WO2005049339A2 - Systeme de controle de la pression - Google Patents

Systeme de controle de la pression Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005049339A2
WO2005049339A2 PCT/US2004/038822 US2004038822W WO2005049339A2 WO 2005049339 A2 WO2005049339 A2 WO 2005049339A2 US 2004038822 W US2004038822 W US 2004038822W WO 2005049339 A2 WO2005049339 A2 WO 2005049339A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pressure
monitoring system
pressure monitoring
pressure sensor
assembly
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2004/038822
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2005049339A3 (fr
Inventor
Phillip G. Zaroor
Mcmeen Doug
Rick Rosland
Will Buehler
Harry Derks
Troy Redder
Original Assignee
Advantage Enterprises, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Advantage Enterprises, Inc. filed Critical Advantage Enterprises, Inc.
Publication of WO2005049339A2 publication Critical patent/WO2005049339A2/fr
Publication of WO2005049339A3 publication Critical patent/WO2005049339A3/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C23/00—Devices for measuring, signalling, controlling, or distributing tyre pressure or temperature, specially adapted for mounting on vehicles; Arrangement of tyre inflating devices on vehicles, e.g. of pumps or of tanks; Tyre cooling arrangements
    • B60C23/02—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure
    • B60C23/04—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure mounted on the wheel or tyre
    • B60C23/0408—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure mounted on the wheel or tyre transmitting the signals by non-mechanical means from the wheel or tyre to a vehicle body mounted receiver
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C23/00—Devices for measuring, signalling, controlling, or distributing tyre pressure or temperature, specially adapted for mounting on vehicles; Arrangement of tyre inflating devices on vehicles, e.g. of pumps or of tanks; Tyre cooling arrangements
    • B60C23/005—Devices specially adapted for special wheel arrangements
    • B60C23/008—Devices specially adapted for special wheel arrangements having wheels on more than two axles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C23/00—Devices for measuring, signalling, controlling, or distributing tyre pressure or temperature, specially adapted for mounting on vehicles; Arrangement of tyre inflating devices on vehicles, e.g. of pumps or of tanks; Tyre cooling arrangements
    • B60C23/005—Devices specially adapted for special wheel arrangements
    • B60C23/009—Devices specially adapted for special wheel arrangements having wheels on a trailer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C23/00—Devices for measuring, signalling, controlling, or distributing tyre pressure or temperature, specially adapted for mounting on vehicles; Arrangement of tyre inflating devices on vehicles, e.g. of pumps or of tanks; Tyre cooling arrangements
    • B60C23/02—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure
    • B60C23/04—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure mounted on the wheel or tyre
    • B60C23/0401—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure mounted on the wheel or tyre characterised by the type of alarm
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C23/00—Devices for measuring, signalling, controlling, or distributing tyre pressure or temperature, specially adapted for mounting on vehicles; Arrangement of tyre inflating devices on vehicles, e.g. of pumps or of tanks; Tyre cooling arrangements
    • B60C23/02—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure
    • B60C23/04—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure mounted on the wheel or tyre
    • B60C23/0491—Constructional details of means for attaching the control device
    • B60C23/0496—Valve stem attachments positioned outside of the tyre chamber

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to the field of monitoring air pressure in vehicle tires, pressurized air shafts, and other pressurized items. More particularly, the invention is concerned with systems, methods and apparatuses of sensing pressure within a pressurized object and monitoring the pressure from a remote location via a wireless transmission.
  • Background of the Invention [0003] Pressure sensors, have long been used to sense the pressure of vehicle tires (as well as other pressurized objects) to indicate when the tire is below a predetermined tire pressure.
  • These sensors use various means, typically diaphragms screwed into tire valve stems and responsive to tire pressure for activating an electrical switch for generating an alarm when the tire pressure drops below a predetermined value.
