Tire Sensor Orientation Key and Removal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) face challenges in controlling the orientation of sensors relative to vehicle travel direction and detecting sensor removal, which can lead to incorrect data reporting and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A tire-mounted sensor with a sensor housing and mount that includes an orientation key and RFID components to ensure proper orientation and detection of sensor removal, using a resonant circuit to determine if the sensor is correctly seated, and taking corrective actions if it is not.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor is removed and attached to a different tire, then the sensor can be reused, but incorrect data related to the tire may be reported
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of sensor presence and orientation before data collection begins. The orientation key and detection circuitry verify proper sensor installation in advance, preventing incorrect data reporting while allowing sensor reuse across different tires.
2Ease of operation
If the sensor orientation is not controlled, then the sensor can be easily installed, but the ability to utilize accelerometric and directional data is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation key uses an asymmetrical mechanical feature that allows the sensor to be installed in only one correct orientation. This asymmetric design maintains ease of installation through a simple plug-and-play mechanism while ensuring precise directional alignment for accurate accelerometric and directional data collection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor housing is removed from the sensor mount, then the sensor can be relocated, but removal detection is required to signal reprogramming needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical removal detection mechanisms with an electrical detection circuit that monitors the presence of the sensor housing in the mount. This electrical approach uses simple conductive contacts or RFID technology to detect removal events, signaling when reprogramming is needed without adding significant mechanical complexity.
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
Ensures accurate real-time tire pressure monitoring by maintaining sensor orientation and detecting removal events, preventing incorrect data reporting and enhancing vehicle safety.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor housing and the sensor mount may advantageously include elements which detect when a programmed sensor housing has been removed from the sensor mount
Implementation Method 2
The sensor mount can include an external circuit located on or embedded into the sensor mount to relay information or to be interrogated by the sensor component to be used in features that require tire telemetry
Data Source
AI summary
Tire mounted sensors have controlled orientation with respect to a direction of vehicle travel when fitted to a tire of the vehicle. The tire mounted sensor includes a sensor housing containing a pressure and/or other type of sensor and electronic components which is inserted into a sensor mount attached to the tire. Controlling the orientation of the orientation-sensitive components relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle is achieved by indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle on the sensor mount. Controlling the orientation of the sensor housing within the sensor mount, preferably in all six axes of freedom, is achieved by an orientation key or asymmetrical feature on the sensor mount that corresponds to a mating feature on the sensor housing.