U.S. patent application number 14/687722 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-20 for handheld interrogation and display for remote sensors.
The applicant listed for this patent is GOODRICH CORPORATION. Invention is credited to STEVEN KELLER, Eric Stein, Scott Streng, Paul L. Summers.
Application Number | 20160303927 14/687722 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55802214 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160303927 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KELLER; STEVEN ; et
al. |
October 20, 2016 |
HANDHELD INTERROGATION AND DISPLAY FOR REMOTE SENSORS
Abstract
A handheld interrogation device includes a controller configured
to generate a power signal. The controller is also configured to
determine tire pressure data based on a signal received from a tire
pressure sensor. The handheld interrogation device also includes a
primary coil coupled to the handheld interrogation device and
configured to transmit the power signal to a sensor coil of the
tire pressure sensor and to receive a data signal from the sensor
coil, via inductive coupling, in response to the primary coil being
within a predetermined distance of the sensor coil.
Inventors: |
KELLER; STEVEN; (Union,
OH) ; Summers; Paul L.; (Troy, OH) ; Streng;
Scott; (Troy, OH) ; Stein; Eric; (Troy,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GOODRICH CORPORATION |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55802214 |
Appl. No.: |
14/687722 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64C 25/34 20130101;
B60C 2200/02 20130101; B60C 23/0479 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60C 23/04 20060101
B60C023/04; B64C 25/34 20060101 B64C025/34 |
Claims
1. A handheld interrogation device comprising: a controller
configured to: generate a power signal, and determine tire pressure
data based on a signal received from a tire pressure sensor; a
primary coil coupled to the handheld interrogation device and
configured to transmit the power signal to a sensor coil of the
tire pressure sensor and to receive a data signal from the sensor
coil, via inductive coupling, in response to the primary coil being
within a predetermined distance of the sensor coil; and an
input/output port configured to allow the controller to communicate
with a maintenance system.
2. The handheld interrogation device of claim 1, further comprising
a display configured to output the tire pressure data.
3. The handheld interrogation device of claim 2, wherein the
display is further configured to output sensor historical
values.
4. The handheld interrogation device of claim 3, wherein the
display is further configured to output the tire pressure data and
the sensor historical values in graphical format.
5. The handheld interrogation device of claim 1, further comprising
a demodulator configured to demodulate the data signal received
from the tire pressure sensor.
6. The handheld interrogation device of claim 1, wherein the power
signal is a variable frequency power signal.
7. (canceled)
8. The handheld interrogation device of claim 1, further comprising
a global positioning system (GPS) unit such that the controller can
determine a current position of the handheld interrogation
device.
9. The handheld interrogation device of claim 8, further comprising
a display configured to output a route to a plurality of aircraft
to be monitored by the handheld interrogation device, the route
being based on the current position.
10. The handheld interrogation device of claim 1, further
comprising a camera configured to detect image data corresponding
to the tire pressure sensor.
11. The handheld interrogation device of claim 1, wherein the tire
pressure data includes the tire pressure data corresponding to the
tire pressure sensor and at least another tire pressure sensor.
12. The handheld interrogation device of claim 1, wherein the
controller is further configured to generate data to be transmitted
to the tire pressure sensor via the primary coil and the sensor
coil, the data including at least one of configuration data,
aircraft data or data used to reprogram the tire pressure
sensor.
13. The handheld interrogation device of claim 1, further
comprising a handheld connector configured to mechanically couple
to a sensor connector of the tire pressure sensor such that the
primary coil is positioned within the predetermined distance of the
sensor coil in response to the handheld connector being coupled to
the sensor connector and such that the controller may determine the
tire pressure data while a tire is being pressurized.
14. A system comprising: a tire pressure sensor configured to
detect tire pressure data and generate a data signal including the
tire pressure data in response to receiving a power signal, the
tire pressure sensor including a sensor coil; and a handheld
interrogation device including: a controller configured to:
generate the power signal, and demodulate the data signal; a camera
configured to detect image data corresponding to the tire pressure
sensor; and a primary coil coupled to the handheld interrogation
device and configured to transmit the power signal to the sensor
coil and to receive the data signal from the sensor coil, via
inductive coupling, in response to the primary coil being within a
predetermined distance of the sensor coil.
