Wireless tire monitoring

Dana Corp.'s Commercial Vehicle Systems group and partner SmarTire Systems have introduced a wireless tire pressure monitoring system called SmartWave, which can be used for trailer tires.

SmartWave provides real-time tire pressure monitoring via radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Sensors attached to the wheels via metal bands send signals to a wireless gateway receiver. The sensors record and store the data, as well as transmit it to an in-dash display for the driver to see.

Steve Slesinki, director of product planning for Dana, explained that if the vehicle has a communication pathway such as an onboard satellite system, the data could also be uploaded and sent to the fleet's maintenance department.

SmartWave automatically compensates for operating temperature fluctuations, ensuring proper inflation regardless of tire temperature. “This feature will take on greater importance as new 2007 exhaust treatment systems are expected to add significant heat discharge under the vehicle,” he said.

SmartWave is the first of several wireless systems for tires and other components that Dana plans to develop through its partnership with SmarTire.
www.dana.com