  • Various types of tire monitoring systems have been used to provide continuous vehicle tire pressure sensing and monitoring during vehicular operation. Such systems typically include a monitor located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle for receiving encoded transmitted signals (such as RF signals) for respective tires and for alerting the vehicular operator through the use of audio alarms and/or graphic display indicators when low tire pressure values are measured.
  • encoded transmitted signals such as RF signals
  • the ability to selectively sense the pressure of each tire is desirable so that the subject tire can then be inflated to proper air pressure levels for safety and long tire wear life.
  • the tire sensors unidirectionally communicate with the monitor transmitting tire pressure values received and processed by the monitor.
  • these systems typically have tire pressure sensors located on the valve stems for the respective tires each with an associated embedded transmitter for generating respective encoded signals identifying the tire.
  • the cab mounted monitor has a receiver graphically displaying the signals for alerting the operator in the event of low tire pressures.
  • prior art pressure monitoring systems teach valve mounted pressure sensors, such as tire sensors, responsive to respective tire pressures of the tires for generating respective encoded signals transmitted to a receiver in a cab mounted monitor having graphic visual displays and or audio alarms for indicating which one of the tires has low tire pressure.
  • these prior art systems have difficulty maintaining signal integrity between the respective tire pressure sensors and the receiver in the cab monitor. This is the case for several reasons, including the location of the sensor relative to the monitor, the constant rotation of the tire and corresponding sensor which continuously changes the orientation of the senor to the monitor, and the potential signal output of the sensor due to antenna size constraints and battery power limitations.
  • the present invention comprises a tire pressure monitoring system, apparatuses and methods of monitoring pressure in pressurized objects.
  • the pressure monitoring system includes a pressure sensor assembly for measuring a pressure in a pressurized object and a monitor assembly for receiving a transmission from the pressure sensor assembly.
  • the pressure sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor connected to an input of a microcontroller, and a radio frequency transmitter connected to an output of. the microcontroller.
  • the monitor assembly includes a radio frequency receiver connected to an input of a microcontroller, and an output for the microcontroller.
  • the sensor assembly is constructed to include a triple-safe mechanism to minimize pressure leakage and to be easily manufactured.
  • a bit pair transmission protocol is used to transmit signals from the pressure sensor assembly to the monitor assembly to reduce transmission time and thus increase battery life.
  • the sensor assembly includes a Folded Inverted F type antenna to increase transmission signal integrity.
  • the pressure sensor assembly includes a symmetrical valve stem seal to minimize pressure leakage and for ease of assembly.
  • the pressure monitoring system of the instant invention monitors a plurality of pressurized objects at a single time, including options for temporarily disabling the monitoring of selected objects.
  • the pressure monitoring system includes a missing sensor alert and special sensor installation signal. Monitored pressure levels are automatically programmed in the pressure sensor upon installation, and a plurality of alerts are triggered based upon the installation pressure.
  • Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a pressure sensor assembly of the instant invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a section view of the sensor assembly of Fig. 1.
  • Figs. 3a through 3c are perspective views of a lower housing portion of the sensor assembly of Fig. 1 showing installation of a printed circuit board (PCB).
  • Fig. 4 is a table comparing transmission times of the prior art to those of the transmission protocol of the instant invention.
  • Fig. 5a is a front elevation view of an antenna for the pressure sensor of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 5b is a top plan view of the antenna of Fig. 5a.
  • Fig 6a is a perspective view of a valve stem seal of the pressure sensor of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 6b is an exploded perspective view of the pressure sensor of Fig. 1 and the valve stem seal of Fig. 6a, showing the installation of the valve stem into the pressure sensor.
  • Fig. 7 is a block diagram of the pressure monitoring system of the instant invention.
  • Figs 8a through 8c are front plan views of various face plates for a monitor assembly of the instant invention.
  • Fig. 1 is a front elevation view of an antenna for the pressure sensor of Fig. 1.
  • FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a monitor assembly of the instant invention.
  • Fig. 10 is a rear plan view of the monitor assembly of Fig. 9.
  • a detailed embodiment of the present inventions is disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the principles of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. [0024] Referring to Fig.