15. The system of claim 14, further comprising a communication unit
coupled to the tire pressure sensor and a second tire pressure
sensor and configured to receive a second tire pressure data from
the second tire pressure sensor, wherein the data signal further
includes the second tire pressure data.
16. A handheld interrogation device comprising: a global
positioning system (GPS) unit configured to detect location data; a
controller configured to: determine a current location of the
handheld interrogation device based on the location data, generate
a power signal, and determine tire pressure data based on a signal
received from a tire pressure sensor; and a primary coil coupled to
the handheld interrogation device and configured to transmit the
power signal to a sensor coil of the tire pressure sensor and to
receive a data signal from the sensor coil, via inductive coupling,
in response to the primary coil being within a predetermined
distance of the sensor coil.
17. The handheld interrogation device of claim 16, further
comprising a display configured to output a route to a plurality of
aircraft to be monitored by the handheld interrogation device, the
route being based on the current position.
18. The handheld interrogation device of claim 16, further
comprising a camera configured to detect image data corresponding
to the tire pressure sensor.
19. The handheld interrogation device of claim 16, further
comprising a handheld connector configured to mechanically couple
to a sensor connector of the tire pressure sensor such that the
primary coil is positioned within the predetermined distance of the
sensor coil in response to the handheld connector being coupled to
the sensor connector and such that the controller may determine the
tire pressure data while a tire is being pressurized.
20. The handheld interrogation device of claim 16, wherein the
power signal is a variable frequency power signal.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tire pressure sensing
system, and more particularly to a handheld device for powering and
receiving information wirelessly from a tire pressure sensor.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Aircraft may include landing gear having wheels for
supporting the weight of the aircraft while the aircraft is in
contact with the ground. A tire may be coupled to each wheel of
each landing gear defining a volume that may be pressurized. Each
wheel may include a tire pressure sensor. In some aircraft, a
control unit may be coupled to each of the tire pressure sensors
for powering the tire pressure sensor and for receiving
informational data from the tire pressure sensor. Some aircraft,
however, do not include a control unit coupled to each of the tire
pressure sensors.
SUMMARY
[0003] According to various embodiments, a handheld interrogation
device includes a controller configured to generate a power signal.
The controller is also configured to determine tire pressure data
based on a signal received from a tire pressure sensor. The
handheld interrogation device also includes a primary coil coupled
to the handheld interrogation device and configured to transmit the
power signal to a sensor coil of the tire pressure sensor and to
receive a data signal from the sensor coil, via inductive coupling,
in response to the primary coil being within a predetermined
distance of the sensor coil.
[0004] Also described is a system in accordance with various
embodiments including a tire pressure sensor configured to detect
tire pressure data and generate a data signal including the tire
pressure data in response to receiving a power signal. The tire
pressure sensor includes a sensor coil. The system also includes a
handheld interrogation device that includes a controller. The
controller is adapted to generate the power signal and demodulate
the data signal. The handheld interrogation device also includes a
primary coil coupled to the handheld interrogation device and
configured to transmit the power signal to the sensor coil and to
receive the data signal from the sensor coil, via inductive
coupling, in response to the primary coil being within a
predetermined distance of the sensor coil.
[0005] The forgoing features and elements may be combined in
various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly
indicated herein otherwise. These features and elements as well as
the operation of the disclosed embodiments will become more
apparent in light of the following description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly
pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the
specification. A more complete understanding of the present
disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the
detailed description and claims when considered in connection with
the drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like
elements.
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an aircraft having landing gear, in
accordance with various embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a handheld interrogation
device, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0009] FIG. 3A illustrates the handheld interrogation device of
FIG. 2 having a primary coil adjacent a sensor coil of a tire
pressure sensor, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 3B is a block diagram of the handheld interrogation
device and the tire pressure sensor of FIG. 3A, in accordance with
various embodiments; and
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates an aircraft having landing gear that
includes wheels having tire pressure sensors and a communication
unit coupled to each of the tire pressure sensors, in accordance
with various embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein
makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary
embodiments by way of illustration and their best mode. While these
exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable
those skilled in the art to practice the inventions, it should be
understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical
and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the inventions. Thus, the detailed description
herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of
limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or
process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not
necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any
reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any
reference to more than one component or step may include a singular
embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed,
connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary,
partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option.
Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases)
may also include reduced contact or minimal contact.
[0013] With reference to FIG. 1, an aircraft 10 in accordance with
various embodiments may include landing gear such as landing gear
12, landing gear 14 and landing gear 16. Landing gear 12, landing
gear 14 and landing gear 16 may generally support aircraft 10 when
aircraft is not flying, allowing aircraft 10 to taxi, take off and
land without damage. Landing gear 12 may include wheel 13A and
wheel 13B coupled by a strut 20; landing gear 14 may include wheel
15A and wheel 15B coupled by a strut 22; and landing gear 16 may
include nose wheel 17A and nose wheel 17B coupled by a strut 24.
The nose wheels differ from the main wheels in that the nose wheels
may not include a brake and/or a wheel speed transducer.
[0014] Wheel 15A may be coupled to a tire, such that the tire and
the wheel define a pressurizable volume. Wheel 15A or the tire may
receive and/or house a tire pressure sensor 100 that includes at
least a portion within the pressurizable volume such that tire
pressure sensor 100 may detect data corresponding to a pressure
within the pressurizable volume.
[0015] In various embodiments, tire pressure sensor 100 may be a
stand-alone device. In that regard and with reference to FIGS. 1
and 2, a handheld interrogation device 200 may be used by a
maintenance worker for powering and querying tire pressure sensor
100. Handheld interrogation device 200 in accordance with various
embodiments may be positioned adjacent tire pressure sensor 100
(i.e., within 1 inches (2.54 cm), within 3 inches (7.62 cm) or
within 6 inches (15.24 cm)) and wirelessly power tire pressure
sensor 100 and/or receive data detected by tire pressure sensor 100
(hereinafter, "tire pressure data"), such as a tire pressure, a
temperature, a health of tire pressure sensor 100 (wherein health
may refer to whether tire pressure sensor 100 is in an acceptable
condition or not), a serial number of tire pressure sensor 100, a
serial number of the tire coupled to wheel 15A, a serial number of
wheel 15A, a version of software used by tire pressure sensor 100,
a part number of tire pressure sensor 100, a build date of the
software of tire pressure sensor 100, an assembly date of tire
pressure sensor 100, dates that tire pressure sensor 100 have been
calibrated, data regarding aircraft 10 such as location data and/or
identification data, other health information such as proactive
maintenance information and/or the like.
[0016] Handheld interrogation device 200 may include a battery 202,
a controller 201, a camera 212, a light emitting diode (LED) 213, a
plurality of input/output ports 220, a tangible, non-transitory
internal memory 216, a display 214, a primary coil 218 a global
positioning system (GPS) unit 215 and a sensor 217.
[0017] Battery 202 may be capable of storing power. In that regard,
components of handheld interrogation device 200 may operate based
on power received from battery 202. In various embodiments, battery
202 may be a disposable battery, a rechargeable battery, a super
capacitor or a combination of the three.
[0018] Controller 201 may include one or more processors and one or
more tangible, non-transitory memories and be capable of
implementing logic. The processor can be a general purpose
processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array
(FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or
transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination
thereof.
[0019] Controller 201 may include a power management unit 204, a
system input/output unit 206 configured to communicate with a
maintenance system, a display processing unit 208, a variable
frequency generator 205, a demodulator 207 and a sensor
input/output unit 210 capable of communicating with tire pressure
sensor 100.
[0020] Power management unit 204 may be capable of managing the
distribution of power from battery 202. In that regard, power
management unit 204 may be coupled to battery 202 and to other
components of handheld interrogation device 200 such that it can
receive power from battery 202 and distribute power to the other
components of handheld interrogation device 200. In various
embodiments, power management unit 204 may control the distribution
of power without being connected to the power lines.
[0021] Power management unit 204 may also control the charging of
battery 202 if battery 202 is rechargeable. Handheld interrogation
device 200 may be adapted to be electronically coupled to a
charging station in order to receive power for charging battery
202. The charging station may be adapted to receive direct current
(DC) or alternating current (AC) power of any voltage and/or
frequency.
