Tire Module Dual-Path Data Transmission via LPWAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire sensor systems rely on a central receiving unit in the vehicle for data evaluation, making data access dependent on the unit's availability and requiring additional software for data processing, which can lead to gaps in data transmission and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method that employs two transmission paths for tire module data, using a control algorithm to select the best transmission technology based on vehicle status and network availability, allowing direct internet connectivity via Low Power Wide Area Network, and enabling bidirectional communication for software updates, ensuring continuous data access and simplified evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single transmission path through a central receiving unit in the vehicle is used, then data evaluation can be performed in the vehicle, but data transmission reliability deteriorates when the central unit is unavailable and additional software complexity is required
Solution Approach 1:
The data transmission system is segmented into two independent paths: a direct path from the tire module to the central server via LPWAN, and an indirect path through the vehicle's central transmitting and receiving unit. This segmentation allows the system to bypass the vehicle unit when it is unavailable, improving reliability without requiring complex software logic for a single unified system
Solution Approach 2:
The LPWAN network acts as an intermediary that enables direct communication between the tire module and the central server, bypassing the need for the vehicle's central receiving unit. This intermediary connection provides an alternative transmission path that maintains data flow reliability while simplifying the overall system architecture by reducing dependency on vehicle-based software
2Device complexity
If direct internet connectivity via LPWAN is implemented, then additional vehicle software is eliminated, but energy consumption increases due to continuous network connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The control algorithm implements periodic assessment of transmission path availability rather than continuous operation. It evaluates at defined intervals whether the vehicle's ignition is on and whether mobile radio network connection is available, activating the appropriate transmission technology only when needed. This periodic action reduces energy consumption compared to continuous LPWAN connectivity while maintaining the simplified architecture benefit
3Productivity
If the first transmission technology is always activated, then data can be transmitted directly to the server, but energy is wasted when the vehicle ignition is off and no mobile network connection is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The control algorithm dynamically adjusts the activation state of transmission technologies based on real-time conditions. When the vehicle ignition is off, only the direct LPWAN transmission to the server is activated. When the ignition is on, the algorithm evaluates mobile network availability and activates the vehicle-based transmission path accordingly. This dynamic adaptation optimizes productivity by using the most efficient path while minimizing energy waste through conditional activation
4Reliability
If measurement data are temporarily stored in memory, then data can be transmitted when network connection is available, but data transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control algorithm incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor mobile network connection availability and vehicle ignition state. When connection is available and ignition is on, the algorithm immediately activates the vehicle-based transmission path, reducing delay. The feedback loop ensures that stored data is transmitted as soon as conditions permit, balancing reliability through buffering with minimal time loss through active monitoring and immediate transmission when possible
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
To improve conventional systems for transmitting data from a tire module, a method is proposed comprising the following steps: a) providing a vehicle tire (1) with a tire module (2), wherein the tire module (2) acquires measurement data and/or individual tire data, the tire module (2) comprising a transmitting and receiving unit with at least two different radio-based transmission technologies (3, 13), wherein in the first transmission technology (3) the measurement data and/or tire data are transmitted to the data server (4) via a mobile network connection, and in the second transmission technology (13) the measurement data and/or tire data are transmitted to a central receiving unit (11) in the vehicle via a radio connection; b) evaluating the measurement data and/or tire data with a computer unit integrated in the tire module (2).c) Transmitting the measurement data and/or tire data with the transmitter and receiver unit integrated in the tire module (2), whereby a control algorithm determines whether the measurement data and/or tire data are transmitted using the first and/or the second transmission technology (3, 13), d) Receiving and evaluating the measurement data and/or tire data with the central data server (4) and/or with the central receiver unit (11) in the vehicle, e) Providing the data to an end customer.