Wheel Theft Detection Using Tire Pressure and Detachment Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheel anti-theft systems for vehicles are vulnerable to theft as they often require an unlocking key that can be stolen, and the additional detection systems are expensive and not effective.
Innovation Solution
A method using sensors in vehicle wheels to detect changes in tire pressure and signal detachment, allowing for real-time notification of wheel theft without the need for additional devices or unlocking tools, utilizing existing vehicle computer systems and radiofrequency signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anti-theft nuts with unlocking keys are mounted on each wheel, then wheel security is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable because the key can be stolen or copied and additional expensive raising detection systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wheel sensor (pressure monitoring) with the anti-theft detection function. The sensor that normally monitors tire pressure is also used to detect wheel detachment by monitoring pressure changes when the vehicle is raised and the wheel is removed, merging two functions into one existing component.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing wheel sensor system serves dual purposes: its primary function of monitoring tire pressure and its secondary function of detecting wheel theft. The system uses itself to detect theft conditions through pressure changes, eliminating the need for separate anti-theft devices.
2Reliability
If a raising detection system is installed to detect when the vehicle is raised, then wheel theft detection is improved, but the system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: monitoring tire pressure for vehicle operation and detecting wheel detachment for security purposes. By making the sensor universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate raising detection systems while maintaining theft detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing sensor system monitors its own operational conditions (pressure changes) to detect theft attempts. When the sensor detects pressure changes indicating the vehicle is raised and the wheel is detached, it triggers the alarm, making the system self-monitoring and self-protecting.
3Ease of operation
If the unlocking key is kept in the vehicle, then ease of access is improved, but security deteriorates because the thief can break in to retrieve the key
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the security function from the mechanical key system and relocates it to the electronic sensor system. Instead of relying on physical keys that can be stolen, the system uses electronic detection of wheel detachment conditions to prevent theft, separating the locking mechanism from the security verification function.
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 effectively detects wheel detachment and notifies the owner, preventing theft and eliminating the need for expensive additional systems, providing a simple and quick solution for wheel security.
Implementation Method 1
measuring at least one value of the internal pressure of the tire of the wheel
Implementation Method 2
the at least one transmitted raising detection signal is a radiofrequency type signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method for signaling the theft of a wheel of a motor vehicle. The vehicle includes a plurality of wheels and a computer. At least one of the wheels includes a sensor. The method includes, for the at least one wheel, the steps of measuring at least one value for the internal pressure of the tire of the wheel, detecting that the vehicle has been raised if the absolute value of the difference between the at least one measured internal pressure value and a predetermined reference internal pressure value is greater than a predetermined pressure difference threshold when it is detected the vehicle has been raised, detecting the detachment of the wheel when it is detected that the wheel has become detached, and signaling the theft of the wheel.