  • the basic components of the pressure monitoring system of the instant invention include pressure sensor assembly 10 and monitor (or receiver) assembly 20.
  • Sensor assembly includes pressure sensor 30 that connects to the valve stem of a tire or other pressurized object (such as an air shaft).
  • Pressure sensor 30 is connected to an input for microcontroller 40, which includes common components such as an analog digital converter, an oscillator, a watchdog timer, internal timers, a reset circuit, ROM/RA /EEPROM. Additional inputs on microcontroller 40 connect to battery 32, a temperature sensor, vibration switch (to activate assembly 10 upon movement) and a hall-effect switch (to activate assembly 10 by magnet).
  • the analog digital converter converts the analog input from pressure sensor 30 and the temperature sensor to digital format for utilization by microcontroller 40.
  • the microcontroller uses the converted data to calculate a value for the pressure within the object to which assembly 10 is connected.
  • Microcontroller 40 then transmits the digital pressure value to monitor 20 using an RF transmitter that is connected to an output of microcontroller 40.
  • Antenna 34 is connected to the RF transmitter to optimize signal integrity.
  • the RF transmitter is manufactured in a manner known in the art, and includes an oscillator, a volt controlled oscillator (VCO) and an adjustable power amplifier (for boosting transmission power of the transmitter).
  • Monitor 20 includes a pair of extendible antenna 22 connected to a receiver for receiving the signal transmitted by pressure sensor assembly 10.
  • the receiver is manufactured in a manner known in the art and includes a VCO, an intermediate frequency stage (IF stage), and an adjustable low noise amplifier (LNA).
  • microcontroller 45 includes the same or similar components to those of microcontroller 40 for pressure sensor assembly 10. Control switches, such as membrane switches located on the face plate of monitor 20, are connected to inputs of microcontroller 45. A battery and a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) can also be connected to inputs of microcontroller 45. Microcontroller 45 receives and processes the data from pressure sensor assembly 10 and activates various output devices based upon the particular signal received. Outputs of microcontroller 45 include an audible alarm output, digital pressure LCD display 24 (displays actual tire pressure), tire location LEDs 26, low battery indicator 27, and monitor power indicator LED 28.
  • RSSI received signal strength indicator
  • Outputs for additional optional alarms, such as external alarms, or outputs 25 for connecting to a PDA or other computer devices (such as via RS-232, USB mini B 5 pin or other connection for live data readings) are also included.
  • Output 25 can also be used as an input for a 12V DC power source for monitor assembly 20.
  • pressure sensor assembly 10 including injection molded upper case (upper housing portion) 36 and injection molded lower case (housing portion) 38, printed circuit board assembly 37, webbed gasket (sensor seal) 31 and valve seal 33.
  • Pressure sensor 30, antenna 34, battery 32, microcontroller 40, and the RF transmitter are all mounted on printed circuit board assembly 37.
  • Pressure sensor assembly 10 attaches to a valve stem, such as on a tire, by threaded insert 35.
  • pressure sensor assembly 10 is constructed to provide a triple safe mechanism to minimize pressure loss from the pressurized object (such as a tire) on which sensor assembly 10 is attached.
  • the primary and secondary seal interfaces are accomplished by gasket 31, which is a molded elastomer including o-ring section 31a, and outer section 31b.
  • the primary seal interface is accomplished by compressing o-ring section 31a between inside diameter of the brass insert 35, which is molded into lower case 38, and the outside wall of cylinder 39 that protrudes from (or connects or feeds to) pressure sensor 30.
  • the secondary seal interface is accomplished by compressing outer section 31b of webbed gasket 31 between the lower surface of circuit board assembly 37, and the inner surface of lower case 38.
  • the secondary seal (31b) resembles another o-ring and acts against the circuit board assembly 37 at a ninety degree angle to the primary seal (31a). Indentations in lower case 38 match up with protrusions in secondary seal 31b to provides increases sealing and prevent the seal from rolling during assembly.
