Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

SmartStem technology provides business jet operators with a revolutionary means to check tire pressure by providing convenience, operational autonomy and an assurance of safety that their tires are always properly inflated. - Crane AE

In aviation, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are electronic systems that continuously monitor and display tire pressure information, often in the cockpit or on the ground. These systems aim to ensure tires are properly inflated, enhancing safety, extending tire life, and minimizing maintenance costs. The history of TPMS in aviation is rooted in the need for accurate and reliable tire pressure information, as highlighted by the development of standards like SAE ARP6137.

Early Development and Evolution

Early Days: Prior to TPMS, tire pressure checks in aviation relied on manual methods, which were time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to errors.

Need for Improvement: The need for more reliable and efficient tire pressure monitoring became crucial for safety, especially with the increasing use of larger and faster aircraft.

Technological Advancements: The development of pressure sensors, wireless communication technologies, and data processing capabilities paved the way for the creation of TPMS.

Key Features and Benefits

Accurate Pressure Monitoring: TPMS provides continuous, real-time data on tire pressure, allowing for immediate identification of under-inflation or other issues.

Alerts and Notifications: Systems can send warnings to the flight crew or ground maintenance staff, ensuring timely action is taken.

Improved Safety: By ensuring proper inflation, TPMS reduces the risk of tire blowouts and other safety-related problems.

Extended Tire Life: Maintaining optimal tire pressure extends the lifespan of tires, leading to cost savings for operators.

Reduced Maintenance: TPMS helps identify potential issues early, allowing for proactive maintenance and reducing the need for unscheduled repairs.

Types of TPMS in Aviation

Direct TPMS: Uses sensors directly mounted on the tire or valve stem to measure pressure, offering accurate and reliable readings.

Indirect TPMS: Uses wheel speed sensors or other data from the aircraft's systems to infer tire pressure, but may be less accurate than direct systems.

Examples of TPMS in Action

Boeing 777: Crane Aerospace provides a TPMS for the Boeing 777, offering continuous tire pressure monitoring in the cockpit.

SmartStem Technology: Crane Aerospace offers a TPMS for business aviation, allowing for easy and reliable tire pressure checks using a handheld reader. Crane AE

Future Trends

Integration with other Aircraft Systems: TPMS is increasingly being integrated with other aircraft systems, such as brake temperature monitoring and flight data recorders.

Remote Monitoring: Future systems may enable remote monitoring of tire pressure, allowing for even more efficient maintenance operations.

Predictive Maintenance: Advanced TPMS could be used to predict tire wear and identify potential problems before they occur, further reducing maintenance costs.