Remote Wheel Unit Reprogramming via Mechanical Wave Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for reprogramming electronic wheel units in motor vehicles require dismantling, are costly, and violate electromagnetic emission standards due to the difficulty in performing remote data loading without electromagnetic radiation.
Innovation Solution
A method using an external remote loading tool that emits mechanical waves, such as acoustic vibrations or pressure variations, which are received by sensors in the wheel unit to convert into digital data for storage, allowing for reprogramming without electromagnetic radiation and adhering to emission standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electromagnetic radiation is used for remote data loading, then data transmission speed is improved, but electromagnetic emission standards are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic radiation (electromagnetic field) with mechanical waves (acoustic vibrations) for data transmission. The external tool generates mechanical vibrations that propagate through the wheel structure to the electronics unit, where piezoelectric elements convert them back to electrical signals for data reception. This substitution eliminates electromagnetic emission violations while enabling remote programming.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional reprogramming methods are used, then software updates are achieved, but physical dismantling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The electronics unit within the wheel performs self-programming by receiving mechanical wave signals from an external tool through the wheel structure. The piezoelectric elements inside the electronics unit convert these mechanical vibrations into electrical signals that trigger the microcontroller to execute the new software program, eliminating the need for physical dismantling or external programming hardware.
3Measurement precision
If the wheel is stationary during mechanical wave transmission, then data reception accuracy is improved, but transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic mechanical wave transmission with alternating phases: during stationary phases, mechanical waves are transmitted for accurate data reception; during rotation phases, the wheel rotates to position the next target wheel. This periodic alternation between stationary data transmission and rotational positioning enables efficient multi-wheel programming while maintaining data reception accuracy during the stationary phases.
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
Enables efficient reprogramming of electronic wheel units without physical dismantling and complies with electromagnetic emission regulations, reducing costs and ensuring software protection from piracy.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (12) for measuring a mechanical parameter relating to the wheel... the sensor receiving the emitted mechanical waves and communicating them to the microprocessor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for remotely loading digital data to an electronics unit for measuring operating parameters of a wheel of a motor vehicle, the remote loading being carried out by a remote loading tool external to the wheel. The method includes the positioning of the external remote loading tool in the proximity of the wheel at least, emission of at least one frame of mechanical waves by the external remote loading tool toward the electronics unit, the waves being representative of the data to be remotely loaded, reception of at least the frame of mechanical waves by the electronics unit via the mechanical parameter measurement sensor, and the conversion of the mechanical waves into electrical signals and then into digital signals containing the remotely loaded data in digital form, and the storage of the remotely loaded data in the electronics unit.