TPMS Sensor Adaptive Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Historical tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors lack processing capabilities to determine optimal tire pressure under varying conditions, frequently transmit pressure values, reducing battery life and causing interference, and fail to dynamically account for changes in temperature, load, and driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
The TPMS sensor receives target pressure from a communication module, determines a modified target pressure based on vehicle data, and transmits an alert only when the measured pressure differs from the modified target pressure by a threshold amount, reducing unnecessary transmissions and extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TPMS sensors transmit pressure values frequently, then the driver receives timely pressure information, but battery life is reduced and interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The TPMS sensor transmits pressure information periodically at predetermined intervals rather than continuously, which reduces battery consumption and electromagnetic interference while still providing timely pressure monitoring. The system maintains reliability by sending updates at regular intervals that are sufficient for safety monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission behavior changes based on pressure conditions: under normal conditions, transmissions occur periodically at predetermined intervals to conserve battery; when pressure thresholds are exceeded, the transmission frequency increases to provide timely alert information, thus adapting the system behavior to operational needs.
2Reliability
If TPMS sensors transmit pressure values frequently, then the driver receives timely pressure information, but interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
By transmitting pressure information periodically rather than continuously, the system reduces electromagnetic interference in the environment while maintaining adequate monitoring capability. The periodic transmission at predetermined intervals minimizes the total electromagnetic radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission parameter (frequency) changes dynamically based on pressure conditions. Under normal conditions, low-frequency periodic transmission reduces interference; when pressure thresholds are exceeded, transmission frequency increases to ensure timely information delivery, thus adapting interference levels to operational requirements.
3Ease of operation
If TPMS sensors use fixed target pressure, then the system is simple to operate, but it fails to account for temperature, load, and driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-determines a baseline target pressure value that is stored in the sensor. This preliminary setting provides a simple reference point for comparison, maintaining ease of operation while enabling subsequent dynamic adjustments based on environmental conditions such as temperature, load, and driving patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The target pressure transitions from a static fixed value to a dynamic reference that can be adjusted based on temperature, load, and driving conditions. The sensor compares measured pressure against this adaptive target, allowing the system to maintain simplicity in operation while achieving adaptability to varying operational conditions.
4Device complexity
If TPMS sensors lack processing capabilities, then the device complexity is low, but they cannot determine optimal tire pressure under varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is pre-configured with a baseline target pressure value during manufacturing or initial setup. This preliminary programming provides the sensor with the basic intelligence needed to perform comparisons and generate alerts without requiring complex real-time processing capabilities or additional hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The TPMS sensor autonomously compares measured pressure against the predetermined target pressure and self-determines when to generate alerts based on threshold exceedances. This self-service capability allows the sensor to function intelligently without external processing assistance, maintaining low device complexity while achieving adaptive pressure monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling a TPMS sensor of a vehicle tire. An example vehicle includes a communication module, a tire, and a TPMS sensor corresponding to the tire. The TPMS sensor is configured to receive a target pressure from the communication module, determine a modified target pressure based on vehicle data determined by a vehicle sensor, and, responsive to determining that a measured pressure differs from the modified target pressure by a threshold amount, transmit an alert to the communication module.