[0022] System input/output unit 206 may be coupled to at least one
of the plurality of input/output ports 220 and capable of
communicating with a maintenance system 250 via at least one of the
plurality of input/output ports 220. Maintenance system 250 may be
operated in a location remote from aircraft 10 and may include
maintenance information corresponding to a plurality of wheels
and/or tires for one or more aircraft in one or more locations. In
that regard, maintenance system 250 may be capable of receiving
information from tire pressure sensors via handheld interrogation
device 200.
[0023] Each tire pressure sensor may include a unique identifier.
In that regard, maintenance system 250 may catalog information
regarding each tire pressure sensor such as tire pressures at
various times and locations, which tire and/or aircraft each tire
pressure sensor is positioned on, map data corresponding to various
locations of each tire pressure sensor, the age of each tire or the
like. This capability allows maintenance system 250 to monitor
aircraft, positions, tires and mating wheel information for
determining reasons for damage to tires.
[0024] Maintenance system 250 may store and analyze the received
data from the various tire pressure sensors. In that regard,
maintenance system 250 may be capable of cataloging the tire
pressure data for each particular tire/wheel, for each aircraft
and/or for a full fleet of aircraft. Maintenance system 250 may
analyze the received data and produce charts and/or graphs that
interactively track tire pressures, usage and, in various
embodiments, tire wear. In various embodiments, controller 201 may
be capable of analyzing the data, producing the charts and/or
producing the graphs. In various embodiments, key data, including
historical tire pressure values and/or potential issues with each
tire pressure sensor, may be transmitted to handheld interrogation
device 200 from maintenance system 250.
[0025] Display processing unit 208 may be capable of controlling
information to be displayed on display 214. In that regard, display
processing unit 208 may receive data, convert the data to
displayable data and instruct display 214 to display the
displayable data.
[0026] Variable frequency generator 205 may be capable of
generating a power signal (in the form of a variable frequency
power signal). Demodulator 207 may be capable of demodulating
(i.e., decoding) a modulated signal. Stated differently,
demodulator 207 is capable of receiving an analog signal having a
modulated digital component and removing the modulation from the
analog signal.
[0027] Sensor input/output unit 210 may be capable of controlling
data and/or power communication between handheld interrogation
device 200 and tire pressure sensor 100. In that regard, tire
pressure sensor 100 may not be coupled to a power source other than
handheld interrogation device 200. Accordingly, controller 201 may
transmit the power signal generated in variable frequency generator
205 to tire pressure sensor 100. Tire pressure sensor 100 may
receive the power signal and apply the power to its components. In
response to receiving the power, tire pressure sensor 100 may
detect tire pressure data and transmit the tire pressure data to
handheld interrogation device 200. Demodulator 207 may receive the
modulated tire pressure data signal and demodulate the modulated
tire pressure data signal.
[0028] In various embodiments, controller 201 may be capable of
communicating with tire pressure sensor 100. For example,
controller 201 may request particular data from tire pressure
sensor, may be used to program or reprogram tire pressure sensor or
may be used to configure tire pressure sensor 100 such as providing
a tire serial number, a wheel serial number, an aircraft serial
number and/or the like.
[0029] In various embodiments, controller 201 may also be capable
of determining a status of tire pressure sensor 100. For example,
controller 201 may be capable of determining if tire pressure
sensor 100 is functioning other than as desired, is experiencing
errors, has gone beyond its operating limit conditions (such as
exceeding a temperature limit), requires replacement or the
like.
[0030] Primary coil 218 may be capable of wireless electrical
connection with tire pressure sensor 100. In that regard, tire
pressure sensor 100 may also include a sensor coil. In order to
electrically couple handheld interrogation device 200 to tire
pressure sensor 100, primary coil 218 may be positioned adjacent
sensor coil 102 (see FIG. 3A) of tire pressure sensor 100, causing
primary coil 218 and sensor coil 102 of tire pressure sensor 100 to
function in a similar manner as a transformer. Stated differently,
primary coil 218 may have an AC signal which creates a varying
magnetic flux around sensor coil 102. In response to the varying
magnetic flux, sensor coil 102 of tire pressure sensor 100 may be
subject to a varying magnetic field in response to being within a
predetermined distance of primary coil 218. This varying magnetic
field generates a varying voltage signal in sensor coil 102 of tire
pressure sensor 100. Thus, primary coil 218 and sensor coil 102 of
tire pressure sensor 100 can communicate power signals and data
signals in both directions via inductive coupling. In various
embodiments, handheld interrogation device 200 may communicate with
tire pressure sensor 100 via another wireless system, such as IEEE
standard 802.15.1 (Bluetooth), IEEE standard 802.11 (WI-FI) or the
like.
