Vehicle Wheel Localization Using Dual Antenna Signal Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheel localization methods for vehicles are costly and lack flexibility, particularly due to the need for multiple antennas and the use of step-up transformers, which are not ideally positioned for wheel localization and are not applicable to vehicles without hands-free access devices.
Innovation Solution
A method using two transmitting antennas, a lateral and a frontal antenna, positioned to cover a common zone, transmitting identical, in-phase identification request signals to achieve a resulting signal power greater than the detection threshold of the wheel's electronic box, allowing for effective localization without the need for a step-up transformer and reducing the number of antennas required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If three low frequency antennas are used for wheel localization, then localization speed is improved (nearly instantaneous), but installation cost increases (costly due to antennas, cables, amplifiers)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of wheel localization and hands-free access into a single antenna system. The hands-free access antennas are reused for wheel localization by transmitting identification request signals during the access procedure, eliminating the need for separate localization antennas and reducing installation complexity while maintaining fast localization performance
Solution Approach 2:
The hands-free access antennas are made multi-functional by using them for both their original purpose (vehicle access and starting) and for wheel localization. This universal usage reduces the total number of antennas needed and simplifies the system without compromising localization speed
2Device complexity
If hands-free access antennas are used for wheel localization, then installation cost is reduced (no additional antennas needed), but localization effectiveness deteriorates (antennas not ideally positioned)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the non-ideal positioning of hands-free antennas by using spatial diversity with multiple antennas positioned at different locations (door handles, mirror housings). By transmitting signals from multiple spatial positions, the system achieves reliable localization coverage despite individual antennas not being optimally positioned for wheel detection
3Power
If step-up transformer is used with antennas, then signal power is improved (sufficient for detection), but installation cost increases (cost of antenna/transformer assembly)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the localization function with the existing hands-free access system, eliminating the need for separate step-up transformers. The identification request signals are transmitted using the existing antenna infrastructure during the normal access procedure, achieving sufficient signal power without additional power amplification equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The hands-free access system serves itself by performing dual functions: vehicle access/starting and wheel localization. The existing power supply and transmission infrastructure of the hands-free system is utilized for localization signals, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate power amplification equipment
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
This approach provides a cost-effective and flexible wheel localization method that is as effective as methods using step-up transformers, without the associated installation costs, and can be adapted for various vehicle equipment levels, reducing the number of antennas needed while maintaining efficient localization.
Implementation Method 1
two transmitting antennas—a lateral antenna and a frontal antenna—placed so as to have coverage zones comprising a common zone in which the wheel to be localized is located
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for localization of the position of a wheel (2) of a vehicle (1). According to the method of the invention, the vehicle (1) is equipped with two transmitting antennas—a lateral antenna (11) and a frontal antenna (13) —placed so as to have coverage zones comprising a common zone in which is located the wheel (2) to be localized, and the transmission by the two transmitting antennas (11 and 13) of two identical, in phase identification request signals of powers suited to obtain in the area of wheel (2) to be localized a resulting signal of power greater than the detection threshold of an electronic box (6) with which said wheel is equipped is ordered simultaneously.