Tyre Pressure Sensor Alignment for Short-Range Wheel Readings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tyre pressure gauge systems using short range telecommunications face challenges in usability due to the need for accurate positioning of the mobile electronic device relative to the tyre pressure sensor module, especially on vehicles with multiple wheels, where the effective range is limited and distinguishing between multiple sensor modules is difficult.
Innovation Solution
A tyre pressure gauge system with a mobile electronic device equipped with a locating feature, such as a recess or protrusion, that assists in correctly positioning the device relative to the tyre pressure sensor module, using mechanical or electronic indicators to confirm alignment, and employing a short range telecommunications system like NFC to enable efficient power transfer and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a short range telecommunications system is used to read tyre pressure sensor modules, then signal identification complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A locating feature acts as an intermediary mechanical guide between the mobile electronic device and the tyre pressure sensor module. This feature provides physical alignment assistance to ensure the transmitter/receiver and antenna are correctly positioned within the short effective range, resolving the contradiction by adding a mechanical mediation layer that simplifies the positioning task while maintaining the simplicity of signal identification.
2Loss of information
If the effective range is reduced to less than 5 cm, then signal discrimination between multiple sensors is simplified, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locating feature serves as a mechanical intermediary that guides the mobile electronic device into the correct position relative to the sensor module. This physical guidance mechanism compensates for the reduced effective range, making it easier for users to position the device correctly without requiring complex signal discrimination procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic signal discrimination mechanisms with a mechanical alignment system. Instead of using complex electronic procedures to identify and differentiate between multiple sensor signals, the locating feature provides direct mechanical guidance to ensure the correct physical alignment, thereby simplifying the user operation while maintaining short range effectiveness.
3Reliability
If accurate positioning is required for short range communication, then communication reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locating feature acts as a simple mechanical intermediary that provides alignment guidance without adding significant complexity to the mobile electronic device. It ensures reliable communication by maintaining the transmitter/receiver and antenna within the short effective range, while its simple geometric design (recess or protrusion) keeps the overall device complexity low.
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
Enhances the usability of tyre pressure readings by ensuring correct alignment and reducing the complexity of identifying multiple sensor modules, allowing for accurate and efficient measurement of tyre pressure without the need for complex identification processes, particularly beneficial for multi-wheeled vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The tyre pressure sensor module may be configured to obtain sufficient electrical power from the transmitted signal through induction to power the electronic equipment necessary to transmit a response to the request
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile electronic device (102, 300), and a method, for obtaining a tyre pressure reading from a tyre pressure sensor module (700) fitted to a valve of a pneumatic tyre (106), a tyre pressure sensor module, a locating feature (304, 400) and a tyre pressure gauge system comprising the above. The mobile electronic device comprising: a transmitter (202) and a receiver (200) to transmit and receive telecommunications signals over a distance of up to 4 cm to obtain the tyre pressure reading; and a locating feature to indicate when the transmitter and/or receiver are located within 4 cm or less of the tyre pressure sensor module. The tyre pressure sensor module comprising an antenna to detect a telecommunications signal from a mobile electronic device over a distance of up to 4 cm, a transmitter (902), a receiver (904) and a pressure sensor (916) to measure tyre pressure.