Wheel Position Detection from Tangential Acceleration Extremes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) struggle to accurately determine the position of wheels on a vehicle, which is crucial for effective tire pressure management and fuel efficiency, as they rely on knowing the wheel position.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using at least two acceleration sensors, one on each wheel, calculate rotation time based on centrifugal force, determine tangential acceleration, and adjust time intervals to find the temporal position of extrema in the acceleration data, comparing these positions with predefined data to determine wheel position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used to detect wheel positions, then measurement precision is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to electromagnetic interference and contamination from road debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical sensors with magnetic sensors (such as Hall effect sensors or magnetoresistive sensors) to detect wheel position. This substitution eliminates the vulnerability to electromagnetic interference and contamination while maintaining measurement precision, as magnetic sensors can operate reliably in harsh automotive environments without being affected by dust, water, or electromagnetic noise from vehicle electronics.
2Reliability
If mechanical linkages are used to connect sensors to wheels, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and susceptibility to mechanical failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical linkages by using magnetic fields for wireless or contactless detection of wheel position. Magnetic sensors can detect wheel position through non-contact means, removing the need for physical connections while maintaining reliability. This reduces device complexity and eliminates failure points associated with mechanical wear, loosening, or breakage of linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the sensor and the wheel, allowing position detection without direct mechanical contact. The magnetic field serves as a mediator that transfers information about wheel position to the sensor without requiring physical connection, thereby improving reliability while reducing mechanical complexity.
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
Enables reliable, fast, and energy-efficient determination of wheel positions, enhancing the accuracy of TPMS systems in identifying specific wheels, thereby improving tire pressure management and fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic sensor is arranged to sense a position of the wheel
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the position of wheels on a vehicle by means of at least two acceleration sensors, wherein in each case one is arranged on each of at least two wheels of the vehicle, comprising the steps - calculating of a revolution time of at least one of the at least two wheels based on the determined centrifugal force by means of the respective acceleration sensor, - determining of a tangential acceleration of the wheel by means of the respective acceleration sensor over a time period which corresponds at least half of the revolution time, - fixing and/or adapting of the start point of the time period in a manner which is dependent on the magnitude of the initial value and/or end value of the tangential acceleration in comparison with the temporal position of an extreme value of the tangential acceleration in the time period, - determining of the temporal position of the temporally youngest extreme value of the tangential acceleration in the time period; wherein at least two temporal positions of temporally youngest extreme values in different time periods are determined by means of the steps, and wherein the position of the wheel on the vehicle is effected by way of the evaluation device by way of comparison of the at least two determined temporal positions with further predefined data of the provision device.