TPMS Wheel Identifier Assignment Using Shock Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assigning identifiers to wheel positions in tire pressure monitoring systems are inefficient and prone to errors, particularly when using a single antenna and requiring precise antenna positioning, leading to lengthy and unreliable allocation processes.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines the evaluation of signal intensities and shock signals to differentiate between front and rear wheels, allowing for parallel execution of existing assignment methods to reduce the number of transmission processes and increase accuracy, using statistical evaluation of signal intensities and direction of rotation information from acceleration sensors to quickly and reliably assign identifiers to wheel positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single antenna is used for receiving signals from wheel electronics, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of identifier assignment deteriorates due to difficulty in distinguishing front and rear wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an acceleration sensor as an intermediary device that detects shock signals from wheel impacts. This sensor acts as a mediator between the wheel electronics and the receiver, providing additional information (shock detection timing) that enables reliable front-rear wheel differentiation even with a single antenna. The acceleration sensor translates physical wheel events into detectable electrical signals that resolve the ambiguity in signal origin.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical approach of using multiple antennas or precise antenna positioning with an electronic sensing approach. Instead of relying on antenna geometry or position to distinguish wheel locations, the system uses electronic acceleration sensors to detect shock events and determines wheel position through timing analysis of these electronic signals, substituting a mechanical spatial solution with an electronic temporal measurement solution.
2Device complexity
If traditional identifier assignment methods are used without shock signal evaluation, then the device complexity remains low, but the time required for accurate assignment increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the acceleration sensor continuously monitor and detect shock signals before they are needed for assignment decisions. The system pre-captures timing information from wheel impacts and stores it for later correlation with received identifiers. This preliminary detection and storage of shock timing data enables rapid assignment once identifiers are received, eliminating the need for lengthy transmission processes and real-time analysis.
3Measurement precision
If precise antenna positioning is required for accurate signal intensity evaluation, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to complex installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically determine wheel positions and assign identifiers without requiring manual antenna positioning or calibration. The acceleration sensors on the wheels autonomously detect shocks and provide timing information that the central receiver uses to self-determine which wheel generated each signal. This eliminates the need for manufacturers or installers to perform complex antenna positioning procedures, making the system plug-and-play ready.
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 time and number of transmission processes required for accurate identifier assignment, ensuring reliable tire pressure monitoring by leveraging signal intensity and direction of rotation data, and is applicable to various vehicle configurations without complex antenna positioning.
Implementation Method 1
The gravitational acceleration is superimposed on the radial acceleration and the tangential acceleration of a wheel, the influence of which changes its sign twice with each revolution of the wheel.
Implementation Method 2
a sensor which responds to shocks, z. B. a sensor responsive to radial accelerations. The wheel electronics preferably also contain an acceleration sensor, which supplies information about the rotational speed of the wheel.
Implementation Method 3
Each wheel electronics includes a pressure sensor which responds to the tire pressure of the wheel
Implementation Method 4
a transmitter which signals not only the individual identifier, but also information about the tire pressure, about shocks occurring on the wheel, possibly also about the Contains the speed of the respective wheel, transmitted to a receiver
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for assigning identifiers of wheel electronics to the positions of the wheels on the vehicle. The wheel electronics send their individual identifier, information relating to the rotational direction of the wheel and relating to the occurrence of an impact on the wheel to a receiver. An evaluation unit collects the identifiers and rotational direction information as well as the driving speed; on this basis, differentiates between identifiers of wheel electronics on the left vehicle side and identifiers of wheel electronics on the right vehicle side; differentiates impacts reported from wheel electronics on the left vehicle side, from impacts reported from wheel electronics on the right vehicle side; measures the time between impact signals reported from wheel electronics on the left or on the right vehicle side; multiplies the measured time by the driving speed measuring during this time; checks whether the length formed by the multiplication coincides with an axle distance; in the event that it coincides, assigns the identifiers contained in the signal, which contains the information relating to the first of two consecutively detected impacts on the left or the right vehicle side, to the left or right wheel on a front of the two axles; and assigns the identifier contained in the signal, which contains the information relating to the second to the two consecutively detected impacts, to the wheel on the rear of the two axles on the same vehicle side as on the front axle.