[0031] In various embodiments, a tire pressure sensor may include a
physical connector instead of or in addition to a coil. In that
regard, handheld interrogation device 200 may also include a
physical connector capable of communicating with the physical
connector of the tire pressure sensor via direct electrical
contacts. For example, a cable may be coupled to both physical
connectors and allow transmission of electronic signals between the
tire pressure sensor and handheld interrogation device 200. As
another example, coil 102 may instead include a connector having
pins and/or slots configured to interface with other slots and/or
pins. Similarly, primary coil 218 may include a connector having
pins and/or slots. The pins and/or slots of tire pressure sensor
100 may contact the pins and/or slots of handheld interrogation
device 200, allowing electronic signals to transfer between tire
pressure sensor 100 and handheld interrogation device 200.
[0032] Sensor input/output unit 210 may be capable of modulating a
power signal and transmitting the modulated power signal to primary
coil 218. In response to the coils being positioned near each
other, power may be transferred between primary coil 218 and the
sensor coil of tire pressure sensor 100. Similarly, sensor
input/output unit 210 may be capable of modulating and/or
demodulating sent and/or received data signals.
[0033] Memory 216 may be a non-transitory memory capable of storing
data. In various embodiments, memory 216 may or may not be separate
from the memory of controller 201. In that regard, memory 216 may
store instructions to be executed by controller 201 and/or may
store data received by handheld interrogation device 200 from tire
pressure sensor 100 and/or from the maintenance system.
[0034] In various embodiments, handheld interrogation device 200
may be capable of storing and cataloging data corresponding to each
tire pressure sensor for which it detects data. In that regard,
memory 216 may be capable of storing the detected data. In various
embodiments, memory 216 may store data until, handheld
interrogation device 200 can communicate with the maintenance
system, at which time some or all the stored data may be
transferred to the maintenance system and/or removed from memory
216.
[0035] Data stored in memory 216 may be encrypted and/or
unencrypted. Additionally, any data transmitted via system
input/output unit 206 and/or via sensor input/output unit 210 may
be encrypted and/or unencrypted. In various embodiments, a device
remote from handheld interrogation device 200 may be capable of
establishing a communication with handheld interrogation device
200. The remote device may be capable of initiating a data wipe
and/or initialization of other security measures in case of loss or
theft of handheld interrogation device 200.
[0036] The plurality of input/output ports 220 may include a
Universal Serial Bus ("USB") port 222, a WI-FI port 224, a
Bluetooth port 226, an Ethernet port and/or any other input/output
port 228. Handheld interrogation device 200 may communicate with
the maintenance system via any of the plurality of input/output
ports 220.
[0037] GPS unit 215 may include any GPS device capable of receiving
a GPS signal. In that regard, GPS unit 215 may be used by
controller 201 to determine an estimated position of handheld
interrogation device. In various embodiments, the maintenance
system and/or handheld interrogation device 200 may determine and
catalog which aircraft and/or tire pressure sensors have been
monitored based on location data detected by GPS unit 215.
[0038] Display 214 may be a display positioned on handheld
interrogation device 200 and capable of displaying information. For
example, display 214 may display data received from tire pressure
sensor 100. In response to handheld interrogation device 200 being
paired with a tire pressure sensor, display 214 may display the
current readings, sensor historical values and/or position of the
tire pressure sensor relative to an aircraft. Similarly, display
214 may display data received from the maintenance system such as
navigation instructions, a list of wheels/tires to be monitored or
the like.
