Patent ID: 7745746

Claim:
A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) comprising: a power source; TPMS circuitry; and a mechanical switch positioned between the power source and the TPMS circuitry and arranged to electrically connect a power source to an electrical component, the switch comprising: a resilient structure; and a first electrically conductive element connected to the power source and a second conductive element connected to the electrical component, at least one of the conductive elements being attached to the resilient structure, wherein the switch is arranged such that: the conductive elements are positioned out of contact with one another in the absence of a force being applied to the switch; the resilient structure is moveable in response to a force applied thereto, the force being applied upon rotation of a tire to which the switch is connected; and upon application of a force above a predetermined threshold, the resilient structure moves to bring the conductive elements into contact with one another, the contact electrically connecting the power source to the electrical component.