Patent Application
20080061955
The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further advantages thereof, may be best understood with reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for the claims and/or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ in the present invention.
Now, referring to
As described above, sensor 16 includes an antenna system that enables the reception of signals from devices located on vehicle 10 as well as external devices, such as device 22. According to the teachings of the present invention, sensor 16 may have a low frequency (LF) antenna for receiving signals. The signals received by sensor 16 may be triggering signals that cause the sensor 16 to wake-up or cause the sensor 16 to perform some function. It is recognized that in some embodiments, the LF antenna may also function as a radio-frequency (RF) antenna and transmit signals to various receivers within the vehicle (e.g., receiver 18). In one aspect of the present invention, the antenna system having the LF antenna may operate within a frequency range including, but not limited to, 20 kilo-hertz (KHz) to 140 kilo-hertz (KHz).
As described in the foregoing, the antenna system may receive signals from external devices, such as the device 22. Device 22 may be a hand held or stationary diagnostic tool that transmits signals to vehicle 12 so as to initiate, for example, a TPM diagnostic algorithm. It is also recognized that device 22 may be used to program the TPM system including sensor 16.
Now, referring to
As described above, sensor 16 is adapted to receive signals (e.g., LF signals) from the vehicle or external devices. Once sensor 16 receives the signals, they are processed by a processor 28. Processor 28 may functions as a memory and data processing device thereby transforming the received signals into specific commands for the TPM system. As such, processor 28 may have memory storage capability and be programmed to store data and algorithms for TPM operations.
Signals received and processed by processor 28 are initially received through the use of antenna coil 30. In one aspect, antenna 30 may be formed of a conductive material such as a conductive wire and the like. In alternative embodiments, antenna coil 30 may be formed of a conductive material including, but not limited to, aluminum, steel, a metal alloy, and the like. Nevertheless, it is recognized that antenna coil 30 may be formed of virtually any material so long as antenna coil 30 can sufficiently receive and transmit LF signals.
As shown, antenna coil 30 is printed on circuit board 26. In one aspect, the antenna coil 30 is printed planar with the circuit board 26. Antenna coil 30 also includes a first antenna loop 30a and a second antenna loop 30b. Also as shown, antenna loop 30b substantially encloses or encircles antenna loop 30a. The configuration of antenna coil 30 as shown causes it to have an increased coil cross section as compared to convention TPM antennas. The increased coil cross section enables antenna coil 30 to receive an appreciable amount of magnetic flux, which enhances signal reception. In one aspect of the present invention, antenna coil 30 may have a cross section in the range of one inch to two inches. It is recognized, however, that alternative embodiments may have an antenna coil cross section that varies from the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Nevertheless, once antenna coil 30 receives a transmitted signal, the signals are converted into electrical signals and are manipulated by electronic components including an inductor 32 and a capacitor 34. Inductor 32 enables the circuit to develop a sufficient amount of inductance to optimize performance of sensor 16. Inductor 32 includes a first inductor terminal 32a and a second inductor terminal 32b. As shown, inductor terminal 32b is directly coupled to antenna coil 30. In one aspect, the inductor 32 is a surface mounted device (SMD). It is recognized however that other types of inductors may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.
As described above, a capacitor 34 is included which filters signals received by antenna coil 30. Capacitor 34 has a first capacitor terminal 34a and a second capacitor terminal 34b. As shown, the first capacitor terminal 34a is directly coupled to the first inductor terminal 32a. Additionally, second capacitor terminal 34b is directly coupled to a second end of antenna coil 30. Once the signals received by antenna coil 30 are received by inductor 32 and capacitor 34, the signals are in a form to be received by processor 28.
Now, referring to
While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
