Wheel Sensor Axle Assignment via Transverse Acceleration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the installation location of wheel sensors on a motor vehicle are prone to incorrect assignment due to signal reflections and transit time issues, especially when distinguishing between steerable and nonsteerable axles.

Innovation Solution

The method involves sampling and comparing transverse acceleration signals from wheel sensors with those from the vehicle's movement dynamics control system, determining if the wheel sensor is on a steerable or nonsteerable axle based on differences in transverse acceleration, and using this information to accurately assign wheel sensors to their respective axles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wireless transmission path length is used to determine axle position, then assignment can be made, but signal reflections cause incorrect assignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxle position determination accuracyVSAvoidassignment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful factor (signal reflections) from the measurement system by abandoning the wireless transmission path length method and adopting transverse acceleration signal comparison, which is not affected by reflections, thus eliminating the source of incorrect assignments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces transverse acceleration signals as an intermediary physical quantity to determine axle position. Instead of directly measuring transmission path length (which is affected by reflections), the system uses acceleration signals that correlate with axle position but are not affected by signal reflections, serving as a reliable mediator for position determination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If pulse counting from rotational speed sensors is used to determine position, then position can be determined, but a large number of signals must be transmitted leading to transit time problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel sensor position determination accuracyVSAvoidsignal transmission time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical pulse counting method with a signal processing approach using transverse acceleration signals. Instead of counting numerous pulses from rotational speed sensors and transmitting them through the bus system, the system processes acceleration signal characteristics (amplitude, frequency, phase) to determine position, significantly reducing transmission time and data volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses only the necessary information from acceleration signals (transverse acceleration characteristics) rather than processing and transmitting all pulse data from rotational speed sensors. This partial action approach achieves position determination with minimal data transmission, avoiding transit time problems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of repair

If wheel sensors are exchanged during servicing, then maintenance is enabled, but reassignment between wheel sensor and installation location becomes necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel sensor exchangeabilityVSAvoidreassignment process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the wheel sensor system to automatically determine its own installation location through transverse acceleration signal comparison without requiring manual intervention or complex reassignment procedures. The sensor autonomously identifies its position on the vehicle, making the system self-configuring after sensor exchange

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses changes in transverse acceleration signal parameters (amplitude, frequency, phase patterns) to encode installation location information. When a sensor is exchanged, it automatically detects its new position by analyzing these parameter changes in the acceleration signals, enabling automatic reassignment without complex procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for reliable and precise assignment of wheel sensors to steerable or nonsteerable axles, reducing incorrect assignments and improving the accuracy of tire air pressure monitoring by correlating air pressure data with the correct wheel.

Implementation Method 1

a transverse acceleration sensor for determining an acceleration which runs perpendicularly with respect to a rotational plane of the wheel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertial force measurement: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS9221467B2Determining the installation location of a wheel sensor

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

A method for determining an installation location of a wheel sensor on a wheel of a motor vehicle, wherein the method includes the steps of sampling a transverse acceleration signal of the wheel sensor, comparing the received transverse acceleration signal with a transverse acceleration signal of the motor vehicle, and determining that the wheel sensor is located on a steerable axle of the motor vehicle if the transverse acceleration signals differ from one another.