Wireless TPMS Power Transfer for Trailer Tire Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) on trailers are either battery-operated, requiring frequent battery replacements, or hard-wired, which can fail due to electrical connections, and both methods are cumbersome to implement at remote tire locations.
Innovation Solution
A wirelessly powered sensor system with a wireless receiver, rechargeable battery, and RF-to-DC power converter that uses wireless power transmission to charge the battery, eliminating the need for battery replacements and electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If battery-operated TPMS is used, then the system can operate independently without hardwired connections, but the batteries require periodic replacement increasing maintenance costs and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously recharging the battery through wireless RF power transfer before the battery is depleted. The wireless power transmitter continuously transmits power to the receiver at the tire stem, maintaining the battery in a charged state and eliminating the need for periodic battery replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuity of useful action by implementing continuous wireless power transfer to the sensor battery. Unlike periodic battery replacement, the wireless power system maintains uninterrupted power supply, ensuring the TPMS operates continuously without downtime for maintenance.
2Reliability
If hard-wired TPMS is used, then continuous power supply is available, but electrical connection failures and difficult configuration at remote tire locations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical electrical connection system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power transfer system. The wireless RF power transmitter on the vehicle communicates with and powers the receiver at the tire stem without physical electrical contacts, eliminating connection failures and simplifying installation at remote tire locations.
3Ease of manufacture
If battery-operated TPMS is used, then installation is simple without electrical connections, but labor costs increase due to frequent battery replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling the TPMS sensor to recharge its own battery automatically through wireless power transfer. The sensor at the remote tire location receives power autonomously from the vehicle-mounted transmitter, eliminating the need for manual battery replacement and reducing labor requirements.
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
Reduces labor costs and trailer downtime by providing a reliable power source for tire pressure monitoring without battery replacements or electrical failures.
Implementation Method 1
an RF to direct current (DC) power converter electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery and configured to receive RF power wirelessly supplied by a wireless power transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A wirelessly powered sensor system includes a wireless receiver that monitors tire pressure and is capable of broadcasting a short-range radio frequency (RF) signal indicating low tire pressure configured to be received at a vehicle; a rechargeable battery electrically coupled to the wireless receiver; and an RF to direct current (DC) power converter electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery and configured to receive RF power wirelessly supplied by a wireless power transmitter.