SAW Tire Sensor Antenna Positioning for Signal Reliability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless measurement systems using surface acoustic wave or bulk acoustic wave technology for tire parameters face limitations in distance and signal attenuation, leading to inconsistent and reproducible measurements, especially under high-speed conditions and varying climatic conditions.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle-mounted assembly with a wireless measurement system using surface acoustic wave or bulk acoustic wave technology, where the interrogation antenna is maintained at a constant distance from the tire assembly, allowing for reliable signal transmission regardless of use conditions, and incorporating linearly polarized antennas to differentiate between multiple measurement systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a wireless measurement system using surface acoustic wave or bulk acoustic wave technology is used in a tire, then the tire parameters can be measured without a power source, but the measurement distance is limited and signal attenuation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless measurement capabilityVSAvoidsignal transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element (the vehicle body or wheel arch) to position the interrogation antenna closer to the tire's measurement system. This mediator structure enables reliable signal transmission by reducing the distance between the antenna and the SAW/BAW sensor embedded in the tire, thereby overcoming the signal attenuation problem while maintaining wireless operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions the interrogation antenna in a different spatial dimension by mounting it on the vehicle body or wheel arch rather than on the tire itself. This dimensional relocation optimizes the signal path and reduces interference, improving measurement reliability while maintaining the wireless measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the interrogation device is used at high speed, then productivity is improved, but the passage time is very short and measurement consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement frequencyVSAvoidmeasurement consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-positions the interrogation antenna on the vehicle body or wheel arch in optimal location before high-speed operation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that during high-speed travel, the antenna maintains consistent proximity to the tire's measurement system, enabling reliable measurements even with very short passage times at each rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an equipotential measurement condition by maintaining a constant, optimized distance between the interrogation antenna and the SAW/BAW sensor throughout the tire rotation cycle. This consistent spatial relationship ensures uniform signal quality regardless of the tire's rotational position or vehicle speed, improving measurement consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple measurement systems are installed in the tire, then measurement coverage is improved, but signal interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning the interrogation antenna in a specific location on the vehicle body or wheel arch that optimizes its interaction with multiple measurement systems in the tire. This localized positioning creates favorable signal conditions for distinguishing between multiple sensors, reducing interference while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage across different tire zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Ensures consistent and reproducible temperature measurements, reducing signal interference and maintaining performance optimization across various vehicle conditions, including high speeds and different tire zones.

Implementation Method 1

The invention also relates to the use of a system for measuring a physical parameter of the tire wirelessly, using surface acoustic wave or bulk acoustic wave technology, of the SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) or BAW (Bulk Acoustic Wave)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface acoustic wave: Surface Acoustic Wave

Implementation Method 2

The invention also relates to the use of a system for measuring a physical parameter of the tire wirelessly, using surface acoustic wave or bulk acoustic wave technology

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBulk acoustic wave: Acoustic Emission

Implementation Method 3

The energy of the interrogating radio wave sent by a remote interrogating device is sufficient to cause the sensor to send a modified radio wave in response

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiofrequency wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP1996413B1Vehicle comprising at least one assembled entity and use of a measurement system
Publication Date: 2014.05.07 MICHELIN RECH & TECH SA
  • EP1996413B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1996413B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1996413B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle comprising at least one assembled entity, comprising a wheel and a tyre, and an element partially consisting of polymeric masses, the said assembled entity comprising at least one measurement system for measuring a physical parameter pertaining to the tyre wirelessly using surface acoustic wave or volume acoustic wave technology, at least one region of the said element being at a constant distance from the assembled entity when the vehicle is in use. According to the invention, an interrogation antenna is associated with the said region of the said element. The invention also proposes a use of a measurement system in an assembled entity.