[0039] In various embodiments, display 214 may or may not display
color data. Display 214 may have an adjustable light intensity that
can be adjusted manually and/or automatically. This allows display
214 to be viewable in direct sunlight as well as in the dark.
[0040] To facilitate monitoring of multiple tire pressure sensors,
the maintenance system may determine a current location of handheld
interrogation device 200 based on the GPS data. Based on the
current location and the location of the aircraft to be monitored,
the maintenance system and/or handheld interrogation device 200 may
plan a route to each of the aircraft to be monitored. The route may
be determined such that the aircraft are monitored in an efficient
manner. For example, the maintenance system may plan a route that
reduces backtracking by a user of handheld interrogation device
200, that reduces crossings of taxi ways that ensures that aircraft
will be monitored prior to a planned departure time and/or the
like. In that regard, display 214 may display navigation
instructions corresponding to the route.
[0041] In various embodiments, handheld interrogation device 200
may include a system instructing the maintenance worker to go to
specific wheels or tail numbers of aircraft. These instructions may
be programmed into handheld interrogation device 200 or may be
transmitted to handheld interrogation device 200 wirelessly.
[0042] Similarly, handheld interrogation device 200 may receive
data regarding aircraft 10. For example, an operator may input data
regarding the aircraft, such as flight times, service locations or
the like. As another example, handheld interrogation device 200 may
receive data directly from aircraft 10 from an automated system.
Handheld interrogation device 200 may receive this information via
a port or any other connection to aircraft 10.
[0043] Camera 212 may be capable of detecting image data. In that
regard, camera 212 may detect image data including the location of
handheld interrogation device 200 relative to tire pressure sensor
100, a serial number or other identifying information of the
corresponding wheel or tire or the like. In various embodiments,
camera 212 may detect video data that may be transferred to a
worker, such as a supervisor, who may supervise the monitoring of
the aircraft. Camera 212 may also grant maintenance personnel a
better perspective regarding the location of primary coil 218
relative to sensor coil 102. This may be particularly useful when
tire pressure sensor 100 is positioned in a location from which
reaching a vantage point is difficult or uncomfortable.
[0044] In various embodiments, camera 212, in combination with
controller 201, may be capable of detecting patterns, such as a
barcode, in order to determine part numbers and/or serial numbers
of tire pressure sensors and/or tires. This allows the maintenance
system and/or handheld interrogation device 200 to more easily
catalog data corresponding to each tire pressure sensor and/or tire
after detection by handheld interrogation device 200. In various
embodiments, handheld interrogation device 200 may include a radio
frequency identification (RFID) scanner capable of detecting RFID
data. The RFID scanner may be capable of detecting part numbers
and/or serial numbers of tire pressure sensors, wheels and/or tires
that are stored in an RFID tag.
[0045] In various embodiments, the maintenance system and/or
handheld interrogation device 200 may determine and catalog which
aircraft and/or tire pressure sensors have been monitored based on
image data. For example, controller 201 may use GPS data to
determine a location of handheld interrogation device and data
detected by camera 212 to identify the tire or tire pressure
sensor. Controller 201 may then correlate the location and the
identity.
[0046] Sensor 217 may include one or more of the following: a
temperature sensor, an air pressure sensor, a moisture or humidity
sensor, a gas detector or other chemical sensor, a sound sensor, a
pH sensor, a smoke detector, a metal detector, a 1, 2, 3 or more
axis accelerometer, an actinometer, an altimeter, a depth gauge, a
compass, a radiation sensor, a motion detector, or other sensor.
Sensor 217 allows handheld interrogation device 200 to determine
ambient conditions when receiving tire pressure data from tire
pressure sensor 100. The ambient conditions may be logged in the
maintenance system and/or handheld interrogation device 200 along
with the tire pressure data.
[0047] LED 213 may be an LED or other light source used to generate
light for increasing the ability of a user to determine where to
position handheld interrogation device relative to each wheel
and/or tire. In various embodiments, LED 213 may be an infrared LED
(IRLED) such that it can be used by individuals wearing night
vision goggles. In various embodiments, LED 213 may generate light
of any color such as white and/or other colors that prevent
interference with night vision goggles or a maintenance worker's
night vision due to pupil dilation (such as a red or a blue
light).
