Tire Positioning Using Diagonal Directional Antennas
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire positioning technologies for TPMS are cumbersome, costly, and prone to interference, requiring complex input procedures, high installation workloads, and manual operation, especially with the use of low-frequency signals in complex electromagnetic environments.
Innovation Solution
A tire positioning device using two directional antennas, an amplifier, and a field strength determination module, positioned diagonally around the vehicle to measure and compare electric field strengths of RF signals from transmitters, allowing for easy installation and maintenance without distinguishing transmitters, reducing hardware needs and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If low frequency wakeup form is used for tire positioning, then tire position can be determined automatically, but the workload of installing LF antenna and wiring is large and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from the low-frequency antenna system and implements it using the existing RF antenna and transmitter. By removing the requirement for separate LF antennas and wiring, the system achieves automatic position determination while significantly reducing installation complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing RF antenna and transmitter are made to serve dual purposes: both tire pressure monitoring and tire position determination. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated LF positioning hardware, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automatic positioning capability.
2Ease of operation
If low frequency wakeup form is used for tire positioning, then tire position can be determined automatically, but various interferences exist because the electromagnetic environment on the vehicle is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from low frequency to radio frequency (RF). RF signals are less susceptible to electromagnetic interference in the complex vehicle environment, thereby maintaining automatic position determination capability while reducing interference issues.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interface inputting form is used for tire positioning, then ID information can be inputted after installing or changing tire position, but the input procedure is rather complicated and wrong code group may be inputted by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic identification and position determination without requiring user input. The receiving module automatically receives and processes ID information from transmitters, eliminating the need for manual code entry and preventing user errors while maintaining the ability to adapt to position changes.
4Device complexity
If fixed code form is used for tire positioning, then the scheme is rather simple, but the transmitter should not be installed at wrong position and identification may be confused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual approach of fixed code assignment with an automatic electronic identification system. The receiving module automatically receives and processes ID information from each transmitter, ensuring correct position identification without requiring manual configuration or risking user error.
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 solution simplifies tire positioning, reduces installation and maintenance efforts, is cost-effective, versatile for various vehicles, and minimizes interference, enabling quick and accurate tire position determination.
Implementation Method 1
a first directional antenna (12a) which is positioned near one of the front wheels of a vehicle and whose orientation points to another front wheel of the vehicle, a second directional antenna (12b) which is positioned near one of the rear wheels of the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and device for receiving and processing tire pressure signals. Said device comprises a first directional antenna, a second directional antenna, an amplifier, a signal converter and a micro-controller. The first directional antenna can be positioned near one of the front wheels of said vehicle, and its orientation points to another front wheel of said vehicle. The second directional antenna can be positioned near one of the rear wheels of said vehicle, said rear wheel and one of the front wheels are arranged diagonally, and the orientation of the second directional antenna points to another rear wheel of said vehicle. The amplifier can be connected to the first directional antenna and the second directional antenna to amplify the pressure signals transmitted by the transmitters and detected by the first directional antenna and the second directional antenna, respectively. The signal converter is used for converting the pressure signals in radio signal format to field strength signals. The micro-controller is used for receiving the converted field strength signals of the respective transmitters, and determining the tire positions where the respective transmitters are installed based on the magnitudes of the field strength signals of the respective transmitters.