Wireless Wheel Sensor Powering for Battery-Free TPMS Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire pressure monitoring systems in vehicles face frequent battery replacement due to high energy consumption from additional functionalities, limiting the battery lifetime.
Innovation Solution
A wheel sensor system powered by electromagnetic energy transmitted via a vehicle diagnostics system connector, eliminating the need for individual batteries by using a converter to convert received electromagnetic energy into electrical current for sensor components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If tire pressure sensors are powered by individual batteries, then the sensors can operate autonomously, but the battery lifetime is significantly reduced due to high energy consumption from additional functionalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless power transmission system that bridges the vehicle and the tire pressure sensor. The sensor communicates power requirements to the vehicle, which then wirelessly transmits electromagnetic energy to the sensor, eliminating the need for the sensor to carry its own battery while maintaining autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's power system is extended to serve multiple functions: it not only powers the vehicle's own systems but also provides wireless power transmission to external devices like the tire pressure sensor. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate battery systems in the sensor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more electrical energy is supplied to the sensor for additional functionalities, then the sensor can perform more operations, but the battery lifetime is reduced resulting in more frequent battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless power transmission system acts as an intermediary that allows the sensor to access unlimited power from the vehicle's electrical system. This enables the sensor to perform additional functionalities like complex data processing and high-frequency transmission without being constrained by battery capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic communication between the sensor and vehicle to negotiate power transmission. The sensor communicates its power requirements periodically, and the vehicle responds with electromagnetic energy transmission, allowing flexible power supply based on actual needs.
3Device complexity
If the sensor uses wireless communication for data transmission, then the system complexity is reduced, but more electrical energy is required for high-frequency transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's electrical system is designed to serve multiple purposes: it powers the vehicle's own systems and simultaneously provides wireless power transmission to the tire pressure sensor. This eliminates the need for the sensor to have its own battery system while supporting high-frequency wireless communication.
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
Provides a practically unlimited power supply, especially beneficial for high-energy-consuming operations like complex data processing and high-frequency data transmission, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements.
Implementation Method 1
a converter for converting the electromagnetic energy received by the sensor assembly antenna into an electrical current
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a wheel sensor system for a vehicle, comprising wheel sensor assemblies; a connector electrically connectable to a vehicle diagnostics system so as to be powered by the vehicle diagnostics system; and at least one electromagnetic energy transmitter for wirelessly transmitting electromagnetic energy received via the connector to each wheel sensor assembly. Each wheel sensor assembly comprises at least one sensor for measuring a property of a vehicle wheel; a sensor assembly antenna for wirelessly receiving the electromagnetic energy transmitted by the electromagnetic energy transmitter; and a converter for converting the electromagnetic energy received by the sensor assembly antenna into an electrical current for powering one or more components of the sensor assembly. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a vehicle comprising the wheel sensor system.