UWB Tyre Sensor Integration for Sensing, Communication, and Ranging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tyre monitoring systems require multiple components to perform sensing, communication, and localisation functions, leading to increased complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A tyre monitoring sensor utilizing an ultra-wideband (UWB) device that operates in three modes: sensing to determine tyre properties, communication to transmit data to a control unit, and ranging to localise the sensor relative to a controller node.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate components are used to perform sensing, communication, and localisation functions, then each function can be performed reliably, but the device complexity and bill of materials increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines sensing, communication, and localisation functions into a single integrated UWB device mounted on the tyre. The UWB device performs all three functions using a unified hardware platform, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functional reliability through multi-mode operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The UWB device is designed with multi-functionality to perform sensing (tyre property determination), communication (data transmission to control unit), and localisation (ranging relative to controller nodes) within a single device. This universal approach allows one component to fulfill multiple roles that traditionally required separate dedicated components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for sensing, communication, and localisation, then each function can be optimised independently, but the overall cost of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging sensing, communication, and localisation into a single UWB device, the patent reduces the bill of materials and overall system cost. The integrated approach eliminates redundant components and reduces assembly complexity, making the system more cost-effective while maintaining all required functional capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-functional UWB device reduces manufacturing cost by using a single platform for multiple functions. Instead of procuring and assembling separate components for sensing, communication, and localisation, the system uses one universal device that performs all three functions, thereby reducing both component costs and assembly costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4556260A1UWB tyre monitoring sensor, system and associated method
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 NXP BV
  • EP4556260A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4556260A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4556260A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tyre monitoring sensor is disclosed comprising an ultra-wideband, UWB, device, wherein the UWB device is configured to be mounted on a tyre and to be operable in at least a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode; wherein the first mode is a sensing mode, in which the UWB device is operable to determine a value of a physical property of the tyre; wherein the second mode is a communication mode, in which the UWB device is operable to communicate the value to a control unit; wherein the third mode is a ranging mode, in which the UWB device is operable to localise the UWB device relative to a controller node. Associated methods and systems are also disclosed.