TPMS Sensor Configuration Tool Automates Identifier Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) require laborious and time-consuming processes for integrating new or replacing tire pressure monitoring sensors, involving sequential triggering and potential reinitialization due to timing constraints and interruptions, which increases inefficiency and costs.
Innovation Solution
A configuration tool with low and high frequency wireless transmitters and receivers that programs and configures TPM sensors, records identifiers, and transmits them to the TPMS, allowing for automatic or manual transmission during the learning process, eliminating the need for timely triggering and walking between wheel units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the technician sequentially triggers each TPM sensor using a TPMS configuration tool during the learning process, then the identifier of each sensor is recorded by the control module, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming requiring the technician to walk to each wheel unit
Solution Approach 1:
A configuration tool serves as an intermediary device that automatically manages the learning process. The tool includes a processor that receives sensor identifiers and a transmitter that communicates with the TPMS control module, eliminating the need for manual technician intervention at each wheel unit while ensuring accurate identifier recording
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the TPMS automatically performs the learning process without requiring a technician to physically visit each wheel unit. The configuration tool handles sensor triggering and identifier recording automatically, allowing the system to configure itself
2Productivity
If the technician triggers each TPM sensor within a limited allotted time during the learning process, then the control module can record the identifier, but the process is prone to errors and may require reinitialization if timing is not met
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration tool performs preliminary actions by automatically triggering each TPM sensor and recording its identifier before the learning process time limit expires. The tool manages the sequencing and timing of sensor triggers, ensuring all identifiers are captured within the allotted time without requiring reinitialization
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration tool implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the learning process status and adjust triggering sequences accordingly. The processor receives confirmation when identifiers are successfully recorded and can adapt the triggering sequence to ensure all sensors are captured within the time limit, preventing process failure
3Measurement precision
If the TPMS requires sequential triggering of each sensor with limited time allocation, then the control module can identify sensor locations, but the process increases labor costs and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration tool acts as an intermediary that automates the sensor identification process. It systematically triggers each TPM sensor, records the identifiers with their corresponding wheel positions, and communicates this data to the control module, maintaining precise sensor location identification while eliminating manual technician labor
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of a technician walking to each wheel unit and manually triggering sensors is replaced by an automated electronic system. The configuration tool uses electronic communication to trigger sensors and transfer data, substituting human physical movement and manual operation with automated electronic processes
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 significantly reduces the likelihood of reinitiating the learning process, enhances efficiency, saves time, and lowers costs by allowing TPM sensors to be integrated at any pace and location, reducing errors and labor.
Implementation Method 1
The tool includes a low frequency wireless transmitter configured for transmitting a signal to a tire pressure monitoring sensor
Implementation Method 2
a high frequency wireless transmitter configured for transmitting the recorded identifier and received data
Implementation Method 3
a high frequency wireless receiver configured for receiving a response signal from the tire pressure monitoring sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to recording and storing identification information of tire pressure monitoring sensors and transmission of the stored identification information to a tire pressure monitoring system. In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of integrating one or more tire pressure monitoring sensors with a tire pressure monitoring system of a vehicle. The method includes programming and/or configuring a tire pressure monitoring sensor with a suitable program software for a tire pressure monitoring system of a vehicle. The method also includes utilizing a configuration tool to cause the tire pressure monitoring sensor to generate a signal including an identifier. The method further includes recording the identifier on a memory device of the configuration tool. The method further includes transmitting the recorded identifier from the configuration tool to a memory device of a vehicle when the vehicle enters a learning mode.