[0048] In various embodiments, handheld interrogation device 200
may include an input device such as a microphone, a keyboard, a
touch screen, buttons and/or the like. This may allow a user of
handheld interrogation device 200 to enter notes regarding tire
pressure data.
[0049] With reference now to FIG. 3A, tire pressure sensor 100, in
accordance with various embodiments, of wheel 15A may have a sensor
coil 102 positioned in a housing 103. When data is to be received
from tire pressure sensor 100, handheld interrogation device 200
may be positioned such that primary coil 218 is located proximate
sensor coil 102. In that regard, handheld interrogation device 200
may be capable of communicating with tire pressure sensor 100 in
response to sensor coil 102 being within a predetermined distance
of primary coil 218. The predetermined distance may be, for
example, within one inch (25.4 mm), within three inches (76.2 mm)
or within six inches (152.4 mm). In response to primary coil 218
being farther than the predetermined distance from sensor coil 102,
a minimal amount of data may be communicated. In that regard and
with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3A, the predetermined distance
provides an advantage over current technology. For example, when
handheld interrogation device 200 is interrogating tire pressure
sensor 100 of wheel 15A, a tire pressure sensor of wheel 15B may
not cause interference with the communication between handheld
interrogation device 200 and tire pressure sensor 100 of wheel 15A.
This ensures that data detected by handheld interrogation device
200 is accurate and being received from the desired tire pressure
sensor.
[0050] In various embodiments and with renewed reference to FIG.
3A, handheld interrogation device 200 may include a body 320. Body
320 may house some or all of the components of handheld
interrogation device. In various embodiments, body 320 may
hermetically seal components of handheld interrogation device 200
such that the components are sealed from environmental exposure. In
that regard, body 320 may be resistant to sudden force such that
the components may withstand being dropped by a user. Similarly,
body 320 may be resistant to moisture such that limited moisture
may enter body 320.
[0051] Handheld interrogation device 200 may include an arm 300
having a first end 301 proximal body 320 and a second end 303
distal body 320. Primary coil 218 may be positioned near second end
303. In that regard, the length of arm 300 provides for easier
placement of primary coil 218 relative to tire pressure sensor
100.
[0052] Tire pressure sensor 100 may include a sensor connector 370,
such as a cavity, a hook, a bayonet mount, a press-fit connector, a
snap connector or the like. Handheld interrogation device 200 may
also include a handheld connector 372 capable of mechanically
connecting to sensor connector 370. In response to sensor connector
370 being connected to handheld connector 372, primary coil 218 is
positioned adjacent sensor coil 102 such that primary coil 218 and
sensor coil 102 may function as a transformer, allowing signals to
propagate between them. In that regard, handheld interrogation
device 200 may detect tire pressure data while sensor connector 370
is connected to handheld connector 372. Handheld interrogation
device 200 may also be capable of generating feedback, such as
audio data or image data, in response to the pressure of the tire
coupled to wheel 15A reaching a predetermined tire pressure.
[0053] Because the tire may be filled while sensor connector is
coupled to handheld connector, handheld interrogation device 200
may detect tire pressures of the tire while the tire is being
pressurized. Handheld interrogation device 200 may then output the
feedback in response to the tire reaching a predetermined
pressure.
[0054] In various embodiments, arm 300 may include a first portion
302, a second portion 304, and a third portion 306. First portion
302, second portion 304 and third portion 306 may be telescoping
such that at least part of third portion 306 may overlap with at
least part of second portion 304 and at least part of second
portion 304 may overlap with at least part of first portion 302. In
various embodiments, arm 300 may not be telescoping. In various
embodiments, a handheld interrogation device may not include an arm
300. For example, a coil may be positioned elsewhere on a handheld
interrogation device such that a body of the handheld interrogation
device is to be held adjacent sensor coil 102.
[0055] Camera 212 may be positioned near primary coil 218. In that
regard, camera 212 may be used to detect image data corresponding
to the location of primary coil 218 relative to sensor coil 102.
Camera 212 may also be used by a user of handheld interrogation
device 200 to align primary coil 218 with sensor coil 102. Display
214 may display image data detected by camera 212 so that the user
can adjust the position of primary coil 218 relative to sensor coil
102. Similarly, LED 213 may be positioned near primary coil 218
such that LED 213 may illuminate an area near primary coil 218.
