Wireless remote tire parameter measurement method and apparatus

• US 6,448,891 B2
• Filed: 05/17/2001
• Issued: 09/10/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/12/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: GeoMat Insights, LLC
• Original Assignee: GeoMat Insights, LLC
• Inventors: Barnett, Ronald J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): Previl, Daniel
• Application Number:
  US09/859,357
• Publication Number:
  US 20010022551A1
• Time in Patent Office: 481 Days
• Field of Search: 340/438, 340/442, 340/443, 340/446, 340/447, 340/449, 340/467, 340/461, 340/448, 340/445
• US Class Current: 340/438
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/06 Signalling devices actuated by deformation of the tyre , e.g. tyre mounted deformation sensors or indirect determination of tyre deformation based on wheel speed, wheel-centre to ground distance or inclination of wheel axle
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/065 by monitoring vibrations in tyres or suspensions B60C23/062 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/068 by monitoring chassis to tyre distance
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/20 Devices for measuring or signalling tyre temperature only

Abstract

The present invention is a novel technique and system that allows the pressure of a tire to be remotely monitored by sensing a tire parameter indicative of the tire'"'"'s pressure without mounting any device on the tire itself, while the tire is or is not rotating. In the illustrative embodiment, a tire parameter indicative of the pressure inside the tire, such as the temperature, acoustical signature, or shape of the tire, is measured remotely with a remotely mounted sensor. The measured parameter is compared to a range of known acceptable limits for that particular parameter, and a warning signal is generated if the measured parameter is not within that range of acceptable limits.

Claims

1. An apparatus for remotely monitoring a parameter of a tire, said apparatus comprising:

an acoustical transducer located remotely from said tire which detects and converts vibrational sound waves from said tire into an electrical signal indicative of an acoustical signature of said tire;

a measurement processor which monitors said electronic signal, compares said monitored electronic signal with a set of acceptable threshold limits for said electronic signal, and generates a warning signal if said monitored electronic signal is not within said set of acceptable threshold limits.

2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

said parameter comprises a pressure of said tire.

3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

said acoustical transducer comprises an ultrasound detector.

4. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

said acoustical transducer comprises a microphone.

5. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

said acoustical transducer comprises an accelerometer.

6. A method for detecting an unacceptable condition of a tire, comprising:

remotely detecting vibrational sound waves from said tire;

converting said detected vibrational sound waves into an electrical signal indicative of an acoustical signature of said tire;

comparing said electronic signal with a set of acceptable threshold limits; and

generating a warning signal if said electronic signal is not within said set of acceptable threshold limits.