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How it works.
The Piezotag sensor unit is attached to the inside of the tyre, opposite the tread pattern.
As the tyre rotates, gravitational forces act upon the Piezotag wheel unit. Specific design geometry inside the wheel unit harnesses these forces and uses them to produce power from a piezoelectric device. The power harvested from motion is used to collect and transmit tyre pressure and temperature information from the wheel to the driver.
Why is Piezotag a better TPMS?
Piezotag’s wheel unit generates its own power, sufficient to update pressure and temperature information up to 10 times a minute, the only High Frequency* wireless TPMS that can achieve this rate of data transfer. Battery powered systems are constrained by the need to prolong the power source life to give a sensible product life, consequentially they cannot achieve the same level of data exchange between the tyres and the driver.
Depending upon customer requirements it is possible to reduce the level of data exchange and use the “surplus” power as a platform for other functions.
*Low frequency systems can match this performance but require an initiator in the wheel arch of each wheel that is monitored; Piezotag can (RF) transmit information back to a single receiver antenna (passenger vehicle applications) saving on component count.
What is Piezoelectric power?
Piezoelectric effect is not new, but a proven technology.
Piezoelectric power harvesting has been used for a variety of applications (eg. Piezo lighter) though, until now, no one has been successful in applying this technology to Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems.
In an electronic format this data can be used to monitor the performance and usage of a tyre(s) to improve safety and manage or monitor correct use. Being in an electronic format it is also feasible to onward transmit this information via existing technology to other interested parties.
Where can Piezotag be used?
Designed for OEM fit, but because of the way it is fitted into the tyre, Piezotag can also be used for retro fit kit.
Research & Development
The result of considerable investment in both time and money and having demonstrated the concept, Piezotag is now undertaking final refinement, development and preparation of preproduction units.
Patent protected
The Intellectual Property Rights for the product resides with Piezotag Ltd in the form of three International (PCT) patent applications. All three applications have been examined by the International Examining Authority for inventive step with favourable results and Piezotag therefore expect to be able to obtain granted patents within the EU in the next 12 months.
Piezotag also have National patent applications filed in the USA, Canada, Mexico, China, Malaysia, Japan, Australia and India.
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