Tire monitoring system

By embedding light guides and non-contact sensors inside the tires to detect electromagnetic radiation, a tire monitoring system has been developed that solves the problem that existing systems cannot provide information on weather and road curvature, thereby improving the safety of autonomous vehicles.

CN118556006BActive Publication Date: 2026-04-14HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2022-04-01
Publication Date
2026-04-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing sensor-based vehicle monitoring systems cannot provide sufficient information about weather conditions, such as snow, mud, or ice on the road surface, nor can they adequately consider road curvature, thus affecting the safety of autonomous vehicles.

Method used

A tire monitoring system is employed, including hardware units and optical guides. It detects electromagnetic radiation within the tire through non-contact sensing devices, providing information on road conditions, weather conditions, and road curvature. It also monitors the interaction between the tire and the road surface using contact sensing devices, and uses the vehicle's central processing unit to predict vehicle behavior.

Benefits of technology

It improves road safety for autonomous vehicles by providing continuous feature information, preventing accidents caused by traction through real-time monitoring of tire status and tire-ground interface status.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A tire monitoring system (1) for determining a tire condition and / or a tire-ground interface condition is provided. The tire monitoring system (1) comprises a hardware unit (2) for being fixed to a rim (3) of a wheel (22) provided with a tire (4), at least one light guide (5) for being embedded into the tire (4) and extending at least partially from an inner surface (4a) of the tire (4) to an outer surface (4b) of the tire (4). The hardware unit (2) comprises a non-contact sensor device (6) for detecting electromagnetic radiation within the tire (4). The tire condition and / or the tire-ground interface condition is determined at least partially depending on the detected electromagnetic radiation. Tire specific data can be downloaded from a tire manufacturer and used when making the determination.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tire monitoring system for determining tire condition and / or tire-ground interface condition. Background Technology

[0002] Modern smart cars use multiple sensors and cameras to monitor the surroundings in 360 degrees to avoid collisions and provide autonomous driving or automatic navigation functions.

[0003] The equipment and systems used include: a global positioning system (GPS) for determining the vehicle's location, ultrasonic sensors for measuring the location of objects near the vehicle, odometer sensors for improving GPS information, lidar and radar for monitoring the surrounding environment such as roads, vehicles, and pedestrians, and cameras for monitoring roads, vehicles, and pedestrians and reading traffic lights.

[0004] However, existing sensor-based vehicle monitoring systems cannot provide sufficient information about weather conditions, such as snow, mud, or ice on the road surface, nor can they adequately take into account road curvature.

[0005] Therefore, an improved tire monitoring system is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of this invention is to provide an improved tire monitoring system. The above and other objects are achieved through the features of the independent claims. Other embodiments will be apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a tire monitoring system is provided for determining tire condition and / or tire-ground interface condition. The tire monitoring system includes: a hardware unit for attachment to a rim of a wheel on which the tire is mounted; and at least one optical guide for embedding in the tire and extending at least partially from an inner surface of the tire to an outer surface of the tire. The hardware unit includes: a non-contact sensing device for detecting electromagnetic radiation within the tire. The tire condition and / or the tire-ground interface condition is determined at least partially based on the detected electromagnetic radiation.

[0008] The system provides crucial information on road conditions, weather conditions, and road curvature. It monitors the interaction between the tire and the road surface, specifically acceleration and braking. This real-time monitoring system analyzes tire and road conditions in various ways, such as measuring the tire contact area by measuring the tire's angle relative to the road, monitoring the external tread height, monitoring changes in the tire's internal cross-sectional profile under load, and measuring the distance between the contact area and the axle. The vehicle's central processing unit (CPU) can predict vehicle behavior based on these key parameters and prevent accidents caused by traction. Specifically, this invention improves road safety for autonomous vehicles.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the hardware unit further includes at least one of the following: a first processing unit, configured to determine the tire state and / or the tire-ground interface state based on information detected by the non-contact sensing device and / or the contact sensing device; and a transmission unit, configured to transmit the information detected by the non-contact sensing device and / or the contact sensing device to a second processing unit, wherein the second processing unit is configured to determine the tire state and / or the tire-ground interface state based on the transmitted information.

[0010] The power supply unit is at least partially located within the hardware unit. The system can operate independently of the vehicle CPU or fully utilize the vehicle CPU's computing power. This increases flexibility.

[0011] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the tire monitoring system is used to determine the tire state and / or the tire-ground interface state at least once per wheel revolution, thereby enabling the tire to be monitored sufficiently frequently to continuously provide characteristic information.

[0012] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the tire monitoring system is used to determine the tire condition of the loaded portion and / or the unloaded portion of the tire, providing maximum flexibility to the system.

[0013] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the power supply unit includes: a rotary connector for fixing to the rim, and a non-rotating connector for fixing to a non-rotating part of the vehicle, providing a simple power supply solution for the system.

[0014] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the power supply unit includes: a plurality of coils for fixing to the rim, and a plurality of magnets for fixing to non-rotating parts of the vehicle, to facilitate self-powering of the tire monitoring system.

[0015] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the non-contact sensing device includes optical devices and / or horizontal sensing devices, enabling monitoring of the external and internal conditions of the tire.

[0016] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the optical device includes an infrared emitter for detecting electromagnetic radiation in the visible and infrared spectra, thereby enabling monitoring of the external and internal conditions of the tire via electromagnetic radiation.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the optical device is used to detect electromagnetic radiation emitted by the infrared emitter and reflected by the inner surface of the tire, thereby enabling monitoring of the internal shape and condition of the tire.

