TPMS Sensor Auto-Location Using Phased Array Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) require a drive cycle to accurately determine sensor location, limiting immediate updates when starting with a new car or new tire sensors, as existing automation methods are inefficient for initial sensor placement identification.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of phased antenna array beamforming technology allows for RF signal beams to be directed towards each tire, with sensors acknowledging reception, enabling accurate sensor location determination while the car is parked, using predefined signal attribute ranges to confirm correct placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If complex algorithms using ABS data and tire drive information are used to auto-locate sensors, then sensor location can be determined automatically, but the customer must drive the car for a given amount of time before accurate location is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by transmitting RF signal beams to predetermined locations (corresponding to tire positions) before actual sensor location determination is needed. The phased antenna array pre-scans and identifies sensor positions while the vehicle is stationary, eliminating the need for drive cycle data collection. This preliminary beam transmission and signal attribute analysis enables immediate sensor location identification without requiring the vehicle to be driven.
2Measurement precision
If manual identification of tire sensor location is performed at the time of fitting, then accurate sensor location is achieved, but the process is not automated and requires additional manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the vehicle's phased antenna array to automatically perform sensor location identification without external manual intervention. The system autonomously transmits RF signal beams to predetermined locations, receives acknowledgments from sensors, analyzes signal attributes, and determines sensor positions automatically. This eliminates the need for manual identification procedures while maintaining high location accuracy, making the process both automated and precise.
3Loss of time
If RF signal beams are transmitted to predetermined locations using phased antenna array, then sensor location can be determined while the car is parked, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phased antenna array system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a communication interface for TPMS operations and as a sensor location identification tool. The same antenna array infrastructure used for regular tire pressure monitoring communications is leveraged to perform beam transmission to predetermined locations and analyze returned signals for location determination. This universal use of existing hardware reduces overall system complexity compared to adding dedicated separate identification hardware.
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 method enables quick and accurate tire sensor auto-location without requiring a drive cycle, allowing for immediate tire pressure updates and reducing the need for manual identification processes.
Implementation Method 1
phased antenna array beamforming
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products for sensor auto-location using phased antenna array beamforming are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a method of sensor auto-location using phased antenna array beamforming includes sending a radio frequency (RF) signal beam directed towards a given tire placement direction of a vehicle. In this embodiment, the method includes receiving an acknowledgement from a sensor and determining whether one or more signal attributes indicated in the acknowledgement are within one or more predefined ranges for the one or more signal attributes and corresponding to the given tire placement direction. In response to the one or more signal attributes being within the one or more predefined ranges, the method includes determining that the sensor is fitted on the given tire placement direction.