Tire Monitoring System

• US 20080216567A1
• Filed: 10/30/2007
• Published: 09/11/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 09/08/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: American Vehicular Sciences LLC (Acacia Research Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Automotive Technologies International Incorporated
• Inventors: Breed, David S.
• Granted Patent: US 7,603,894 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/146.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 11/24 Wear-indicating arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 11/246 Tread wear monitoring systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 19/00 Tyre parts or constructions not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/007 having multiple wheels arranged side by side
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/008 having wheels on more than two axles
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/041 Means for supplying power to the signal- transmitting means on the wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0411 Piezoelectric generators
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0413 Wireless charging of active radio frequency circuits
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0449 Passive transducers, e.g. using surface acoustic waves, backscatter technology or pressure sensitive resonators near field passive transducers B60C23/0428
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0493 for attachment on the tyre
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0494 Valve stem attachments positioned inside the tyre chamber
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0496 Valve stem attachments positioned outside of the tyre chamber
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/126 the pumps being mounted on the wheel rims
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/131 activated by force of gravity
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/002 Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon detection means responsive to presence or absence of children B60N2/266
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/015 Attaching seats directly to vehicle chassis
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/02246 Electric motors therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0244 with logic circuits
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0248 with memory of positions
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0252 with relations between different adjustments, e.g. height of headrest following longitudinal position of seat
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0268 : using sensors or detectors for adapting the seat or seat part, e.g. to the position of an occupant
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0272 : using sensors or detectors for detecting the position of seat parts
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0276 : reaction to emergency situations, e.g. crash
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/067 : by linear actuators, e.g. linear screw mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/28 : Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/2806 : for securing the child seat to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/2863 : backward facing
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/829 : characterised by their adjusting mechanisms, e.g. electric motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/853 : characterised by their adjusting mechanisms, e.g. electric motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/888 : with arrangements for protecting against abnormal g-forces, e.g. by displacement of the head-rest
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2900/30 : Lamps commanded by wireless transmissions
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/037 : for occupant comfort , e.g. for automatic adjustment of appliances according to personal settings, e.g. seats, mirrors, steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 : with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 : with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0027 : Post collision measures, e.g. notifying emergency services
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/01315 : monitoring occupant displacement
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23153 : specially adapted for rear seat passengers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/26094 : characterised by fluid flow controlling valves
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/2765 : comprising means to control the venting
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/208 : by automatic or remote control means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/288 : with means to adjust or regulate the amount of energy to be absorbed
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4685 : with means to adjust or regulate the tensioning force in relation to external parameters
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4825 : for sensing amount of belt winded on retractor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/013 : including means for detecting collisions, impending collisions or roll-over
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0134 : responsive to imminent contact with an obstacle , e.g. using radar systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0136 : responsive to actual contact with an obstacle , e.g. to vehicle deformation, bumper displacement or bumper velocity relative to the vehicle monitoring crash strength in combination with passenger seat detection B60R21/01558
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 : using force or pressure sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0152 : using strain gauges
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0153 : using field detection presence sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01532 : using electric or capacitive field sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01534 : using electromagneticwaves, e.g. infrared
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01536 : using ultrasonic waves
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01538 : for image processing, e.g. cameras or sensor arrays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01542 : detecting passenger motion
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01544 : detecting seat belt parameters, e.g. length, tension or height-adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01546 : using belt buckle sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01548 : sensing the amount of belt winded on retractor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01552 : detecting position of specific human body parts, e.g. face, eyes or hands
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01554 : Seat position sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/203 : in steering wheels or steering columns
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/21656 : Steering wheel covers or similar cup-shaped covers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/276 : with means to vent the inflation fluid source, e.g. in case of overpressure B60R21/30 takes precedence; venting means on inflatable member walls B60R21/239
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/20 : adjustable in position, e.g. in height
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/201 : with the belt anchor connected to a slider movable in a vehicle-mounted track for passive restraint systems B60R22/06
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/25 : using biometry
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/252 : Fingerprint recognition
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/255 : Eye recognition
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/257 : Voice recognition
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/55 : Windows
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 21/00 : Measuring or testing not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 19/4142 : for controlling activation of safety devices, e.g. airbag systems electrical circuits for triggering safety arrangements in case of vehicle accidents B60R21/015
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/04 : Systems determining presence of a target based on relative movement of target G01S13/56
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/755 : using delay lines, e.g. acoustic delay lines
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/04 : Systems determining presence of a target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/06 : Systems determining the position data of a target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/42 : Simultaneous measurement of distance and other co-ordinates indirect measurement G01S15/46
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/87 : Combinations of sonar systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/88 : Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications seismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting G01V1/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/04 : Systems determining the presence of a target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/89 : for mapping or imaging
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/417 : involving the use of neural networks
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/4802 : using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/539 : using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0219 : Special purpose keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0233 : Character input methods
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0237 : using prediction or retrieval techniques
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0238 : Programmable keyboards key guide holders G06F3/0224
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 : communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0808 : Diagnosing performance data testing of vehicles G01M17/00; testing of electrical installation on vehicles G01R31/005
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2462 : Asset location systems combined with EAS inventory, tracking, logistic G06Q10/00; entrance control systems G07C9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/248 : EAS system combined with another detection technology, e.g. dual EAS and video or other presence detection system
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0286 : Tampering or removal detection of the child unit from child or article
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/1282 : Automobiles
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/3219 : Geometry of the configuration
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/2241 : used in or for vehicle tyres
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/3291 : mounted in or on other locations inside the vehicle or vehicle body

