Vehicle Wheel Positioning Using Hands-Free Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel monitoring systems face reliability issues due to the need for precise antenna positioning and increased sensitivity, leading to noise immunity problems and high costs, especially when using hands-free access device antennas for wheel location.
Innovation Solution
A method involving successive transmissions of identification request signals by antennas, with electronic modules counting and responding to these signals to filter out stray signals, allowing for reliable location without affecting the on-board power supply and requiring only software adaptation of the hands-free access device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transmitting power of antennas is increased to improve signal detection, then the reliability of wheel location improves, but external disturbances and noise interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of identification request signals by the antennas. Each antenna transmits multiple signals at regular intervals, allowing the system to accumulate statistical data about signal reception. This periodic action enables reliable wheel location by analyzing the frequency and pattern of received signals over time, rather than relying on single high-power transmissions that would cause noise interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the central processing unit receives counting signals from electronic modules and calculates ratios of received to transmitted identification request signals. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust and optimize location determination based on actual reception patterns, improving reliability without requiring continuously high transmitting power that would generate external disturbances.
2Measurement precision
If three separate low-frequency antennas are installed for wheel location, then the accuracy of wheel location improves, but the cost of installation and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing hands-free access device antennas serve dual purposes: their original function for vehicle access control and an additional function for wheel location. By programming the central processing unit to utilize these existing antennas for transmitting identification request signals, the system achieves accurate wheel location without requiring separate dedicated location antennas, thereby reducing device complexity and installation costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the wheel location function with the existing hands-free access system. The same antennas, transmitters, and receivers used for access control are combined to perform wheel location tasks. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate hardware systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining location accuracy through the multi-functionality of the integrated system.
3Speed
If the sensitivity of receivers on wheels is increased to detect signals, then the responsiveness of wheel location improves, but noise immunity and sensitivity tolerance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic transmission of identification request signals and counts the number of received signals over multiple transmission cycles. This statistical approach allows the system to distinguish between genuine signals from wheels and random noise interference. By analyzing the frequency and consistency of received signals across multiple periodic transmissions, the system achieves fast responsiveness without requiring excessively high receiver sensitivity that would amplify noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The central processing unit receives feedback in the form of counting signals from electronic modules and calculates the ratio of received to transmitted identification request signals. This feedback mechanism enables the system to objectively determine wheel presence and location based on statistical analysis of signal reception patterns, rather than relying on high receiver sensitivity alone. This approach improves responsiveness while maintaining noise immunity through rational calculation and threshold-based decision making.
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 method enhances responsiveness and reliability by filtering out external interferences and reducing power consumption, while allowing the use of existing hands-free access device antennas with minimal additional hardware costs.
Implementation Method 1
the central processing unit orders n successive transmissions, by said transmitting antenna, of an identification request signal
Implementation Method 2
each electronic module counts the number of identification request signals received by said electronic module
Data Source
AI summary
Method of locating the position of wheels (2-5) of a vehicle (1) equipped with an electronic module (6-9) and with transmitting antennas (12-14) positioned in such a way as to present a coverage area in which at least one wheel (2-5) is located. Furthermore, n successive transmissions are ordered, by each transmitting antenna, of an identification request signal, and the number of identification request signals received by each electronic module (6-9) is counted. Furthermore, a ratio representative of the number of counted identification request signals received by each electronic module (6-9) is calculated, relative to the number of identification request signals actually transmitted by the transmitting antenna (12-14), and an indication of presence of the electronic module in the coverage area of the transmitting antenna is provided when the calculated ratio is greater than a predetermined threshold value.