UWB Tyre Sensor Combining 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, thereby reducing the number of components and overall cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate components are used to perform sensing, communication, and localisation functions, then the reliability of each function is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
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 unified hardware and processing resources, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining functional reliability through shared architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The UWB device is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously performs sensing (tyre property measurement), communication (data transmission to control unit), and localisation (determining tyre position on vehicle). This universal device replaces multiple specialized components with a single versatile platform
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for sensing, communication, and localisation, then functional completeness is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges sensing, communication, and localisation into one integrated UWB device, reducing the total component count and bill of materials. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while preserving all required functions through shared hardware resources and unified processing
3Device complexity
If a UWB device operates in multiple modes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operational reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The UWB device dynamically switches between different operational modes (sensing, communication, localisation) based on system requirements. The device adapts its functionality in real-time, activating only the necessary modes at any given moment, which reduces overall complexity while maintaining operational reliability through on-demand function execution
Data Source
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.