Abstract

Vehicular tire monitoring system includes an energy providing system arranged on the tire, and a sensor system arranged on the tire and coupled to the energy providing system to be provided with energy by the energy providing system. The sensor system obtains data about at least one property of the tire, such as pressure, and converts the data into signals. An communication system is arranged on a frame of the vehicle and wirelessly communicates with the sensor system to receive the signals from the sensor system and derives, from the signals, the data obtained by the sensor system. A reactive system on the frame of the vehicle may be responsive to the data obtained by the sensor system, e.g., a display to display the data about the tire such as its pressure, or a communications system which transmits data about the tire to a remote site.

Claims

1. In a vehicle including a frame and a tire rotatably mounted to the frame, a tire monitoring system comprising:

an energy providing system arranged on the tire to generate energy upon rotation of the tire;

a sensor system arranged on said tire and coupled to said energy providing system to be provided with energy by said energy providing system, said sensor system obtaining data about at least one property and converting the data into signals; and

a communication system arranged on the frame and wirelessly communicating with said sensor system to receive the signals from said sensor system and derive from the signals the data obtained by said sensor system, whereby a reactive system on the frame of the vehicle is responsive to the data obtained by said sensor system.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said sensor system is arranged to obtain data about at least one of pressure and temperature of the tire.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said communication system is arranged to transmit a signal for reception by said sensor system which results in said sensor system generating a return signal, said communication system determining a phase difference between the transmitted signal and the return signal and converting the difference into an indication of the at least one property of the tire.

4. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein said sensor system is arranged to include a unique identification code in the return signal.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising an RF transmitter arranged on the frame, said energy providing system creating and storing energy derived from RF signals transmitted by said RF transmitter.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising an inductive loop arranged on said frame, said energy providing system including an inductive element which creates and stores energy derived from said inductive loop.

7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said energy providing system includes an energy generating component which generates energy based on rotation of the tire.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein energy available from said energy providing system is monitored and only when the available energy is sufficient to power said sensor system, said sensor system performs necessary functions to obtain data about the at least one property of the tire.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein said communication system is arranged to transmit a signal for reception by said sensor system which results in said sensor system generating a return signal whereby said sensor system generates the return signal only when the available energy is sufficient to power said sensor system, said communication system determining a phase difference between the transmitted signal and the return signal and converting the difference into an indication of the at least one property of the tire.