  • the primary and secondary seals work together to prevent leakage up to the maximum burst pressure for assembly 10.
  • a tertiary seal interface, 31c is accomplished by ultrasonic welding together lower portion 38 to upper portion 36 of the housing for assembly 10.
  • FIG. 3a through 3c the method of attaching circuit board assembly 37 lower case 38 is discussed which compress gasket 31 (particularly secondary seal 31b) and simplifies production assembly by eliminating components, such as screws, and creating a one-step assembly process.
  • Lower portion 38 of the sensor assembly housing includes three vertical risers 38a which include horizontal shelves 38b and 38c protruding inwardly. Shelves 38b and 38c are aligned with mating tabs 37a protruding outwardly from circuit board assembly 37.
  • circuit board assembly 37 is inserted and pressed downward into lower case 38 such that tabs 37a of assembly 37 are next to shelves 38b and 38c, as is shown in Fig. 3b.
  • Circuit board assembly 37 is then rotated clockwise until tabs 37a are located between upper shelf 38c and lower shelf 38b, as is shown in Fig. 3c.
  • Shelves 38b and 38c hold assembly 37 in place and maintain compression of secondary seal 31b, without utilizing screws, glue or other fasteners, reducing space consumption, weight and assembly time.
  • Seal 33 is made of an elastomer material and includes a main body in the form of a disc, and rectangular protrusions 33a located on opposing sides/faces of the disc. Seal 33 is pressed into brass insert 35 during assembly to provide an airtight seal between the end of a valve stem on which pressure sensor assembly 10 is attached and the inside of brass insert 35. Protrusions 33a depress the dill valve in the valve stem to release air pressure into pressure sensor assembly 10. Openings 33b through the disc allow a metered amount of air to flow from the valve stem to pressure sensor 30. The disc prevents air from escaping out of the tire (or other pressurized object) through the valve stem threads. Because protrusions 33a are located on both sides of seal 33 (i.e.
  • seal 33 can be installed during manufacturing without any concern for proper orientation. In addition, if seal 33 is missing or removed from sensor assembly 10, non air will escape from the tire, as the dill valve cannot be depressed. Holes/openings 33b minimize the amount of air entering sensor assembly 10 and reaching pressure sensor 30, preventing contaminants from reaching pressure sensor 30 and minimizing the amount of "rushing" air that could disrupt the gel in the sensing element of pressure sensor 30. [0030] Referring to Figs. 5a and 5b, antenna 34 of pressure assembly 10 of the instant invention is discussed which efficiently transmits the signal (energy) from pressure sensor assembly 10 to monitor assembly 20 while minimizing sensor size. Antenna 34 is a secondary circuit board that includes coil image 34a that acts as a radiating element.
  • Antenna 34 is configured as a Folded Inverted F type antenna in which the RF feed point is located a fixed distance from the ground point. The distance between the feed point and the ground point is based on the tuning characteristics relating to the particular transmit frequency and the physical characteristics of adjacent components, such as battery 32 and sensor housing (36, 38).
  • the bottom layer of the circuit board of antenna 34 makes up a solid "ground plane" that is common with the positive terminal of battery 32. Although the circuit board mounts above battery 32, and that reference plane exits, the circuit board plane is used to minimize inconsistencies that may occur due to manufacturing variability.
  • a key feature of antenna 34 of the instant invention is the omni-directional radiation pattern that is achieved on the same plane as the circuit board.
  • Each pressure sensor assembly 10 that is monitored by monitor 20 includes a unique header byte, three bytes of serial number unique to each sensor assembly 10 (allows for more than 16 million unique sensor identification codes), pressure data, temperature data, status data (i.e. reason for transmission such as alarm, timed interval etc., low battery warning, etc.), and checksum data to verify that the data was received correctly.
  • each bit being transmitted has a unique pattern which differentiates itself from other bits. This allows the monitor/receiver to identify each bit in succession for recreation of the original digital sequence.
