SmarTire Systems Inc. says it has been granted a United States patent protecting its innovative multi-mount technology for the installation of sensors in tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMSs).
"The multi-mount technology enables a common sensor to be used to satisfy a variety of vehicle platforms using different mounting methods such as strap, valve or bonded," says Kian Sheikh-Bahaie, SmarTire´s senior mechanical designer. "This technology offers a number of benefits, including a single solution regardless of wheel design and the ability to use aftermarket wheels without disabling the original TPMS.
"Smaller automakers can also take advantage of the economies of scale and speed to market by enabling them to use a common sensor."
"Now that the TREAD (Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation) Act has been finalized in the U.S. and the auto makers are now required to install tire monitoring in their vehicles, one crucial issue that has not been adequately addressed by the industry is the installation and servicing of TPMS," says Robert Rudman, CEO and president.
"SmarTire has developed and now patented a unique sensor mounting technology that satisfies the diverse implications that arise during installation and servicing of the system over the life of the vehicle."
As identified by Stephen McDonald, vice president of government affairs for the Specialty Equipment Market Association, the North American aftermarket tires and wheels industry is valued at $3 billion per year. SmarTire says the TREAD Act will still apply to alternate tires and wheels if these products are installed prior to a vehicle´s first sale.
"The ability to re-install a vehicle´s tire sensors to alternate wheels using SmarTire´s patented system will enable the dealership to remain in compliance with the TREAD Act," adds the company.
