Spare tire usage detection
US7030745B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 2004 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60C23/0416
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting when a spare wheel (SP) is used to replace a previously rolling wheel on a vehicle, where each wheel can transmit wheel ID and motion status signals. The apparatus comprises a receiver, a memory for storing information relating wheel ID and location, a processor coupled to the receiver and memory for analyzing the wheel signals to determine if the SP is rolling, and a timer coupled to the processor that measures how long the SP has been rolling. When the SP has been rolling for predetermined time T, the processor looks at the motion status signals from remaining wheels to determine which is stopped, and then modifies the information stored in the memory to associate the SP ID with the wheel location formerly occupied by the now stopped wheel and associate the stopped-wheel ID with the storage location for the spare.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.