TPMS Sensor Auto-Location Using Bidirectional Triggered Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) with unidirectional communication require lengthy and user-unfriendly auto-location processes, heavily influenced by vehicle speed, rim size, road conditions, and mounting errors, consuming significant energy and time.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a bidirectional communication system between a central unit and TPMS sensors, using vehicle state data to initiate auto-location at optimal conditions, reducing dependence on vehicle parameters and optimizing sampling rates for efficient data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If unidirectional communication is used between sensor and central unit, then device complexity is reduced, but auto-location time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bidirectional communication between the central unit and TPMS sensors, enabling the central unit to send trigger data and receive sensor data. This feedback mechanism allows the system to actively control the auto-location process, significantly reducing the time required compared to passive unidirectional communication where sensors only transmit data without receiving control signals.
2Measurement precision
If sensor continuously collects and processes data for auto-location, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic auto-location triggered by specific vehicle state conditions (trigger data) rather than continuous data collection. The central unit sends trigger signals to sensors only when appropriate conditions are met, causing sensors to collect and transmit data periodically rather than continuously. This reduces energy consumption while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for position determination.
3Productivity
If auto-location is initiated without optimal conditions, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a condition-checking mechanism where the central unit evaluates vehicle state data before initiating auto-location. Trigger data representing optimal conditions (such as vehicle speed, acceleration, steering angle thresholds) are predetermined and stored. The system only initiates auto-location when current vehicle states match these pre-established optimal conditions, ensuring both speed and accuracy of position determination.
4Measurement precision
If sampling rate is increased for better position accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sampling rate adjustment based on vehicle state conditions and auto-location progress. The central unit can modify the sampling rate at which sensors collect and transmit data during the auto-location process, optimizing the balance between position determination accuracy and energy consumption. Higher sampling rates are used when precision is critical, while lower rates are used when sufficient accuracy is already achieved or energy conservation is prioritized.
Data Source
AI summary
An auto-location method for sensors in or on vehicles, in particular TPMS sensors. The method includes: establishing a bidirectional communication between a central unit and at least one sensor; ascertaining trigger data for the auto-location of the at least one sensor on the basis of vehicle state data which are provided to the central unit by at least one other vehicle unit; transmitting the trigger data to the at least one sensor; initiating the auto-location by means of the central unit on the basis of the trigger data, wherein the sensor ascertains sensor data for the auto-location; and ascertaining the position of the at least one sensor on the basis of the ascertained sensor data.