TPMS Autolocalization Using Phase Array Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) face challenges in accurately localizing sensor modules, particularly in complex vehicle configurations such as trucks with multiple axles, twin tires, and close proximity of tires, due to limitations in existing localization techniques like RF Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) and Angular Position Sensing (APS), which fail to distinguish between nearby axles or twin tires accurately.
Innovation Solution
A TPMS system incorporating a phase array antenna with multiple reception antennas that measure and analyze phase shifts of transmitted signals to determine the location of each sensor module, using a reference phase and shifted phases to accurately localize the sensor modules, even in complex configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RF RSSI or APS methods are used for localization, then the system can identify tire positions in simple configurations, but it fails to accurately distinguish between nearby axles or twin tires in complex configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from scalar RSSI measurements to vector-based phase difference measurements across multiple antenna elements. By measuring phase differences in multiple dimensions (across the antenna array), the system creates a unique phase signature for each sensor module location, enabling discrimination between twin tires and multiple axles that cannot be distinguished by single-point RSSI or APS alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phase array antennas as an intermediary measurement mechanism between the sensor module transmissions and the localization decision. The phase differences measured across the antenna array serve as an intermediary signal that encodes spatial information about sensor module positions, allowing the system to indirectly determine location with high precision even in complex configurations.
2Extent of automation
If manual localization or programming is used, then each sensor module can be assigned a fixed location, but the system lacks automation and cannot adapt to dynamic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables sensor modules to self-localize automatically without manual programming. Each sensor module transmits its signal, and the localization module automatically processes the phase differences across the antenna array to determine the sensor's position. This self-service approach provides both automation and high precision through the physics-based phase measurement method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual programming mechanisms with an automated electronic measurement and processing system. Instead of mechanically assigning fixed locations through programming, the system uses electronic phase measurement and signal processing to automatically determine sensor module positions with high precision, substituting a mechanical/manual process with an automated electromagnetic measurement system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If APS with wheel speed sensors is used, then angular position can be determined, but the system cannot localize sensors on trailers or axles without wheel speed sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The phase array antenna system serves as a universal localization mechanism that works across different vehicle types (trucks, trailers, vehicles with or without wheel speed sensors). By measuring phase differences directly from the transmitted signals at multiple antenna elements, the system provides a multi-functional solution that replaces the need for vehicle-specific sensors like wheel speed sensors while maintaining localization accuracy.
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 enables precise localization of TPMS sensor modules, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by providing accurate identification of tire positions, even in environments with multiple axles or twin tires, thereby enhancing the accuracy of tire pressure monitoring and vehicle safety.
Implementation Method 1
The TPMS signal has a different phase at each of the plurality of reception antennas. The localization circuit is configured to measure a reference phase of the TPMS signal received at the reference reception antenna, measure a respective shifted phase of the TPMS signal received at each of the at least one additional reception antenna, determine a respective phase shift between the reference phase and each respective shifted phase
Data Source
AI summary
A method of localizing a TPMS sensor module includes transmitting, by the TPMS sensor module, a TPMS signal; and localizing, by a localization module, the TPMS sensor module based on receiving the TPMS signal at a phase array antenna including a plurality of reception antennas each configured to receive the TPMS signal. Localizing the TPMS sensor module includes measuring a phase of the TPMS signal at each of the plurality of reception antennas such that a plurality of phases corresponding to the TPMS signal are determined, and determining a location of the TPMS sensor module based on the plurality of phases.