Advantages of using Internal Sensors in Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Using Internal Sensors compared to External Sensors on TPMS for Industrial or Off-The-Road (OTR) vehicles offers several advantages that are particularly beneficial in the challenging environments experienced with OTR vehicles.
These are the advantages of using internal sensors:
1. Accuracy in extreme conditions
Internal Sensors are located inside the tire, providing direct contact with the air inside. This location ensures accurate tire pressure and temperature readings. In many applications the tire temperature increases substantially because of a combination of loads carried and vehicle speed. The internal temperature needs careful monitoring to ensure the tires do not exceed the manufacturer?s limits. Internal Sensors are really the only way to measure the tire temperature accurately especially in these more extreme temperature conditions.
2. Protection and durability
Internal sensors are shielded from external elements, such as debris, rocks, and more severe weather conditions (such as direct sunlight and frost) which are commonly encountered in OTR environments. This protection ensures the durability and longevity of the sensors, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring reliable tire pressure and temperature readings.
3. Resistance to Vibrations and Shocks
Industrial and OTR vehicles operate in rough terrains, encountering constant vibrations and shocks. Internal Sensor design allows them to withstand these harsh conditions. Their internal mounting within the tire provides added protection, minimising the risk of sensor dislodgement or malfunction caused by vibrations and shocks.
4. Reduced Risk of Damage or Theft
Internal sensors mount securely inside the tire, making them less susceptible to damage or theft. In the mining and earth moving sectors, this is particularly pronounced because of likelihood of rocks and other debris hitting an External Sensor. OTR vehicles often operate in remote and unattended areas, increasing the risk of damage to or theft of external sensors. Internal sensors are not visible, minimising the likelihood of tampering or unauthorised removal.
5. Compatibility with Tire Types and Configurations
Industrial and OTR vehicles employ a wide range of tire types and configurations based on their specific application. Internal Sensors offer greater flexibility and compatibility with various tire types, including large or speciality tires used in OTR vehicles. They install in different tire sizes and configurations, ensuring accurate monitoring regardless of the specific tire setup.
6. Minimized External Interference
External sensors are susceptible to external interferences such as dirt, mud, and moisture, which can affect their reliability or accuracy. Internal sensors are shielded from these external factors, providing more reliable and consistent readings. This ensures that operators receive accurate tire pressure and temperature information, enabling effective maintenance to prevent tire-related incidents.
7. Wheel Compatibility
OTR vehicles often have unique and specialised wheel designs. External sensors may not be compatible with certain wheel types and, when mounted on the valve, may clash with, or reduce necessary clearance, with the wheel. Internal sensors are not visible, providing a cleaner, lower-risk installation. They eliminate compatibility concerns with specific wheel designs, ensuring seamless integration with OTR vehicles.
8. Maintenance-Free
Internal Sensors are typically maintenance-free for the lifetime of the tire, once installed properly. External sensors mounted on valve stems, may require occasional adjustment, to tighten, reseat or replace O-rings to ensure a good seal. Whereas internal sensors eliminate the need for these additional maintenance tasks, providing convenience to the business.
9. Easier to inflate tires
Many external sensors, particularly the valve stem sensors, need removing when inflating the tire. However, to prevent potential theft issues, these external sensors often have different kinds of locking system making them difficult to remove easily by someone else. This of course means that the operator must find the specific tool for removing the locked external sensor and be able to reassemble it.
It’s important to note that internal sensors may require professional installation due to the specialised nature of OTR vehicles and their tire configurations. The installation is however usually a quick and easy process.
In summary, for many applications, the advantages of the Internal Sensors compared to External Sensors far outweigh the extra cost of installation. They provide more accurate measurements of the pressure and the temperature of the tire and can also be more cost effective. The internal sensors are protected from damage, and usually last for the lifetime of the tire. They cannot be stolen or tampered with and can be fitted to more wheel configurations than the external sensors. They are maintenance free. All these factors improve efficiency and increase profitability for the business.
Advantages of using Internal Sensors in TPMS
To experience these advantages, click here for a free trial of the TMS® Tire Pressure Monitoring System for your industry.