Tire Pressure Sensor Auto-Configuration via Wheel Speed Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire pressure monitoring systems for vehicles, especially trucks and tractors, require manual and time-consuming processes to associate tire pressure sensors with their respective wheel locations, both during initial installation and when tires are replaced, which is inefficient and adds to the assembly time.
Innovation Solution
A tire pressure monitoring system with a controller that includes wheel speed ports and a processing unit with control logic, which associates wheel speed signals with specific wheel locations and assigns unique sensor identifications based on these associations, allowing for automatic configuration of tire sensors without the need for manual ID downloads or additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual updating of central controller with tire pressure sensor unique ID is used, then tire pressure sensor can be associated with wheel location, but it requires time and effort from trained technician
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the tire pressure sensor unique ID through the existing wheel speed sensor communication channel. The control logic autonomously associates the detected ID with the corresponding wheel location without requiring manual intervention from technicians, thereby eliminating time loss while maintaining accurate association.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of technician intervention is replaced by an automated electronic detection and association system. The control logic uses the existing wheel speed sensor communication infrastructure to automatically detect and register tire pressure sensor IDs, substituting human操作 with an electronic self-configuration mechanism.
2Loss of information
If manual activation of tire pressure sensor to obtain unique ID is performed, then sensor identification can be obtained, but it adds to assembly time during production
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel speed sensor communication channel is utilized for dual purposes: both its original function of monitoring wheel speed and the additional function of detecting tire pressure sensor unique ID. This multi-functionality allows the system to obtain sensor identification without adding separate activation steps, thereby maintaining assembly speed while ensuring complete sensor information capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the tire pressure sensor unique ID through the wheel speed sensor communication channel before final assembly completion. By obtaining the sensor identification in advance during the assembly process rather than as a separate post-assembly step, the system maintains production throughput while ensuring all necessary information is captured.
3Reliability
If manual update of central controller is performed when tire is replaced, then new sensor can be associated with wheel location, but it requires additional time during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
During tire replacement, the system automatically detects the new tire pressure sensor's unique ID through the existing wheel speed sensor communication channel and autonomously associates it with the corresponding wheel location. This self-service capability eliminates the need for technicians to manually update the central controller, simplifying maintenance operations while ensuring reliable sensor association.
4Measurement precision
If trained technician with special means is required for configuration, then accurate sensor identification can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its existing communication infrastructure (wheel speed sensor ports and control logic) to automatically detect and register tire pressure sensor unique IDs. No additional specialized tools or trained technician interventions are required, as the system performs the identification and association functions autonomously using components already present in the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing wheel speed sensor communication channel is utilized for dual purposes: monitoring wheel speed and detecting tire pressure sensor unique ID. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized detection equipment, reducing system complexity while maintaining accurate sensor identification through the existing universal communication interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire pressure monitoring system are disclosed. One method comprises rotating a first tire of a plurality of tires on a vehicle and receiving a signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first tire from a wheel speed sensor associated with the first tire. A controller associates the first tire with a wheel location in response to receiving the signal from the wheel speed sensor. A tire pressure sensor in the first tire generates a tire characteristic signal in response to the rotation of the first tire. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and associates the tire characteristic signal with the wheel location in response to receiving the tire characteristic signal within a predetermined time period from receiving the signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first wheel.