[0056] With reference now to FIG. 3B, tire pressure sensor 100 in
accordance with various embodiments may include circuitry 350,
power storage 352 and sensor coil 102. Power storage 352 of tire
pressure sensor 100 may be a temporary power storage device such as
one or more capacitors. Circuitry 350 may include components
capable of distributing power, detecting data and transmitting the
detected data. In that regard, sensor coil 102 can transfer and/or
receive power from power storage 352 and transmit and/or receive
data signals from circuitry 350.
[0057] Handheld interrogation device 200 includes controller 201,
battery 202 and primary coil 218. In response to sensor coil 102
being positioned proximate primary coil 218, sensor coil 102 and
primary coil 218 may function together as a transformer 355. In
that regard, power and/or information signals may be transferred
between tire pressure sensor 100 and handheld interrogation device
200 via transformer 355 without a physical conductive connection.
This is advantageous as sensor coil 102 can be hermetically sealed
within housing 103 of tire pressure sensor 100. This reduces an
amount of environmental exposure of sensor coil 102, thus extending
the life of tire pressure sensor 100. Similarly, primary coil 218
may be hermetically sealed within handheld interrogation device
200, thus reducing exposure to environmental elements of components
of handheld interrogation device 200. This similarly increases the
life of handheld interrogation device 200.
[0058] With reference now to FIG. 4, an aircraft 410 in accordance
with various embodiments may include landing gear such as landing
gear 412, landing gear 414 and landing gear 416. Landing gear 412
may include wheel 413A and 413B coupled by a strut 420; landing
gear 414 may include wheel 415A and wheel 415B coupled by a strut
422; landing 416 may include nose wheel 417A and nose wheel 417B
coupled by a strut 424.
[0059] Each of the wheels and the nose wheels may be coupled to a
tire such that each wheel and nose wheel and tire pair forms a
pressurizable volume. Wheel 415A may include a tire pressure sensor
400A, wheel 415B may include a tire pressure sensor 400B, wheel
413B may include a tire pressure sensor 400C, wheel 413A may
include a tire pressure sensor 400D and nose wheel 417B may include
a tire pressure sensor 400E. The tire pressure sensors may be
coupled to a communication unit 401 that is capable of receiving
data detected by each of the tire pressure sensors.
[0060] Nose wheel 417A may include a tire pressure sensor 402. Tire
pressure sensor 402 may similarly be coupled to communication unit
401 and capable of transmitting and/or receiving data from
communication unit 401. Tire pressure sensor 402 may include a coil
and thus be capable of communicating with a handheld interrogation
device, such as handheld interrogation device 200. Tire pressure
sensor 402 may transmit data regarding the pressure corresponding
to wheel 417A. Similarly, tire pressure sensor 402 may transmit
data to the handheld interrogation device regarding the tire
pressure sensor of each of the other wheels and nose wheels. In
that regard, tire pressure data for each of aircraft 410 may be
detected by the handheld interrogation device by electronically
coupling the handheld interrogation device to tire pressure sensor
402. In various embodiments, tire pressure sensor 402 may be
positioned on any wheel or nose wheel of aircraft 410.
[0061] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have
been described herein with regard to specific embodiments.
Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures
contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional
relationships and/or physical couplings between the various
elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional
functional relationships or physical connections may be present in
a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to
problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage,
or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be
construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements
of the inventions. The scope of the inventions is accordingly to be
limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which
reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean
"one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or
more." Moreover, where a phrase similar to "at least one of A, B,
or C" is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be
interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B
alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an
embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may
be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B
and C, or A and B and C.
[0062] Systems, methods and apparatus are provided herein. In the
detailed description herein, references to "various embodiments",
"one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an example embodiment", etc.,
indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not
necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or
characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily
referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection
with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge
of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or
characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not
explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be
apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the
disclosure in alternative embodiments.
[0063] Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the
present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public
regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is
explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be
construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f), unless the
element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for." As used
herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variation
thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that
a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of
elements does not include only those elements but may include other
elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,
article, or apparatus.
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