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TECHNOLOGY PARTNERING/LICENSING/ACQUISITION OPPORTUNITY
TPMS sensors you don’t throw away – swap the battery, not the sensor, right from the valve stem.
Technology Title: Externally Replaceable Battery System for Tire Pressure Sensors
Technology Owner: Astra Sensor Technologies (AST)
Value Proposition: Removes battery constraints, reduces waste, and lowers unnecessary maintenance costs and downtime
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Market Needs Addressed
Since 2007, every car has been equipped with TPMS sensors. While marketed as lasting 7–10 years, many require replacement in just 4–5 years because their batteries run out of power, involving costly, labor-intensive work by certified mechanics. AST’s unique design features an externally replaceable battery accessible through the valve stem, allowing a swap in under 2 minutes—no lift, no tire removal.
This innovation not only eliminates waste from disposable sensors but also removes battery constraints, unlocking the power capacity for premium TPMS features such as advanced analytics, enabling suppliers and OEMs to deliver higher-value, sustainable products.
Furthermore, this technology uses a cylindrical battery as opposed to a coin battery, enabling extra capacity enabling the potential for adding more “premium features” within the TPMS. These premium features could include internal tire tread temperature readout, tread wear sensing, vibration/accelerometer sensing, moisture/humidity sensing, GPS, driver variation (tire swing) to detect drowsiness, intoxication, distraction, etc.
Video showing the process: https://vimeo.com/1097366770/fbb6f93452
Technology Description
AST’s proprietary electrical connector is compatible with any Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor. The connector leverages a replaceable, cylindrical 3V, 5A battery. AST’s Innovative electrical connector assembly for TMPS that enables battery replacement from the valve stem. The design uses industry standard Schraeder valves, and electrical contacts remain connected to the battery during valve stem articulation, meaning filling the tire with air remains unchanged.
AST has developed demo sensors and completed the first revision of its receiver PCB. Field testing is underway.
Key Features and Benefits
- Externally replaceable battery – quickly restores TPMS operation, lowers cost by avoiding full sensor replacement, and eases battery constraints for advanced features
- Drop-in architecture – integrates easily into existing TPMS stacks
- Longer usable life – sensor body stays in service across multiple battery cycles
- Higher profit potential – supports premium TPMS pricing with fewer replacements
- ESG-forward – reduces waste compared to disposable designs
- Flexible contact geometry – keeps TPMS powered during tire inflation
- Cylindrical battery – greater capacity to support advanced TPMS functions
Patent Portfolio and IP
AST has 6 issued patents (US, Japan, South Korea) with EU patents pending (claims finalized with EPO).
In addition to patents, AST has supporting IP, including ready-to-use design files, test fixtures and strong technology expertise.
Next Steps for Development
- Optimization of battery chemistry. Currently using cylindrical batteries designed for LEDs. Currently CR322 and CR435
- Scale up plan for commercial level manufacturing.
Partnership Opportunities
AST is seeking a partner or partners that have the ability to manufacture and promote this technology to the automotive market. It is ready to support the right partner with the needed IP, ready-to-use design files, test fixtures and strong technology expertise. Potential partner arrangements include, but are not limited to:
- Licensing: Field-exclusive or non-exclusive licenses by segment.
- Co-development: Astra Sensor connector assembly test with existing TPMS electronics.
- Pilot programs: Fleet or OE pilots with defined KPIs and service protocols.
- Acquisition considered with conditions
Company Overview
Astra Sensor Technologies Inc. (AST) https://astrasensors.com/ is the owner of intellectual property and developer of a cutting-edge TPMS platform.
Further Information
Additional information not subject to confidentiality requirements will be provided to prospective licensees having credible interest. Extensive additional information may be made available to qualified interested parties under the provisions of a confidential disclosure agreement. Pilot kits are available to qualified parties.
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