  • the transmission protocol of the instant invention utilizes a unique pattern for sequential pairs of bits, as opposed to for each bit.
  • each transmission of the instant invention includes 4 patterns instead of the typical 8.
  • 4 possible patterns exist including 00, 01, 10, and 11 in binary representation. Each of these patterns is assigned a unique timing width so that it can be identified on the receiving end.
  • the timing widths of the patterns of the instant invention and the timing widths of the prior art are compared in the chart shown in Fig. 4. As can be scene the timing width for the first two possible patterns of bit pairs of the instant invention are identical to the timing widths for the two possible bit values for a single bit of the prior art.
  • the minimum bit time for the two bit patterns of the instant invention is equivalent to that of a single bit of the prior art.
  • the instant invention provides the advantage that, for the majority of byte values, the overall time is less than if composed of eight unique timing widths. By reducing the transmission time, battery life is prolonged and the statistical probability of multiple pressure sensor assemblies 10 sending transmissions at the same time is minimized increasing the likelihood that a transmission will not be interrupted.
  • Figs. 8a through 8c several alternative front face plates 20a for monitor assembly 20 of the instant invention are shown. Each of the alternate face plates 20a shown in Figs.
  • Fig. 8a shows face plate 20a for a pressure monitoring system for a vehicle that has either 4 or 6 tire locations to be monitored. Six clear windows are located in the position of tire location LEDs 26 located on housing assembly 20c, and a clear plastic window is located over LCD display 24.
  • Button membranes 21a, 21b, and 21c are located over buttons 61a, 61b and 61c of housing 20c. Clear windows are also included in the locations of low battery LED 27 and power indicator LED 28. As can be seen in Fig. 9, additional tire location LEDs 26 are available on housing 20c for use with other face plates that allow for monitoring of additional tire locations (such as those of Figs. 8b and 8c). In addition, button 63 is also located on housing 20c that provides additional control for other face plates in which extra tire locations are included, but which is not utilized in the face plate of Fig. 8a. As is shown in Figs. 8b and 8c, front/back button membrane 23 is located on face plate 20a for activating front back button 63.
  • FIG. 8b Activation of front back button 63 allows monitor assembly 20 to temporarily discontinue monitoring of certain pressure sensors that have been programmed into the memory of monitor assembly 20. This allows the user to disconnect a trailer or car carrier that is monitored using the face plate of Fig. 8b, or a tractor trailer that is monitored using the face plate of Fig. 8c and continue monitoring a portion of the sensors, without receiving a missing sensor alert for the disconnected sensors.
  • the user can monitor either tire locations 26a of the front portion of the vehicle combination (i.e. an RV or truck tractor), tire locations 26b of the back portion of the vehicle combination, or both 26a and 26b. This feature is controlled by the programming of microcontroller 45.
  • Figure 9 shows the assembly of face plate 20a to housing 20c.
  • FIG. 10 shows a rear view of housing 20c of monitor assembly 20.
  • housing 20c includes notches 70 including notch tabs 72.
  • Notches 70 create openings to internal channels 72 through the back of housing 20c.
  • Visor clip 80 is engaged between tabs 72 of notches 70 and the bottom surfaces of notches 70.
  • Clip 80 extends below finger 76 and engages with a protrusion located on the inner surface of housing 20c at hole 82. Finger 76 can be depressed to push down clip 80 and release hole 82 from the protrusion.
  • monitor 20 of the instant invention can be programmed to monitor a plurality of tire locations.
  • a pressure sensor 10 having a unique identification code is stored in the memory of the microprocessor 45 by placing the microprocessor in "program" mode. This is accomplished by holding down program button 21c for a set period of time, i.e. 5 seconds and selecting a tire location to be programmed, in the manner discussed in U.S. Patent No. 6,453,737.
  • the sensor is then placed on a valve stem and pressurization of the sensor causes the sensor to transmit a special "installation" code that is received by the monitor and tells the monitor processor that the sensor is intended to be programmed into the memory of the monitor.
