Tyre Unit Orientation Detection Using Lateral Force Polarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel monitoring systems, particularly Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), face challenges in automatically determining the position and orientation of tyre-mounted units with respect to a vehicle, especially when the units are mounted on the tyre itself, as the orientation cannot be assumed, which is crucial for accurate left/right determination.
Innovation Solution
The system employs lateral and longitudinal force sensors to detect the direction of forces exerted on the tyre, producing output signals that indicate the orientation of the tyre unit with respect to the vehicle, allowing the control means to determine whether the unit is mounted on the left or right side by analyzing the polarity and changes in the force direction signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two shock sensors are used to determine left/right location by detecting rotation direction, then the determination accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the orientation detection function from a multi-sensor approach and implements it through a single force sensor by detecting the polarity of forces during tyre rotation. This reduces the sensor count from two shock sensors to one force sensor while maintaining the ability to determine left/right location and rotation direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The single force sensor performs multiple functions: it detects both the direction of tyre rotation and the orientation of the tyre unit, replacing what would traditionally require separate sensors for each function. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while achieving the same measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tyre mounted units are used instead of valve mounted units, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the orientation determination becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of force polarity during the tyre rotation cycle to establish the orientation of the tyre unit before using this information for left/right determination. This preliminary action allows the system to adapt to any mounting orientation without requiring manual calibration or assumptions about initial positioning.
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 enables accurate determination of the tyre unit's orientation and side location using fewer sensors, reducing costs and complexity, and allows for correct interpretation of other system components' output signals, enhancing the overall accuracy of the TPMS.
Implementation Method 1
a longitudinal force sensor that is responsive to forces exerted on the respective tyre along a longitudinal axis that is substantially tangential to a footprint section of the tyre during use
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for determining the position and/or orientation of a tyre mounted unit in a wheel monitoring system comprises a lateral force sensor that is responsive to forces exerted on the respective tyre along a lateral axis that is parallel with an axle of the vehicle on which the tyre is mounted. The lateral force sensor is arranged to produce an output signal that indicates the direction of the exerted forces. A controller determines the position and/or orientation of the tyre unit depending on the exerted force direction indicated by the output signal.