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Tyre sensor on tread boosts reliability
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01/04/2007
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A tyre pressure sensor module relocated away from the valve and rim to the inner side of the tread will transmit information on tyre type and speed as well as indicating shifted loads for commercial vehicles.
The new module from Continental weighs 7g. It sits in a special mount connected to the inner side of the tyre and can be reused after fitting new tyres. This position reduces the risk of false alarms triggered by the greater temperature fluctuations at the rim as well as giving greater protection from mechanical damage.
The device transmits data about tyre type, speed and load index into the vehicle, while an additional integral wheel load sensor will also make it possible after driving a short distance to identify whether the cargo in a truck or light van has moved.
A project team from the company’s Automotive Systems and Passenger Car Tire divisions is currently developing the intelligent tyre system towards production readiness with an anticipated market launch at the end of 2009 or the beginning of 2010. A small-scale production run is planned for 2008.
If the module is fitted directly by the tyre manufacturer it can include data on the tyre type (summer or winter), date of manufacture, recommended tire pressures, permissible top speed and the load. This data will be transmitted into the vehicle together with the actual tyre pressures and temperature to improve the capabilities of ABS and ESC systems.
“If the ABS knows what type of tyres are fitted, the stopping distance from 100km/h can be up to 1m less”, says Peter Säger, TPMS project leader at Continental Automotive Systems.
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Author
Roger Bishop
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