Device and method for extending the lifetime of a battery in a tire pressure sensor

• US 6,693,547 B1
• Filed: 05/09/2002
• Issued: 02/17/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/09/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha (Honda Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha (Honda Motor Company)
• Inventors: Manakkal, Raj
• Primary Examiner(s): Lieu, Julie
• Application Number:
  US10/141,136
• Time in Patent Office: 649 Days
• Field of Search: 340/636.1, 340/636.15, 320/137, 320/FOR.148
• US Class Current: 340/636.1
• 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 23/041 Means for supplying power to the signal- transmitting means on the wheel

Abstract

A device and method for extending the lifetime of a battery of a tire pressure sensor disposed in a tire are described, in which the battery can be recharged through the valve stem of the tire. The device includes an electrical power source and an electrode adapted to be coupled to the valve stem and supply power from the electrical power source to the valve stem.

Claims

1. A device for charging a battery of a tire pressure sensor within a tire, comprising:

an electrical power source; and

an electrode adapted to be coupled to a valve stem of the tire and configured to supply power from the electrical power source to the valve stem for charging the battery.

2. A device for charging a battery of a tire pressure sensor within a tire, comprising:

an electrical power source;

an electrode adapted to be coupled to a valve stem of the tire; and

a switch configured for selectively supplying power from the electrical power source to the electrode for charging the battery.

3. A device according to claim 2, further comprising:

a meter;

wherein the switch is further configured for selectively coupling the electrode to the meter for measuring an electrical parameter at the electrode.

4. A device according to claim 3, further comprising:

a display device configured for indicating a life of the battery based on a measurement of the electrical parameter.

5. A device according to claim 3, wherein:

the meter includes a voltmeter for measuring a potential at the electrode or an ammeter for measuring a current drawn from the electrode.

6. A device according to claim 2, further comprising:

an air supply nozzle adapted to supply air to the valve stem.

7. The device according to claim 6, further comprising:

an air pressure sensor adapted to measure air pressure at the air supply nozzle; and

a display device indicating a measured air pressure.

8. A device for charging a battery of a tire pressure sensor within a tire, comprising:

an electrical power source;

a nozzle having an electrode adapted to be coupled to a valve stem of the tire;

a meter;

a switch configured for selectively supplying power from the electrical power source to the electrode for charging the battery or coupling the meter to the electrode for measuring an electrical parameter; and

a display for indicating a life of the battery based on a measurement of the electrical parameter.

9. A device according to claim 8, further comprising:

an air supply for supply air to a valve stem of a tire via the nozzle.

10. A method for charging a battery of a tire pressure sensor disposed in a tire, comprising:

applying an electrode to a valve stem of the tire; and

supplying electrical power to the electrode for charging the battery.

11. A method for maintaining a battery of a tire pressure sensor disposed in a tire, using a device having a switch and an electrode, comprising:

with the switch in a first position, performing the steps of;

applying the electrode to a valve stem of the tire; and

reading an indication of a life of the battery; and

with the switch in a second position, performing the steps of;

applying the electrode to the valve stem; and

supplying electrical power the electrode for charging the battery.

12. A method according to claim 11, further comprising:

applying an air supply nozzle containing the electrode to the value stem; and

supplying air to the valve stem of the tire.

13. A tire pressure sensor system, comprising:

a tire pressure sensor;

a rechargeable battery coupled to the tire pressure sensor; and

a valve stem assembly including a pair of electrodes;

said electrodes coupled to the rechargeable battery for accepting electrical power for recharging the rechargeable battery.

14. A tire pressure sensor system according to claim 13, wherein:

one of the electrodes is adapted to be coupled to a plunger of a valve stem, and

the other of the electrodes is adapted to be coupled to a threaded connector of the valve stem.

15. A tire pressure sensor system according to claim 13, further comprising:

a centrifugal switch coupled to the tire pressure sensor.

16. A tire pressure sensor system according to claim 15, wherein:

the electrodes are coupled between the centrifugal switch and the rechargeable battery.

17. The valve stem assembly according to claim 13, wherein:

the valve stem assembly is assembled into a valve stem.