Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. and Siemens VDO Automotive plan to jointly develop a next-generation tire pressure monitoring system, the companies announce at a security analyst presentation at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.
Both Goodyear and Siemens VDO already have developed tire pressure monitoring devices. The current Siemens VDO system directly measures air pressure in a tire with a micro-mechanical sensor on a silicon-based vacuum measuring cell that is embedded in a special housing attached to the tire rim. The deformation of the diaphragm occurs under different air pressures and is measured using piezo-resistive sensors to provide electronic data. The two companies are secretive about details of the new technology they are developing, but promise it will offer significant advantages over current technology, including being easily adaptable to new cars and light trucks worldwide.
The companies say development work will draw on Goodyear's expertise in tires and tire pressure monitoring, tire sensors and tire temperature and pressure interpretation and Siemens VDO's proficiency in electronics, radio frequency (RF), wireless and vehicle system integration technologies.
The U.S.'s new Transportation, Recall, Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act requires all new vehicles to have a low tire pressure warning system beginning in November 2003.
