RICHMOND, British Columbia (July 29, 2004) — SmarTire Systems Inc. said it has successfully finished the first test phase of a battery-less tire pressure and temperature monitoring system.
Current monitoring systems use battery power to transmit pressure and temperature information from sensors in the tire. SmarTire's new system involves a passive sensor in each tire powered by an antenna within each wheel arch. The Richmond-based company said elimination of the battery cuts the system's weight, size and cost. It also increases sensor life and reliability while eliminating battery disposal issues.
“This is cutting-edge technology that we believe has the ability to advance the tire monitoring industry to the next level,” said Robert Rudman, president and CEO. He added that the technology will take at least a year to be commercialized.