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05/03/2004

Pirelli Creates A New Generation Of X-Pressure

Second-Generation Tyre Monitoring System Unveiled

Pirelli Technology Creates A New Generation Of X-Pressure

Second-Generation Tyre Monitoring System Unveiled at Geneva Motor Show 2004 –Pirelli will unveil the new, second generation of its X-Pressure safety system at the 74th Geneva Motor Show. A device for monitoring the pressure and temperature of tyres, X-Pressure is able to send data to a display inside the car through sensors that transmit via a radio frequency. In the case of an anomaly, a dashboard light and an acoustic alarm will signal which wheel has the problem, enabling the motorist to maintain a continuous check on his vehicle’s functions.

The first fundamental new feature of this latest generation X-Pressure is that it is made entirely from Pirelli technology. Developed using expertise generated by synergy with other Pirelli Group companies, this new generation of X-Pressure is the first step towards a pioneering evolutionary phase that will see the tyre increasingly integrated into the various vehicle management and control systems.

The second fundamental new feature is that the sensors of the new Pirelli X-Pressure are no longer fitted to the wheel, but adhere directly to the inner surface of the tyre (two Pirelli patents). This facilitates the application of the device and makes for faster fitment, reducing to almost zero the risk of damaging sensors during the mounting and demounting of tyres. The new system provides more information on the tyre to which it is directly applied, including the level of the temperature in the area near the tread. It can easily be seen how temperature measurement by X-Pressure can be of maximum use, even to a new product design and development centre.

Because of the extremely low power consumption of the sensors, another important characteristic of the new Pirelli X-Pressure to modern motoring is its ability to function even when the vehicle is standing still. If an anomaly in the tyre’s pressure is discovered when the car is not in motion, an alarm alerts the driver as soon as the vehicle’s ignition is switched on and before the engine is started. An additional safety feature. All of these characteristics combine to define a system that is extremely reliable and long-lasting up to six years and one that has ample potential for further development, such as contact with the outside environment, lower power usage and others. A system as versatile in its many applications as the number of different vehicles to which it can be fitted.

The Pirelli X-Pressure can also operate on 4-wheel-drive and on vehicles critically in need of continuous rear tyre pressure monitoring. A special “remoter” is available for long trailer type vehicles including some motor homes. The remoter permits the acquisition of data from an area near the tyre, and transmits the information by Lin Bus to the central display of the towing vehicle.

As it is no longer fitted to the rim but applied directly to the tyre, X-Pressure can be re-used. It can easily be removed at the end of a tyre’s life and applied to a new tyre. The system will go on sale next June through tyre specialist networks linked to Pirelli in Italy, Germany, Spain, France, Great Britain, Holland and Belgium.

The X-Pressure being unveiled at Geneva represents a new step forward in Pirelli’s project to transform tyres from passive components into intelligent systems, able to interact swiftly with the overall vehicle control infrastructure.
But Pirelli’s activity in the area of intelligent tyres does not end with a TPMS— Tyre Pressure Monitoring System—of which X-Pressure is a part. The Group maintains continuous and productive working relationships with leading research institutes, active in the application of associated technology to the miniaturization of components. Those organizations, which also use MEMS techniques, include Pico Radio, Micro Sensori and others. Pirelli’s latest work in this field is being carried out with the Berkeley Sensor and Actuator Centre and the DOP Centre for Embedded Systems at the University of California in Berkeley.