TPMS Wheel Positioning Using Sequential Tire Deformation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) and Tire Health Systems (THS) face challenges in accurately determining the wheel position of tire sensors on vehicles, often relying on manual methods prone to errors or requiring additional hardware, which can be time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A ground obstacle system arranged in a geometric pattern that causes sequential tire deformations as a vehicle traverses it, triggering tire sensors to transmit signals in a predetermined order, allowing the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to determine the wheel position based on the sequential signal reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual methods are used to determine wheel positions by hitting tires with a mallet, then wheel position information can be obtained, but human errors occur and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by having the vehicle's own tire sensors automatically detect and report wheel positions through sequential signal transmission triggered by ground obstacles, eliminating the need for manual intervention and human-operated diagnostic tools
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical action of hitting tires with a mallet is replaced by ground obstacles that automatically trigger tire sensor readings through controlled tire deformation as the vehicle traverses over them, converting manual mechanical input into an automated physical trigger mechanism
2Ease of operation
If additional hardware such as transmission extenders and ABS sensors are installed to enable automatic wheel position determination, then manual methods can be eliminated, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ground obstacle system serves multiple functions: it triggers tire sensor activation, determines wheel positions sequentially, and validates sensor functionality all through a single external device configuration, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors and transmission extenders
Solution Approach 2:
Ground obstacles act as an intermediary element between the vehicle's tire sensors and the determination system, mediating the trigger mechanism without requiring direct integration with the vehicle's existing sensor networks or transmission systems
3Productivity
If manual diagnostic tools are used in workshops, then tire sensor location can be determined, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human errors
Solution Approach 1:
The ground obstacles are pre-configured in specific geometric patterns before the vehicle enters the workshop area, so that as the vehicle drives through, the tire sensors are automatically triggered in the correct sequential order without requiring any manual diagnostic steps
Solution Approach 2:
The time-consuming manual diagnostic procedures and human judgment steps are completely extracted from the process, leaving only the automated sequence where ground obstacles trigger sensors and the system automatically determines wheel positions based on the received signal sequence
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 method eliminates the need for manual diagnostic tools and reduces human error, enabling accurate and efficient location of tire sensors without additional hardware, suitable for various vehicle types and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The ground obstacle system is adapted to cause tire deformation in tires of the wheels on a vehicle as the wheels of the vehicle traverses the ground obstacle system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
A ground obstacle system for locating tire sensors of wheels on a vehicle, wherein the ground obstacle system is adapted to cause tire deformation in tires of the wheels on a vehicle as the wheels of the vehicle traverses the ground obstacle system, is provided. The ground obstacles of the ground obstacle system are arranged in a determined geometric pattern that causes a determined set of sequential tire deformations in the tires of the wheels of the vehicle triggering sequential tire sensor readings by tire sensors in each tire or wheel of the vehicle. An ECU and a method therein for locating tire sensors of wheels on a vehicle are also provided, as well as, computer programs and a vehicle.