Beru Introduces Third Generation Tyre Safety System

Beru AG has now introduced the 3rd generation of its own TSS Tyre Safety System. Beru engineers have succeeded in further reducing the number of parts for a convenient, functionally safe tyre safety system.
The system that has now been introduced consists of a compact control unit with integrated aerial, plus four electronic wheel-mounted devices; in them, the sensor, transmitter and battery are built into one unit. This development highlights Beru’s on-going attempts to reduce the system price.

In addition, the small number of components makes it easier for design engineers to find spaces in the vehicle for fitting the TSS.

Beru backs direct measuring systems

From the outset, Beru AG has concentrated on the development of direct measuring systems for tyre pressure control and has already been supplying a large number of vehicle manufacturers with the Beru Tyre Safety System (TSS) since 1998.

One of the distinguishing features of TSS, in comparison with indirect measuring systems, is its higher level of measuring accuracy and immunity from interference. In this high-quality system the air pressure is determined using special sensors directly in the individual tyres, whereas with indirect measuring systems the air pressure in the tyres is calculated from data taken from existing measurement values, for example via ABS sensors.

TPMS becoming compulsory in the USA

Tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are now acquiring particular importance in the US market. A large number of spectacular accidents there are caused by tyre defects prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to stipulate the immediate introduction of tyre pressure monitoring systems. By 1 September 2005, 20 per cent of all new vehicles with a permissible total weight of up to 4.5 tons, will be obliged to have a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. This figure will rise to as much as 70 per cent from 1 September 2006, with complete integration scheduled for 1 September 2007.

The minimum requirement is that a warning is given where there is a pressure loss of 25 per cent in relation to the set pressure and that all four tyres are monitored at the same time and independently of one another. These strict specifications practically constitute a demand for a direct measuring system such as the TSS Beru Tyre Safety System.

Experience from the past with similar safety-related techniques suggests that other countries will pass similar regulations on the introduction of tyre pressure control systems.