Wheel Position Identification via RSSI Rotational Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wheel assembly position identifying systems fail to accurately determine the positions of wheel assemblies due to signal attenuation by obstacles, leading to unreliable identification of maximum and minimum RSSI values.

Innovation Solution

A wheel assembly position identifying apparatus that includes transmitters with position detecting signals and a receiver that measures RSSI, utilizing rotational position detection and acceleration sensors to adjust transmission timing and power consumption, ensuring accurate identification by varying transmission times based on vehicle speed and obstacles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the receiver identifies wheel assembly positions based on the magnitude relationship of RSSI differences, then the position identification method is simple, but the identification accuracy deteriorates when obstacles attenuate signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition identification method complexityVSAvoidwheel assembly position identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static RSSI magnitude comparison to dynamic rotational position tracking. By continuously monitoring RSSI variations during wheel rotation and identifying extreme values at specific rotational positions, the system adapts to changing obstacle configurations while maintaining accurate position identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the periodic rotation of wheel assemblies to repeatedly measure RSSI at different orientations. By detecting extreme RSSI values during each rotation cycle and comparing rotational positions across multiple cycles, the system achieves reliable position identification despite signal attenuation from obstacles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If the transmitter continuously transmits position detecting signals for predetermined transmission time, then the position identification accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel assembly position identification accuracyVSAvoidtransmitter power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous transmission, the transmitter sends position detecting signals periodically during wheel rotation. The transmission occurs in predetermined time intervals sufficient to capture RSSI extreme values at different rotational positions, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining identification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the natural rotation of the wheel assembly to automatically provide diverse transmission angles and orientations. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for active control systems to adjust transmitter orientation, reducing power consumption while ensuring comprehensive signal coverage for accurate position identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The system effectively identifies wheel assembly positions with reduced power consumption and increased accuracy by accounting for obstacles and vehicle movement, maintaining consistent identification of rotational positions despite variations in RSSI due to environmental changes.

Implementation Method 1

transmitters transmit signals (radio waves)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Signals transmitted from the transmitters are attenuated before reaching the reception antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3173260B1Wheel-position specifying device
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 PACIFIC INDUSTRIAL CO LTD
  • EP3173260B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3173260B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3173260B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6B

AI summary

A wheel assembly position identifying apparatus is mounted in a vehicle equipped with rotational position detecting sections, each of which detects a rotational position of one of wheel assemblies. The apparatus includes transmitters, each of which is provided in one of the wheel assemblies, and a receiver, which is provided in a body of the vehicle. Each transmitter includes a transmission section, which is configured to transmit a position detecting signal to the receiver, and a control section, which is configured to cause the transmission section to continuously transmit the position detecting signal for at least a predetermined transmission time. The receiver includes a receiving section, which is configured to receive the position detecting signal, a measuring section, which is configured to measure a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the received position detecting signal, and a wheel assembly position identifying section. The wheel assembly position identifying section is configured to detect, more than once, a rotational position of each wheel assembly at which the RSSI has an extreme value, for each position detecting signal received during one rotation of the wheel assembly, and identify the position of the wheel assembly in which the corresponding transmitter is provided based on variation of the rotational position of the wheel assembly at which the RSSI has the extreme value.