Tire Pressure Sensor Malfunction Detection via Rotational Vibration Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) face challenges in effectively detecting malfunctions of pressure sensors, particularly when they report false constant pressure values, which can go undetected and compromise safety and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that analyze pressure variations during wheel rotation to determine sensor malfunctions by comparing pressure data parameters with threshold values, utilizing techniques such as peak-to-peak variation, standard deviation, autocorrelation, spectral analysis, and cross-correlation with angular motion data from a wheel motion sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensor malfunction detection is implemented using conventional methods, then the system can identify obvious sensor failures, but it cannot detect subtle malfunctions where the sensor reports false constant pressure values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vibration analysis by detecting characteristic pressure variations that occur during wheel rotation. These pressure fluctuations serve as a signature of normal sensor operation, and their absence indicates malfunction. The system analyzes the vibrational pattern of pressure readings to distinguish between normal constant pressure (when tire is stationary) and abnormal constant pressure (sensor malfunction).
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring pressure readings and comparing them against expected patterns based on wheel rotation state. When the wheel is rotating, the system expects to see characteristic pressure variations; when these variations are absent despite rotation, the system generates a malfunction indication. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables reliable detection of subtle sensor failures.
2Measurement precision
If the pressure sensor is used to monitor tire pressure continuously, then accurate pressure data can be obtained, but the system cannot distinguish between actual constant pressure and false constant readings from a malfunctioning sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by considering the dynamic state of the wheel (stationary vs. rotating) to interpret pressure readings. When the wheel rotates, the pressure sensor should detect characteristic variations due to tire deformation and ground contact. By analyzing whether these expected dynamic variations are present, the system can distinguish between genuine constant pressure and false readings from a malfunctioning sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wheel rotation state as an intermediary variable to mediate the interpretation of pressure readings. The rotation state provides contextual information that helps distinguish between normal and abnormal sensor behavior. This intermediary parameter enables the system to resolve the ambiguity of constant pressure readings by considering whether the wheel is currently rotating or stationary.
3Reliability
If pressure variations during wheel rotation are analyzed to detect malfunctions, then subtle sensor failures can be detected, but the system complexity increases due to additional analysis requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the pressure sensor's own readings to detect its own malfunction. The system analyzes the pressure variations that naturally occur during wheel rotation without requiring external test equipment or additional sensors. The sensor essentially monitors itself by comparing its readings against the expected pattern of variations, enabling autonomous malfunction detection with minimal additional system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for detecting a malfunction of a pressure sensor (9) of a tire pressure monitoring system of a vehicle (1) is disclosed, wherein, when the vehicle (1) is in motion and a wheel (2a-d) of the vehicle (1) to which the pressure sensor (9) is mounted is rolling on a ground, pressure values measured by the pressure sensor (9) are analyzed to determine if the pressure values include variations, wherein a malfunction of the pressure sensor (9) is determined based on a comparison of a value of a pressure data parameter characterizing the variations and a threshold value characterizing a noise value of the pressure sensor (9).