SOUTHFIELD, MI — Lear Corp. has signed a license agreement with Transense Technologies plc to integrate Transense’s batteryless Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) technology with Lear’s Remote Keyless Entry receiver (RKE) technology.
Under terms of the agreement, Lear and Transense will work together to integrate Transense’s batteryless Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) TPMS technology with Lear’s Remote Keyless Entry receiver technology. The two companies have recently worked together on the development of two functional North American vehicle prototypes equipped with the batteryless Transense TPM systems.
The Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) ACT mandates that all light motor vehicles registered after Sept. 1, 2007, feature TPMS technology. Phase-in of this regulation begins this October. Additionally, European and Asian regulators are also expected to rule on the subject even if no signs of legislative activity are forecasted in the near future.
A typical TPM system employs four or five transmitter-sensors, an RF receiver and other satellite hardware which can identify the position of the tire that is improperly inflated. The current systems utilize a lithium battery in the tire to power the sensor which has a limited lifespan of ten years and requires special handling related to disposal of the batteries.
Transense CEO Jim Perry said the new system will have several benefits, including battery elimination, lower weight and superior functional performance at a
competitive price. "By combining our leading technologies we can create an industry standard for TPMS that improves product functionality and recyclability," he said.
For more information go to http://www.lear.com or http://www.transense.co.uk.
