Integrated self-powered tire revolution counter
US7132939B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 7, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 6, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60C23/0413
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A self-powered tire revolution counter includes a motion sensitive power generation mechanism, a power conditioner, a pulse detector, a microcontroller, and, optionally, a radio frequency (RF) transmitting device. In one exemplary embodiment, the power generation mechanism corresponds to a piezoelectric patch that, during movement, provides both operating electrical power and pulsed signals indicative of tire rotation. The power conditioner receives a generator signal from the power generation mechanism and produces a conditioned output voltage that can be used to power associated electronic devices, including the microcontroller. The pulse detector receives the generator signal and produces a detection signal whenever the generator signal meets a predetermined condition. The microcontroller is programmed to determine current and lifetime-accumulated values of selected pulse indications in the detection signal that meet predetermined criteria. Data corresponding to tire environment related parameters such as temperature, pressure, tire deflection, and/or vehicle speed may be stored in the microcontroller at times during tire rotation as power is supplied from the power generation m…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.