by the metallic environment's signal perturbations.
2Measurement precision
If initialization is required when tires are rotated or replaced, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex re-initialization procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the tire monitoring system automatically re-identifies tire positions without requiring manual initialization. When tires are rotated or replaced, the single reader automatically measures signal time delays and recalculates positions based on the new configuration, eliminating the need for operator intervention while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system that automatically adapts to changing tire configurations. Instead of requiring static initialization, the system continuously monitors signal time delays and dynamically updates tire position identification, allowing seamless adaptation when tires are rotated or replaced without manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If signal strength measurement is used in metallic vehicle environments, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal reflection and perturbation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful signal reflections from metallic vehicle structures into a useful measurement parameter. Instead of treating reflections as noise to be eliminated, the system measures the time delay of reflected signals to determine tire position. The reflection, which was previously a source of measurement error, becomes the basis for accurate location identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from signal strength to signal time delay. This parameter change makes the measurement immune to the adverse effects of metallic reflections, as time delay measurement is not affected by signal strength variations caused by reflections, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and measurement precision.
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
Enables accurate and efficient wireless tire location determination without initialization, improving operational simplicity and reducing errors caused by signal reflections in metallic environments.
Implementation Method 1
Method and system for wirelessly locating tires, using Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tags
Implementation Method 2
measuring the delay required for a signal emitted by the reader antenna to be reflected by the RFID tag
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for determining the position of four tires on corresponding four wheels in a vehicle. Each wheel has an axis of rotation. Each tire has an embedded Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tag. The RFID tags embedded in the four tires have respective identifiers denoted as ID1, ID2, ID3, and ID4. A position to place a reader antenna is determined and the reader antenna is subsequently placed in the determined position. The reader antenna in the determined position emitting N signals to the respective RFID tag in the four tires. A delay is measured for receiving each signal reflected from the RFID tags. Which wheel of the four wheels each tire is on is identified according to the measured delays.