Universal Tire Pressure Sensor With Configurable Memory Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing universal tire pressure sensors require adaptation to different vehicle systems for communication protocols, carrier frequencies, and data formats, limiting their compatibility across various vehicle manufacturers.

Innovation Solution

A universal tire pressure sensor design that includes a separate memory module for storing configuration data, allowing initial configuration and subsequent use as a data logger for historical measurement storage, enabling flexible communication protocols and expanded diagnostic capabilities through wireless or galvanic data retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a universal tire pressure sensor uses a separate memory module for storing configuration data, then adaptability to different vehicle systems is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different vehicle systemsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The memory system is segmented into a separate memory module distinct from the main sensor circuitry. This separate module stores configuration data for multiple vehicle manufacturers, allowing the sensor to adapt to different communication protocols and data formats without increasing the complexity of the core sensing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separate memory module acts as an intermediary between the sensor and various vehicle systems. It stores pre-configured communication parameters that mediate between the universal sensor design and manufacturer-specific requirements, enabling compatibility without direct integration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If configuration data is stored in a separate memory module, then ease of configuration is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of configurationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Configuration data for multiple vehicle manufacturers is pre-loaded into the separate memory module during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex post-manufacturing configuration procedures, as the sensor can automatically select appropriate configurations based on detected vehicle system parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system performs self-configuration by automatically reading relevant configuration data from the separate memory module based on detected vehicle parameters. This self-service approach eliminates manual configuration steps and reduces manufacturing complexity despite the presence of additional memory hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor supports multiple communication protocols, then versatility across vehicle manufacturers is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication protocol compatibilityVSAvoidcommunication circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication protocol is made dynamic rather than static. The sensor can dynamically switch between different communication protocols by loading appropriate configuration parameters from the separate memory module. This dynamic adaptability allows support for multiple protocols without requiring permanent hardware implementations of all protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different communication protocols are implemented through parameter changes in the existing communication circuit rather than through hardware modifications. The separate memory module stores various parameter sets (carrier frequencies, modulation schemes, data formats) that can be loaded to change the communication protocol behavior without increasing circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4117938B1Tire pressure sensor
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 HUF BAOLONG ELECTRONICS BRETTEN GMBH
  • EP4117938B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4117938B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a tire pressure sensor for motor vehicles, comprising a housing (1) and an electronic control circuit (2) which has an integrated measuring circuit (2a) with a pressure sensor (4). Configuration data for the measuring circuit and/or the control circuit can be stored in an internal storage device (2c) of the control circuit (2), and means (6, 9; 7, 10) for a wireless communication transmit pressure measurement values detected by the measuring circuit (2a) to a remote receiving device according to the configuration data. The control circuit (2) is coupled to a separate storage unit (15) with a non-volatile storage device in which a plurality of data packets with different respective configuration data are stored. The separate storage unit (15) can be actuated in order to copy a data packet stored therein onto the internal storage device (2c) of the control circuit in order to thus configure the measuring circuit and/or the control circuit. After the configuration, the measurement values detected by the measuring device are stored in the separate storage unit.