  • This installation code may also be activated by holding a magnet to a sensor.
  • the installation code is transmitted along with the ID code for the sensor. This allows multiple systems to be installed in the same proximity without accidentally programming the wrong sensors and without worrying about crosstalk from other sensors as the monitor will only program in sensors that are transmitting the special installation code and not sensors that are merely transmitting pressure data.
  • that sensor cannot be stored in a second tire location in the same monitor, as the microprocessor will exclude that sensor ID from being programmed again.
  • the monitor on the instant invention reports tire pressures with no danger of picking up other sensors signals as the monitor stores and only reports on the specific sensor EDs programmed.
  • Another aspect of the instant invention is that the monitor alerts the user by an audible alarm and by displaying the tire location by lighting the appropriate LED to dropped signal condition and corrects then itself (resets) when signal gets through.
  • Each pressure sensor assembly 10 transmits an update and check-in signal on a recurring timeframe. This signal is separate from a pressure signal.
  • the monitor does not receive this signal, it will display a missing sensor alert to notify the user that a sensor may be missing or malfunctioning.
  • This is a short millisecond signal that is sent based upon a timer in the microprocessor 40 of the sensor assembly 10.
  • the missing sensor signal differs from low pressure alerts so user can tell the difference between a low pressure alert and a missed signal alert [0041]
  • a pressure sensor assembly of the instant invention is pressurized, or activated by a magnet, the pressure measurement will be recorded in the memory of the pressure sensor as the appropriate operating pressure. If the pressure sensor is fully depressurized for a predetermined time period without being repressurized, the memory will reset to the new pressure once the sensor is finally repressurized.
  • Low pressure alarms are calculated by the microprocessor of the pressure sensor assembly based upon the installation pressure.
  • a first low pressure alarm is sent by sensor assembly 10 if the pressure drops 12.5% below the installation pressure, and a second alarm is sent if the pressure drops 25% below the installation pressure.
  • Each pressure sensor assembly 10 polls the pressure of the object to which it is installed every seven seconds and transmits pressure data to the monitor every five minutes unless immediately activated by a magnet, or if a low pressure level is detected by the sensor (i.e. 12.5 or 25% pressure reduction). Such time-lapsed transmission minimizes draw on the battery, extending battery life.
  • low pressure alerts continue until a user does something to correct the fault, such as increase tire pressure or reset the sensor by removing the sensor for the predetermined time period and reinstalling to automatically set new pressure and the target "installation" pressure.
  • a sensor "reprograms” automatically to new pressure levels (i.e. by remove sensor from tire for 30 seconds) and the sensor is screwed back on the valve stem and new pressure is accepted, it will also calculate and reset the 12.5% & 25% low alarms based upon the new pressure.
  • the sensors are generic. In a preferred embodiment the sensors may be installed on any tire position at any pressure from 5psi to 150psi.
  • the monitor can be placed into "reminder mode" allowing the audible alert to be minimized and still alert of low pressure conditions with an audible alarm every two minutes and a visual alarm by flashing the LED of the tire location in which an alarm is active.
  • the monitor allows for mulitple low pressure alerts at a time indicating 1 or more tires as low by both audible and visual (LED flashing) alarms.
  • the microcontroller for a pressure sensor assembly is programmed to time out after 15 hrs of no movement (detected by vibration sensor or motion sensor) during a 25% low alert when vehicle is in storage to save battery life.
  • the monitor can be set to display sensors serial numbers for ID'ing a specific sensor.
