Idea for cheaper tire pressure monitor system...

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Auto-Union

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Looking at the current system(s), it seems like the most expensive/complicated part is the transducer that sends a message to dash display, as well as the reciever/display and the power that must be wired into it (in an add-on system).

Why not maunfacture a system that is similar to the existing ones in as the part that straps to the wheel and monitors the pressure, but when it drops below a preset (25psi?) instead of a complicated transducer and dash display....ha...a simple beep warning? Shouldn't that simplifiy the system but like one-half...cost and complexity wise??? Heck, a monitor that was recharged by the inertial action of the wheel spinning would be the ultimate.
 
I think the window of opportunity for a system like that is rapidly turning into history.

With the computing and display power already in many cars today, the display of the data is almost free. The cost is all in the sensor in the tire and the receivers to read it the signal and put it on the car's data bus.

Even econo-cars have a lot of computing power and displays are cheap.

It would be nice to be able to elimiate the battery. On the sensors I'm familer with (GM on a Corvette), the batteries aren't replaceble and have a life of roughly 5 years. About $45 per unit if you buy at a good discount plus the cost of dismounting a tire, swapping the sensor and putting the tire back on. Instructions for cutting one open, replacing the battery and resealing it are available in the Corvette Forum.
 
I'm generally talking about an add-on system. Nevertheless, the RF signal to a display....pointless, except for incremental measurement. Beep, it's low. VERY simple.
 
I don't see how you can compete with the software only systems that use the ABS system of the car.

Many cars don't have a sensor system, but simply use the ABS sensors to determine if a tire is low.

It doesn't tell you which one, but it does tell you to get out and check your tires.

I realize this isn't an add-on, but I suppose someone could craft a system for cars with ABS brakes that examines the signal from each wheel and determines if a tire is low.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Auto-Union:
I'm generally talking about an add-on system. Nevertheless, the RF signal to a display....pointless, except for incremental measurement. Beep, it's low. VERY simple.
Click to expand...
Do you mean a beeper right on the tire?
 
quote:
Originally posted by javacontour:


It doesn't tell you which one, but it does tell you to get out and check your tires.

Click to expand...
It should. It detects a low tire by comparing rotational speeds so the information is already available.
 
There is only one light on the dash. I suppose they could make a more complex display for a few dollars more.

However, the one on my car has a single light indicating that one should check their tires.
 
AU, if you're talking about creating an add-on system, you're right that the pressure sensors and receivers would be the most expensive part of the system. In addition, to make it produce a beep, you still have to monitor the exact pressure of the tires in some form, so you might as well display it. The incremental cost would be negligible.

For OE systems, most cars already have some form of flexible display, normally as part of the instrument panel. The functionality can be easily added to the programming of the computer that controls that display and the only extra hardware necessary is the sensors and receivers.
 
quote:
Originally posted by javacontour:
I don't see how you can compete with the software only systems that use the ABS system of the car.

Many cars don't have a sensor system, but simply use the ABS sensors to determine if a tire is low.

It doesn't tell you which one, but it does tell you to get out and check your tires.

I realize this isn't an add-on, but I suppose someone could craft a system for cars with ABS brakes that examines the signal from each wheel and determines if a tire is low.
Click to expand...
Public Citizen and a few tire companies decided it was in your best interest to not have any choice in the matter of how the systems are built.

http://www.citizen.org/autosafety/nhtsa/tread/tpms/

Don't you feel better now, knowing there are smart people like Ralph Nader and Joan Claybrook looking out for you?

lol.gif
 
You could probably put an RFID doodad inside an RF shielded tube that attaches to the valve stem. Set up a spring loaded whatzamajig that pops the RFID loose to air if pressure drops. Probably only cost a buck or two.

Those RFID things just resonate when beamed with RF energy, are cheap, and never wear out battery-wise. They're inert, IOW.

The transponder that talks to these things would probably cost a few bucks though. Might be cheaper, in bulk, to put ABS sensors on all 4 wheels, even if ABS is not on the vehicle. I bet the ABS master cylinder solenoid thing is a big percentage of the cost of ABS anyway...
 
Its called get your lazy butt out with a tire gauge and check em. If you cant do that or check the oil, you shouldnt be driving. Total cost: $2.98 at the parts store

Dan
 
Beep. Am I describing the "thing" correctly? An add-on that straps to the wheel like current systems, sans the signaling to a monitor/display ~increments~ of psi in favour of an audible alert when pressure goes under 25psi....using the human ear as the reciever. It seems to provide the right blend of functionality and complexity/cost.
 
quote:
Originally posted by javacontour:
I don't see how you can compete with the software only systems that use the ABS system of the car.

Many cars don't have a sensor system, but simply use the ABS sensors to determine if a tire is low.

It doesn't tell you which one, but it does tell you to get out and check your tires.

I realize this isn't an add-on, but I suppose someone could craft a system for cars with ABS brakes that examines the signal from each wheel and determines if a tire is low.
Click to expand...
The problem with this system is that it doesn't alert you if the tires are equally low on pressure. Plus, the system may not be sensitive enough, as it has to account for the difference from wear if a car has one new tire and one old tire. Otherwise you'll get a lot of false positive warnings.
 
see the problem is those tyre pressure monitors are not that expensive to make. look i have a remote indoor/outdoor thermometer with 2 probes and it cost me $10. theres not a big difference between a thermometer and a pressure monitor. its just that people like making profit, and tyre pressure monitors are still sort of new with reguards to everyday use, so everyone charges alot for them.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Kestas:
The problem with this system is that it doesn't alert you if the tires are equally low on pressure. Plus, the system may not be sensitive enough, as it has to account for the difference from wear if a car has one new tire and one old tire. Otherwise you'll get a lot of false positive warnings.
Click to expand...
Sure it could, with GPS, eg already on-board onstar, it could compare the average vehicle speed with the one from space. So if the ground speed increases due to smaller tire radius it would know something was up. It'd probably have to have a "recalibrate" button for the tire shop to hit when they put new tires on, but well within the ability of software and existing hardware.
 
I resent paying $$$ for airbags and tire pressure monitors.

I also wonder how much extra we pay to cover auto manufacturers litigation costs?

It will be interesting to see how any "wrongful death" lawsuits get settled with Chinese auto manufacturers.
 
quote:
Originally posted by XS650:
On the sensors I'm familer with (GM on a Corvette), the batteries aren't replaceble and have a life of roughly 5 years.
Click to expand...
Geez. They already make batteries that last 10 years. Then again, they probably chose the 5-year battery on par with life expectancy of the sensors
grin.gif
 
eljefino, isn't that overcomplicating something so important that can be more easily and reliably accomplished with a $2 tire gauge?

How complicated must cars get to account for our laziness before we start getting into diminishing returns?
 
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