Tire Sensor Location via Wireless Signal Strength Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) face challenges in accurately determining the location of wheel-mounted sensors due to fixed or obscured reference points, leading to potential system failures, especially in dual tire configurations where sensors can be in range of diagnostic tools simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the transmission and measurement of wireless signal strengths from multiple interrogation locations using low-frequency and high-frequency wireless transmitters and receivers, allowing for the determination of sensor location through signal strength analysis, enabling precise identification of sensor positions on wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If tire sensors are mounted on the stem of the tire valve or on a belt around the rim, then the sensor location is fixed and easy to install, but the reference point may become obscured or erased, or the sensor may be located incorrectly through human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical reference point systems (visual markers on tires) with an electromagnetic field-based wireless signal strength measurement system. The interrogation device transmits wireless signals and measures signal strength variations to automatically determine sensor locations, eliminating the need for physical reference points and manual positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-positioning of sensors through automatic signal strength analysis. The interrogation device automatically determines sensor locations by analyzing wireless signal strengths from multiple interrogation locations, without requiring manual intervention or visual reference points, thereby improving both ease of installation and location accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tire sensors are mounted on an internal surface of the tire, then the sensor location is not fixed and can adapt to different mounting positions, but it becomes difficult to determine the sensor location with respect to the tire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical reference point systems with wireless signal strength-based electromagnetic field measurement to determine sensor locations. This allows the system to handle flexible mounting positions while automatically capturing location information through signal strength analysis at multiple interrogation locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from wireless signal strength measurements to determine sensor locations. The interrogation device transmits signals and analyzes the strength of received signals to infer sensor positions, creating a closed-loop system that automatically adapts to different mounting configurations and provides accurate location information.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are in range of diagnostic tools simultaneously in dual tire configurations, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but means for distinguishing one sensor from another is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality to sensor identification by measuring signal strengths from multiple interrogation locations arranged in space around the wheel. This creates a three-dimensional signal strength profile that uniquely identifies each sensor's position, allowing differentiation of multiple sensors without additional hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the identification process by analyzing signal strengths at multiple discrete interrogation locations rather than attempting to identify all sensors simultaneously from a single position. This segmented approach creates unique signal patterns for each sensor based on their spatial relationships to the interrogation locations.
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 approach allows for accurate localization of wheel-mounted devices, reducing the risk of system failure by distinguishing between sensors in dual tire configurations and ensuring correct configuration and interrogation, even in scenarios where reference points are obscured.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting from an interrogation device a wireless signal from each of a plurality of interrogation locations
Implementation Method 2
measuring, at said at least one wheel-mounted device and in respect of each interrogation location, a strength of the respective received wireless signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method of locating a wheel-mounted electronic device, such as a tire pressure monitoring device. A wireless signal is transmitted from an interrogation device from each of a plurality of interrogation locations. The signals are received by the wheel-mounted device and received signal strength is measured for each interrogation location. The wheel-mounted device then transmits, in respect of each interrogation location, a wireless signal indicating the measured signal strength. These signals are received by the interrogation device which determines from them a location of the wheel-mounted device with respect to a wheel.