Telemetry system for tire pressure and temperature sensing

• US 5,297,424 A
• Filed: 03/07/1990
• Issued: 03/29/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 03/07/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Incorporated (Apollo Global Management, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment Company
• Inventors: Sackett, Ray A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Woodiel, Donald O.
• Application Number:
  US07/490,061
• Time in Patent Office: 1,483 Days
• Field of Search: 73/146.5, 73/146.4, 73/146.8, 73/146.3, 73/146.2, 116/34 R
• US Class Current: 73/146.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0408 transmitting the signals by non-mechanical means from the wheel or tyre to a vehicle body mounted receiver
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/20 Devices for measuring or signalling tyre temperature only
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 17/0195 characterised by the regulation being combined with other vehicle control systems conjoint control of vehicle sub-units including control of suspension systems B60W10/22
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2400/52 in tyre
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2400/70 Temperature of vehicle part or in the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2400/71 of suspension unit
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2600/0422 involving data transmission, e.g. via satellite or GPS; for data monitoring, telemetry or platooning purposes
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link

Abstract

An apparatus for measuring the temperature and pressure of air in a pneumatic tire. The apparatus comprises a circuit for sensing the temperature and pressure of air in the pneumatic tire. The apparatus further comprises a circuit for transmitting a signal indicative of the temperature and pressure of air in the pneumatic tire as sensed by the circuit for sensing. The apparatus also comprises a circuit for receiving the signal from the circuit for transmitting. The signal could be used to control a vehicle suspension system.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting the ride characteristics of a suspension system in response to the temperature and pressure of air in a pneumatic tire, said method comprising the steps of:

generating a first signal in response to the pressure of air in said pneumatic tire;

generating a second signal in response to the temperature of air in said pneumatic tire;

multiplexing said first and second signals to produce a multiplexed signal;

transmitting said multiplexed signal;

receiving said multiplexed signals;

demultiplexing said multiplexed signals after said multiplexed signals have been received, said step of demultiplexing operable to generate a demultiplexed signal; and

adjusting the ride characteristics of said suspension system in response to said demultiplexed signal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of generating a first signal comprises the step of changing the resistance of a Wheatstone in response to the pressure of air in said pneumatic tire.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of generating a second signal comprises the step of changing the resistance of a temperature resistor in response to the temperature of air in said pneumatic tire.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of multiplexing said first and second signals comprises the step of multiplexing a reference signal with said first and second signals.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said step of demultiplexing said multiplexed signal comprises the step of identifying said reference signal by a reference signal detector.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said step of demultiplexing further comprises the step of using said reference signal to demultiplex said multiplexed signal.