10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the data about the at least one property of the tire is pressure of the tire, said sensor system includes a SAW device reactive to changes in pressure of the tire, first and second oscillators coupled to said SAW device and whose resonance is determined by said SAW device such that an oscillation frequency of said first oscillator varies with pressure and an oscillation frequency of said second oscillator does not vary with pressure, and circuitry to process the oscillation frequencies of said first and second oscillator to transmit signals at a frequency dependent only on pressure to be received by said communication system and which enable said communication system to derive the pressure of the tire.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein said circuitry comprises a mixer, a filter, a processor, a transmitter and an antenna.

12. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the data about the at least one property of the tire is temperature and pressure of the tire, said sensor system includes a first SAW section reactive only to changes in temperature of the tire, a second SAW section reactive to changes in temperature and pressure of the tire, a first oscillator coupled to said first SAW section and whose resonance is determined by said first SAW section such that an oscillation frequency of said first oscillator is variable with temperature and not pressure, a second oscillator coupled to said second SAW section and whose resonance is determined by said second SAW section such that an oscillation frequency of said second oscillator is variable with temperature and pressure, and circuitry to process the first and second oscillation frequency to transmit signals at a first frequency dependent only on temperature and at a second frequency dependent only on pressure to be received by said communication system and which enable said communication system to derive the pressure and temperature of the tire.

13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein said circuitry comprises mixers, filters, a processor, a transmitter and an antenna.

14. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said energy providing system including a storage element and a first antenna which receives signals causing energy to be stored in said storage element, said sensor system including a sensor for detecting the at least one property of the tire, a processor coupled to said sensor and said storage element and a second antenna coupled to said processor for transmitting signals derived from the detected at least one property of the tire.

15. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said communication system includes a receiving antenna, an RF receiver coupled to said receiving antenna, and a microprocessor coupled to said RF receiver, further comprising a display coupled to said microprocessor for displaying data obtained by said sensor system to an occupant of the vehicle.

16. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said sensor system includes a system for forming transmission signals in such a manner to enable detection of signal contention by said communication system.

17. In a vehicle including a frame and a component mounted to the frame, a component monitoring system comprising:

an energy providing system arranged to generate energy upon rotation of the tire;

a sensor system coupled to said energy providing system to be provided with energy by said energy providing system, said sensor system obtaining data about a first property of the component and converting the data into signals; and

a communications system arranged on the frame and wirelessly communicating with said sensor system to receive the signals from said sensor system and derive from the signals the data obtained by said sensor system, whereby a reactive system on the frame of the vehicle is responsive to the data obtained by said sensor system,

said sensor system including a SAW device reactive to changes in the first property of the component, first and second oscillators coupled to said SAW device and whose resonance is determined by said SAW device such that an oscillation frequency of said first oscillator varies with the first property and an oscillation frequency of said second oscillator does not vary with the first property, and circuitry to process the oscillation frequencies of said first and second oscillator to transmit signals at a frequency dependent only on the first property to be received by said communication and which enable said communication to derive the first property of the component.

18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein said SAW device includes a first part which is reactive only to changes in the first property of the component and a second part which is reactive to changes in the first and a second, different property of the component, said first oscillator being coupled to said first part of said SAW device and said second oscillator being coupled to said second part of said SAW device such that an oscillation frequency of said first oscillator varies with the first property but not the second property and an oscillation frequency of said second oscillator vary with the first and second properties, said circuitry being arranged to process the oscillation frequencies of said first and second oscillator to transmit signals at a frequency dependent only on the first property to be received by said communication and at a second frequency dependent only on the second property to be received by said communication and which enable said communication to derive the first and second properties of the component.

19. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein said circuitry comprises at least one mixer, at least one filter, a processor, a transmitter and an antenna.

20. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the component is a tire.