Universal TPMS Sensor with Virtual Machine Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) face challenges in adaptability to various vehicle models and communication protocols, leading to high initial investment, complex handling, and limited flexibility, with existing solutions requiring multiple sensor types or large memory storage, which restricts the ability to adapt to new requirements and technological advances.
Innovation Solution
A universal TPMS wheel sensor with a programmable processing unit and a Virtual Machine-based architecture that uses an Intermediate Language (IL) for programming, allowing for flexible adaptation to different vehicle models and communication protocols without requiring hardware modifications, reducing memory requirements and eliminating the need for a programming cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor types are used to cover different vehicle models and protocols, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor design with a programmable processing unit that can execute different protocols and communication standards. The sensor is configured to adapt to various vehicle models through software programming rather than hardware variations, allowing a single sensor type to perform multiple functions across different TPMS systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor incorporates a dynamically reconfigurable processing unit that can load and execute different protocol implementations as needed. This dynamic adaptability allows the sensor to change its behavior and communication mode based on the specific vehicle requirements without requiring physical reconfiguration or multiple fixed-type sensors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If full software is loaded to the sensor for flexible programming, then adaptability is improved, but programming time increases due to low speed communication interface
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is pre-configured with a versatile processing unit and basic operational framework during manufacturing. Common protocol implementations and configuration options are prepared in advance, allowing for rapid deployment and minimal programming time during installation while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a standardized software architecture where protocol implementations can be copied and transferred between sensors. The processing unit is designed to accept and execute standardized protocol code, allowing rapid programming through copying pre-validated software configurations rather than writing custom code for each vehicle type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pre-configured programs are stored in the sensor for different vehicle models, then adaptability is improved, but memory requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol implementations into modular, independently loadable software components. Instead of storing complete pre-configured programs for every vehicle model, the sensor stores segmented protocol modules that can be selectively loaded and combined based on the specific vehicle requirements, reducing overall memory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor uses parameter-based configuration where different vehicle models are supported by changing software parameters and settings rather than storing entirely different program sets. The processing unit interprets configuration parameters to adapt its behavior, allowing compact storage of parameter sets instead of large program binaries for each vehicle type.
4Ease of operation
If wired interface is used for programming, then programming capability is achieved, but device complexity and susceptibility to damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired interface with a wireless communication system for programming and configuration. The processing unit communicates with external programming devices through wireless protocols, eliminating the need for physical cables, connectors, and associated mechanical interfaces while maintaining full programming capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary between the sensor and the programming device. This wireless intermediary layer enables data transfer and configuration without direct physical contact, eliminating the need for electrical contacts and cables while preserving the ability to program and configure the sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A tire pressure monitoring sensor comprises an environmental pressure sensor, a non-volatile memory for storing a first program and a second program, a processing unit for executing the first program, a communication module including 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 sensor. The second program contains a sensor operation description which is used by the first program.