  • a signal repeater can be installed in a vehicle or other location to receive a signal transmitted from a sensor and echo or repeat or regenerate the same data message using an amplified signal.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Measuring Fluid Pressure (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de contrôle de la pression. Ce système de contrôle de la pression comprend un ensemble capteur permettant de mesurer une pression dans un objet sous pression, et un ensemble de contrôle qui reçoit des signaux émis par l'ensemble capteur de pression. L'ensemble capteur de pression comprend un capteur de pression raccordé à l'entrée d'un microcontrôleur, et un émetteur radiofréquence connecté à une sortie du microcontrôleur. L'ensemble de contrôle comprend un récepteur radiofréquence connecté à une entrée du microcontrôleur, et une sortie pour le microcontrôleur. L'ensemble capteur est conçu de manière à comprendre un mécanisme à triple sécurité destiné à réduire les fuites de pression, et dont la production est peu compliquée. Un protocole de transmission par paires de bits est utilisé pour transmettre les signaux de l'ensemble capteur de pression à l'ensemble de contrôle afin de réduire le temps de transmission et d'allonger ainsi la durée de vie de la batterie. Cet ensemble capteur comprend une antenne repliée en F inversé permettant d'augmenter l'intégrité du signal de transmission. L'ensemble capteur de pression comprend également un joint de tige de soupape symétrique permettant de réduire les fuites de pression et de faciliter le montage. L'ensemble capteur de pression contrôle une pluralité d'objets sous pression simultanément, et comprend des options permettant de désactiver temporairement le contrôle d'objets sélectionnés. Ce système de contrôle de pression peut émettre une alerte de capteur manquant, et un signal d'installation de capteur spécial. Les niveaux de pression contrôlés sont automatiquement programmés dans le capteur de pression lors de son installation, et une pluralité de signaux d'alerte sont déclenchés en fonction de cette pression d'installation.
PCT/US2004/038822 2003-11-18 2004-11-18 Systeme de controle de la pression WO2005049339A2 (fr)

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US60/520,972 2003-11-18

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CN101844490A (zh) * 2010-05-11 2010-09-29 东莞市伟盈汽车科技有限公司 带环形电池的外置胎压监测传感发射器
CN103231630A (zh) * 2013-05-17 2013-08-07 珠海保税区光联通讯技术有限公司 微型智能传感器
EP2756968A1 (fr) * 2011-09-13 2014-07-23 Steelmate Co., Ltd. Dispositif externe de détection de la pression de gonflage de pneu
TWI448672B (fr) * 2011-01-12 2014-08-11
CN104191918A (zh) * 2014-06-10 2014-12-10 铁将军汽车电子有限公司 外置式胎压计
EP2842770A4 (fr) * 2011-09-13 2015-08-19 Steelmate Co Ltd Dispositif externe de détection de la pression de gonflage de pneu et pièce étanche de communication d'air y appartenant
US10150339B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2018-12-11 Advantage Enterprises, Inc. Systems and methods for monitoring tire pressure

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US6630885B2 (en) * 2000-07-26 2003-10-07 Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, Llc Electronic tire management system

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CN101844490A (zh) * 2010-05-11 2010-09-29 东莞市伟盈汽车科技有限公司 带环形电池的外置胎压监测传感发射器
TWI448672B (fr) * 2011-01-12 2014-08-11
EP2756968A1 (fr) * 2011-09-13 2014-07-23 Steelmate Co., Ltd. Dispositif externe de détection de la pression de gonflage de pneu
EP2756968A4 (fr) * 2011-09-13 2015-04-29 Steelmate Co Ltd Dispositif externe de détection de la pression de gonflage de pneu
EP2842770A4 (fr) * 2011-09-13 2015-08-19 Steelmate Co Ltd Dispositif externe de détection de la pression de gonflage de pneu et pièce étanche de communication d'air y appartenant
CN103231630A (zh) * 2013-05-17 2013-08-07 珠海保税区光联通讯技术有限公司 微型智能传感器
CN103231630B (zh) * 2013-05-17 2016-08-17 珠海全擎科技有限公司 微型智能传感器
CN104191918A (zh) * 2014-06-10 2014-12-10 铁将军汽车电子有限公司 外置式胎压计
US10150339B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2018-12-11 Advantage Enterprises, Inc. Systems and methods for monitoring tire pressure
US10639946B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2020-05-05 Advantage Enterprises, Inc. Systems and methods for monitoring tire pressure

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