Wheel Module Position Identification Using Distributed Sensor Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheel and tire monitoring systems face challenges in managing complex configurations, especially when tires are replaced at different times, and wheels and tires are stored, leading to potential hazards and inefficiencies in maintenance, particularly for fleet vehicles where rigorous maintenance routines may miss unauthorized tampering or wear.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize sensors, such as accelerometers, mounted at various locations on the wheel and tire to monitor physical parameters like acceleration and pressure, and communicate identification codes to an electronic control unit (ECU) for enhanced monitoring and maintenance, including the ability to detect potential faults and unauthorized modifications, with modules distributed radially around the wheel for comprehensive data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wheel and tire monitoring systems use complex sensor configurations mounted at various locations, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into multiple independent sensor modules, each mounted at specific locations on the wheel and tire. Each module contains its own sensors (accelerometers, pressure sensors) and identification code, allowing distributed measurement while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
An electronic control unit (ECU) serves as an intermediary that receives data from multiple sensor modules, processes the information, and correlates readings with specific wheel positions using identification codes. This centralizes complex processing logic while keeping individual sensor modules simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are mounted on wheels and tires that are stored or replaced at different times, then adaptability improves, but reliability decreases due to potential unauthorized tampering or wear
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor module is pre-equipped with a unique identification code during manufacturing. This preliminary assignment of identifiers allows the system to track and recognize specific wheel-tire combinations even when they are stored, replaced, or rotated, maintaining reliability through continuous identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives and processes identification codes from sensor modules, providing feedback about the current configuration of wheels and tires. This feedback mechanism enables the ECU to detect unauthorized tampering or improper reconfiguration by comparing expected versus actual sensor positions and identification patterns.
3Loss of information
If multiple sensors are distributed radially around the wheel for comprehensive data collection, then information completeness improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different sensor modules are positioned at specific radial locations around the wheel to capture locally relevant data characteristics. Each location provides unique information about wheel-tire conditions from that particular perspective, and the ECU integrates these localized measurements into a comprehensive view of overall wheel health.
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 solution improves the reliability and safety of vehicles by providing more accurate and comprehensive monitoring of wheel and tire conditions, enabling early detection of potential issues and optimizing maintenance schedules, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and improving fleet efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
sensors, such as accelerometers, mounted at various locations on the wheel and tire to monitor physical parameters like acceleration
Implementation Method 2
monitor physical parameters like acceleration and pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of identifying locations of one or more modules (400) of an apparatus (1) implemented in a vehicle (900) for monitoring operation of at least one wheel (10) of the vehicle (900). The apparatus (1) includes one or more sensor modules (400) operatively mounted to revolve with the at least one wheel (10), the one or more modules (400) being operatively coupled in communication with a processing arrangement (710, ECU 950) of the vehicle (900). The one or more modules (400) are operable to determine at least one physical parameter of the wheel (10) and to generate at least one corresponding sensor signal for the processing arrangement (950). The processing arrangement (710, ECU 950) being operable to process the at least one sensor signal to compute information indicative of operation of the at least one wheel (10), wherein the physical parameter is an angular velocity derived from a signal generated by the one or more modules (400).