Wheel Unit Battery Protection Under High-Temperature TPMS Operation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire-pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) face issues with battery malfunctions due to operation outside the specified temperature range, leading to radio-frequency communication failures and reduced service life, which results in negative client feedback and potential battery degradation.

Innovation Solution

A method for protecting the battery by transitioning the wheel unit to a low-power non-operational state when an operating parameter, such as temperature, exceeds a predetermined threshold, and reverting to a nominal power state when the parameter falls below another threshold, accompanied by integrity tests and warning messages to the central unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the wheel unit operates continuously in high temperature conditions, then the monitoring function remains active, but the battery integrity deteriorates and service life reduces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring function availabilityVSAvoidbattery service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel unit dynamically adjusts its operational state based on temperature conditions. When temperature exceeds the upper threshold, the system transitions from full operational mode to non-operational mode, adapting its behavior to environmental conditions to preserve battery integrity while maintaining monitoring capability when conditions are favorable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes its operational parameters (power consumption level, transmission activity) in response to temperature parameter changes. By monitoring temperature and adjusting operational parameters accordingly, the system prevents battery degradation while maintaining essential functions during acceptable temperature ranges

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the wheel unit transitions to non-operational state to protect the battery, then battery integrity is preserved, but the monitoring and communication capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery integrityVSAvoidwheel monitoring data
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic temperature monitoring and state transitions. The control unit continuously monitors temperature and periodically assesses whether threshold conditions are met, enabling the wheel unit to switch between operational states in a controlled, periodic manner that balances battery protection with information transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from temperature sensors to control the operational state. The control unit receives temperature data, compares it against thresholds, and adjusts the wheel unit's operational state accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically responds to environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the wheel unit operates at nominal power consumption, then full monitoring and transmission functions are available, but power consumption increases battery degradation risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring function performanceVSAvoidbattery energy depletion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel unit dynamically adjusts its power consumption level based on temperature conditions. During acceptable temperature ranges, the system operates at nominal power consumption to provide full monitoring and transmission functions. When temperature exceeds thresholds, the system reduces power consumption by transitioning to non-operational state, thereby preserving battery energy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12479300B2Method for protecting the battery of a wheel unit fitted to a wheel of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.11.25 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • US12479300B2 patent drawing
  • US12479300B2 patent drawing
  • US12479300B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for protecting the battery of a wheel unit fitted to a wheel of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle includes a central processing unit and the wheel unit includes at least a first sensor capable of measuring and of supplying an operating parameter of the wheel unit and a battery which supplies the wheel unit with power. The method including that the wheel unit transitions from an operational state to a non-operational state when the operating parameter reaches a predetermined upper threshold, and the wheel unit transitions from the non-operational state to the operational state when the operating parameter reaches a predetermined lower threshold.