TPMS Localization via Structure-Borne Sound Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) face challenges in accurately localizing sensor modules, particularly in complex environments like trucks with multiple axles and tires in close proximity, leading to insufficient localization techniques.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a TPMS system that utilizes structure-borne sound signals to communicate and localize sensor modules, where sound transducers generate sound waves that propagate through the axle assembly to the sensor modules, allowing for detection and transmission of communication signals, enabling accurate localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual localization or current automatic localization techniques are used, then the TPMS system can identify sensor modules, but accurate localization is insufficient in complex environments like trucks with multiple axles and tires in close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses structure-borne sound signals (mechanical vibrations) generated by a sound transducer on the axle assembly to localize TPMS sensor modules. The vibrations propagate through the vehicle structure and are detected by transducers in the sensor modules, enabling accurate identification of sensor locations even in complex configurations with multiple axles and tires in close proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces structure-borne sound signals as an intermediary medium to facilitate communication between the vehicle control system and TPMS sensor modules. The sound transducer generates vibrations that travel through the vehicle structure, serving as a mediator to convey localization information to sensors that would otherwise be difficult to distinguish in complex environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two communication devices (RF transmitter and LF receiver) are used for bidirectional communication, then communication capability is established, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the LF receiver multi-functional by enabling it to receive both traditional LF signals and structure-borne sound signals through the transducer. This allows the same hardware component to handle multiple communication modes, reducing the need for separate communication devices while maintaining bidirectional communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces part of the electromagnetic communication system with a mechanical vibration-based communication system. Instead of relying solely on RF and LF electromagnetic signals, the system uses structure-borne sound waves (mechanical vibrations) to carry communication data, thereby reducing the number of electromagnetic communication devices needed.
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 enhances the accuracy of sensor module localization and communication, even in complex vehicle configurations, by using sound waves to convey information through the vehicle's structure, improving the overall effectiveness of the TPMS system.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer configured to receive a structure borne sound signal induced by sound waves
Data Source
AI summary
A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor module as provided herein includes a pressure sensor configured to measure an internal air pressure of a tire and generate tire pressure information; a transducer configured to receive a structure borne sound signal induced by sound waves; a receiver circuit electrically connected to the transducer and configured to detect the structure borne sound signal and generate a detection indication that the structure borne sound signal has been detected; a processing circuit electrically connected to the pressure sensor and the receiver circuit, and configured to receive the tire pressure information from the pressure sensor, receive the detection indication from the receiver circuit, and generate a communication signal in response to receiving the detection indication; and a transmitter electrically connected to the processing circuit and configured to transmit the communication signal.