Universal TPMS Tool Optical Scanner Sensor Cloning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) require manual reprogramming and recalibration after tire rotation or changes, which can be time-consuming and inefficient, especially in commercial service garages where precise identification and reprogramming of tire sensors are necessary to ensure accurate data transmission and battery conservation.

Innovation Solution

A universal TPMS tool equipped with an optical scanner, processor, and memory storage device that can read and store sensor identification information, allowing for automatic reprogramming and recalibration of tire sensors, including the ability to clone sensors and filter signals, reducing the need for manual activation and conserving battery life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual reprogramming and recalibration is performed after tire rotation or changes, then TPMS systems can be updated, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereprogramming efficiencyVSAvoidtime required for TPMS reprogramming

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (physically bringing the tool close to each sensor, manually activating sensors) with an automated optical scanning system that uses light to non-contactively read sensor identification information, significantly reducing the time and effort required for TPMS reprogramming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements sensor cloning capability that creates copies of sensor identification information from a source sensor and applies it to target sensors, eliminating the need for time-consuming individual sensor activation and reprogramming for each wheel position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If sensors are activated frequently for reprogramming, then TPMS can be updated, but battery life is drained

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTPMS reprogramming capabilityVSAvoidsensor battery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need to electrically activate sensors with an optical scanning method that reads sensor identification information using light, allowing the tool to obtain necessary data without draining sensor battery power

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs optical scanning to read and store sensor identification information in advance before any activation or reprogramming operations, ensuring that necessary data is captured without unnecessary battery consumption during the service process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If optical scanning is used to read sensor information, then identification accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor identification accuracyVSAvoidtool structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual sensor activation and identification procedures with a relatively simple optical scanning mechanism that non-contactively reads sensor information, improving accuracy while adding minimal structural complexity to the tool

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the optical scanning system to be compatible with multiple sensor types and vehicle models, allowing a single tool configuration to perform universal TPMS reprogramming operations without requiring complex adjustments or additional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The tool enables efficient and accurate reprogramming of TPMS systems, reducing the risk of errors and battery drain, while allowing for easy identification and troubleshooting of tire conditions, enhancing maintenance efficiency and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

an optical scanner for reading indicia connected to the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical scanning: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9050862B2Universal tire pressure monitoring system tool and methods

Publication Date: 2015.06.09 ATEQ CORP

AI summary

Disclosed herein is an improved universal TPMS tool. According to one aspect of the tool, the tool can include a housing and a processor and a memory storage device positioned within the housing. The tool can optionally include a key pad positioned on the housing in communication with the processor for input of commands from a user, an electronic communication port positioned on the housing in communication with the processor, and an antenna for transmission and receipt of electronic information from the plurality of TPMS tire sensors. The tool can also include an optical scanner for reading indicia connected to the vehicle.