Early Challenges with TPMS
Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) were first introduced in the late 1990s in response to a 1998 U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety mandate. However, the original direct tire pressure monitoring systems presented some challenges. These early systems had sensors installed in each tire valve stem that would transmit a radio signal to a receiver installed in the vehicle. The sensors needed to be powered by small batteries that had to be replaced regularly, adding to the maintenance costs. Additionally, signal interference from the vehicle or other nearby radio transmitters could cause false readings or dropouts. These issues limited widespread consumer adoption in the early 2000s.
Indirect TPMS Gain Popularity
To overcome the limitations of direct TPMS, automakers turned to indirect tire pressure monitoring instead. Indirect TPMS does not have sensors installed in each tire but rather monitors tire pressure by evaluating other parameters like wheel speed, steering angle, yaw rate, and others.
Changes in these values are interpreted by a controller to determine low pressure conditions in the tires. Without the limitations of battery replacement and signal interference, indirect TPMS offered a more affordable and reliable solution. By the late 2000s, indirect Automotive Tire Pressure Monitoring System had become the prevailing technology used by most automakers to comply with safety regulations.
Sensor Technology Advancements
As sensor technology advanced over the next decade, direct automotive tire pressure monitoring system regained popularity due to the potential for greater accuracy over indirect systems. Modern direct TPMS sensors are much smaller due to miniaturization and use long-life batteries or energy harvesting capabilities that last the lifetime of the tire. Sensors also employ more robust radio transmission methods like frequency hopping that are resistant to interference. These advancements addressed the main drawbacks that previously hindered widespread adoption. Now direct TPMS provides wheel-specific pressure readings with minimal ongoing maintenance costs compared to the original designs.
Additional Sensor Capabilities
Today’s TPMS sensors offer more capabilities beyond basic tire pressure monitoring. Advanced sensors can measure internal tire temperature to detect potential overheating issues. Some can also detect low tread depth or tire damage that could cause a blowout. This helps fleets and commercial operators proactively identify maintenance needs. The latest multi-protocol sensors can communicate using different radio frequencies to be compatible with a wider range of vehicle makes and models. Sensor smartphones apps allow drivers to check pressures and receive alerts remotely. R&D focuses on sensor miniaturization using MEMS technologies to shrink components further for use in compact vehicles.
Integration with Vehicle Systems
As automakers work towards fully connected vehicle architectures, TPMS is being more tightly integrated with other vehicle systems. Pressure data collected by the sensors feeds into stability control, antilock braking, and all-wheel drive transfer case modules to optimize performance based on real-time tire conditions. The information also supports advanced driver assist features like automatic emergency braking which rely on accurate tire data. Over-the-air firmware updates can add new sensor capabilities and fix issues without requiring physical sensor replacement. Integration with central vehicle gateway modules provides a foundation for future transition to indirect TPMS with on-board wheel speed and suspension sensors.
Market Outlook and Future Innovation
The global automotive tire pressure monitoring system industry has grown steadily over the past decade driven by safety mandates worldwide. Going forward, innovation will focus on further reducing sensor size while enhancing capabilities. MEMS and nano-scale technologies may enable sensor components measuring only millimeters. Wireless battery-free sensor designs using energy harvesting principles from wheel rotation could solve battery replacement needs entirely. Additional tire and wheel condition monitoring will be incorporated. Overall, TPMS will continue to evolve alongside vehicle connectivity and automated driving systems to deliver even higher levels of safety, performance and convenience.
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