TPMS Sensor Dispensing With Shielded Programming and Protocol Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors are difficult to identify and program due to various manufacturers and vehicle OEMs using different communication protocols, making it time-consuming for service technicians to determine the correct sensor type and protocol, especially in hostile environments where sensors are prone to damage or theft.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device with a storage space, programming module, and delivery tray that includes an electromagnetically shielded cavity, reading module, and human-machine interface to read and program TPMS sensors, allowing for secure storage and dispensing, and can communicate with third-party devices to determine the correct protocol and type of sensor needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor manufacturers and vehicle OEMs use different communication protocols, then sensor compatibility and versatility are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of identification increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of the sensor communication protocol before programming begins. The identification module automatically detects the protocol type (e.g., 125 kHz, 315 MHz, 433 MHz) and configures the programming module accordingly, eliminating the need for technicians to manually determine protocol compatibility across different manufacturers and vehicle OEMs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification module that acts as a mediator between the diverse sensor protocols and the programming system. This module translates and standardizes the communication protocols, allowing the programming module to work with multiple sensor types without requiring complex manual configuration for each protocol variant.
2Measurement precision
If technicians manually identify and program each sensor type, then programming accuracy is improved, but time consumption and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration through automatic protocol identification. When a sensor is placed in the dispensing device, the identification module automatically detects the communication protocol and configures the programming module without requiring technician intervention, thereby maintaining programming accuracy while significantly reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of protocol identification and configuration with an automated electronic identification system. The identification module uses electromagnetic signals to automatically detect and determine the sensor protocol, substituting the manual trial-and-error method with an automated detection and configuration process that maintains accuracy while improving productivity.
3Ease of operation
If sensors are stored in accessible locations for easy retrieval, then ease of operation is improved, but security and reliability decrease due to damage or theft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing element from the vulnerable tire environment and stores it in a protected dispensing device located in a secure facility. The sensor is kept in a controlled environment within the device until needed, protecting it from damage, theft, and environmental factors while maintaining easy retrieval through the device's dispensing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is nested within the protective structure of the dispensing device, which provides physical security and environmental protection. The device contains the sensor in a secure storage compartment that can be accessed only through controlled mechanisms, thereby protecting the sensor while allowing convenient retrieval when needed for programming and installation.
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
Streamlines the process of identifying and programming TPMS sensors, ensuring accurate communication with vehicle ECUs, and provides secure storage and dispensing, reducing the complexity and time required for technicians to manage multiple sensor types and protocols.
Implementation Method 1
The dispensing device may include an electromagnetically shielded cavity
Implementation Method 2
Typical TPMS tire sensors are programmed to be triggered through receipt of a low frequency (LF) signal, typically 125 kilohertz (kHz). The tire sensor then wirelessly emits a data signal, typically at 315 or 433 megahertz (MHz) containing the measured data from the tire.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic dispensing device for use in storing and selectively dispensing electronic transmission devices, for example tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) tire sensors. The dispensing device assists a user in determining the proper transmission device to be dispensed and programs or configures the transmission device in the dispenser prior to dispensing the programmed or configured transmission device to the user. When used for TPMS tire sensors, the dispenser determines the type of TPMS sensor to be programmed, programs the sensor with the proper communication protocol, and dispenses the programmed or configured sensor to the user for installation in the vehicle wheel and tire.