Universal TPMS Wheel Unit with Programmable Software Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) face challenges in flexibility, maintenance, and cost due to the need for multiple wheel unit types, long programming times, high memory requirements, and limited software updates, which lead to increased costs and complexity in installation and supply chain management.
Innovation Solution
A universal TPMS wheel unit with programmable circuitry and communication modules that allows for fast, error-free configuration and full field software updates, enabling support for multiple TPM systems without requiring frequent hardware replacements or updates, using a combination of upload managers, configuration codes, and system managers to streamline installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal wheel unit is used to support multiple TPM systems, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for programmable circuitry and multiple communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel unit is designed with universal programmable circuitry that can be configured to support multiple TPM systems through software programming rather than hardware variations. The communication module can operate with different protocols (RF, LF, wired interfaces) by loading appropriate communication protocols through the programming interface, allowing a single hardware design to serve multiple vehicle manufacturers and TPMS systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel unit incorporates dynamic reconfigurability through its programming interface, allowing the internal program flow and communication protocols to be modified after manufacturing. The programmable circuitry can be updated via wireless RF signals or wired interfaces to adapt to different TPM system requirements, enabling the device to dynamically change its operational characteristics based on the target vehicle system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If full software is loaded to the wheel unit for programming flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but programming time increases due to low speed communication interface
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel unit is pre-configured with a programming interface and basic communication protocols during manufacturing, allowing for rapid field programming. The programmable circuitry is prepared in advance to receive and execute new software configurations through the programming interface, eliminating the need for lengthy software loading processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the software configuration process from the hardware design, allowing the communication protocols and programming logic to be transferred separately through the programming interface. This separation enables the wheel unit to receive only the necessary configuration data rather than loading complete software systems, significantly reducing programming time while maintaining flexibility.
3Reliability
If a wired interface is used for programming, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a programming interface as an intermediary that can operate through multiple modes including wireless RF signals and wired connections. This intermediary layer provides reliable programming capability while abstracting the complexity of different interface types from the core wheel unit functionality, allowing reliable programming without permanently integrating complex wired interface hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The wired interface capability is implemented as a localized optional feature rather than a universal requirement. The programming interface can be activated through specific electrical contacts or wireless protocols depending on the application, allowing the wheel unit to maintain simplicity while providing reliable programming options where needed without adding complex hardware to all units.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wheel unit types are used for different TPM systems, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to high initial investment and complex supply chain
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel unit is designed as a universal platform that can be manufactured once and configured for multiple TPM systems through software programming. This eliminates the need to manufacture and stock multiple different wheel unit types for different vehicle manufacturers, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and supply chain complexity while maintaining the ability to support diverse TPM systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating different hardware variants for different TPM systems, the patent changes the software parameters and communication protocols of the universal wheel unit to adapt to different systems. This parameter-based configuration approach allows a single manufacturing line to produce wheel units for all TPM systems, reducing initial investment and simplifying the supply chain while maintaining full adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel unit including an environmental pressure sensor, a non-volatile memory for storing a first program and a second program and configuration code, a processing unit for executing the programs, a communication module comprising a wireless transmitter for transmitting at least one parameter indicative of conditions within a tire and a wireless or wired receiver for loading the second program into the non-volatile memory and a battery for powering the wheel unit. The second program may be loaded to the memory by the first program and configured by the configuration code to operate within a specific TPM system.