[0018] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the optical device includes: a first optical unit for detecting electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum, and a second optical unit for detecting electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum. This allows monitoring of the tire's internal profile, displaying tire contact area, vehicle overload, and other information.

[0019] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the optical device includes: an optical unit for detecting electromagnetic radiation within the visible spectrum, and an infrared filter for enabling the optical unit to detect electromagnetic radiation within the infrared spectrum. Therefore, fewer components are required, resulting in a smaller footprint and lighter weight while providing similar functionality.

[0020] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, one end of the light guide is exposed when the tire has worn to a predetermined extent, causing the light guide to extend from the outer surface of the tire to the inner surface of the tire. This allows for monitoring of tire wear, thereby improving safety, as tire condition is directly proportional to tire grip on the road surface and the vehicle's acceleration and braking capabilities.

[0021] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the light guide includes a material that allows electromagnetic radiation to propagate from the outside of the tire to the inside of the tire and from the inside of the tire to the outside of the tire, facilitating the installation of simple, cost-effective components within the tire.

[0022] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the light guide is an optomechanical element, a portion of which is disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the tire, facilitating the installation of a simple, inexpensive element that can be safely embedded into the tire.

[0023] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the contact sensing device extends from the inner surface of the tire to the outer surface of the tire, and the contact sensing device includes electrodes. When the electrodes come into contact with water near the outer surface, the electrodes short-circuit. Therefore, the system can detect in real time whether the road surface is slippery due to water accumulation, snow accumulation, or ice.

[0024] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the contact sensing device includes two electrodes, each disposed within a light guide, and the electrodes are electrically connected to each other inside the tire. Therefore, the contact sensing device can be partially incorporated into the non-contact sensing device.

[0025] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the horizontal sensing device includes a gyroscope and / or multiple accelerometers. Therefore, the tire contact area toward the road surface can be determined by detecting the angular orientation of the tire.

[0026] According to a second aspect, a vehicle structure is provided. The vehicle structure includes a vehicle central processing unit and multiple wheels. Each wheel is equipped with a tire and the aforementioned tire monitoring system. Each wheel is equipped with a hardware unit of the tire monitoring system, and the tire of each wheel is equipped with at least one light guide of the tire monitoring system.

[0027] The structure provides crucial information on road conditions, weather conditions, and road curvature. The system monitors the interaction between the tires and the road surface, specifically acceleration and braking. The vehicle's central processing unit (CPU) can predict vehicle behavior based on these key parameters and prevent accidents caused by traction. In essence, this invention improves road safety for autonomous vehicles.

[0028] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, each hardware unit includes a processing unit for determining the tire state and / or tire-ground interface state of a tire; and / or each hardware unit includes a transmission unit for transmitting information detected by the tire monitoring system to the vehicle's central processing unit, which determines the tire state and / or tire-ground interface state of all tires. This solution allows the system to operate independently of the vehicle's CPU, or to fully utilize the computing power of the vehicle's CPU. Therefore, it improves flexibility.

[0029] These and other aspects are apparent in the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0030] In the following detailed description of the invention, various aspects, embodiments, and implementations are explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 An illustration of a vehicle including a vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figures 2a to 2c A cross-sectional view of a wheel including the tire is shown, illustrating its dry condition on a straight road, its dry condition on a curved road, and its wet condition on a curved road.

[0033] Figure 3a A cross-sectional view of a wheel including a tire and a tire monitoring system, according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0034] Figure 3b A cross-sectional view of a wheel including a tire and a tire monitoring system, according to another example of an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0035] Figure 4a A schematic diagram of the hardware unit of a tire monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 4b The diagram illustrates a hardware unit schematic of a tire monitoring system according to another example of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a wheel including a tire and a tire monitoring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0038] Figure 6 a and Figure 6 b shows a cross-sectional view of a wheel including a tire and a tire monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a dry state on a curved road and a wet state on a curved road, respectively.

[0039] Figure 7 a to Figure 7 c shows a cross-sectional view of a wheel including a tire and a tire monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the amount of tire wear and the detection of different wear levels;

[0040] Figure 8 a to Figure 8 c shows a cross-sectional view of a wheel including a tire and a tire monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing different tire geometries that may occur on a straight road, on a curved road, and when the tire pressure is low or the vehicle is overloaded.

[0041] Figure 9A cross-sectional view of a wheel including a tire and a tire monitoring system, provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown, illustrating the change of the tire in the angular direction relative to the wheel axle. Detailed Implementation

[0042] This invention relates to a tire monitoring system 1 for determining tire condition and / or tire-ground interface condition. The tire monitoring system 1 includes: a hardware unit 2 for attachment to a rim 3 of a wheel 22 housing a tire 4; and at least one light guide 5 for embedding in the tire 4 and extending at least partially from an inner surface 4a of the tire 4 to an outer surface 4b of the tire 4. The hardware unit 2 includes a non-contact sensing device 6 for detecting electromagnetic radiation within the tire 4. The tire condition and / or the tire-ground interface condition is determined at least partially based on the detected electromagnetic radiation.

[0043] Figure 5 A tire monitoring system 1 is shown for determining tire condition and / or tire-ground interface condition. The tire condition may include parameters such as tire tread depth, tire wear unevenness, tire outer section profile, tire inner section profile, and relative angular orientation based on camber angle, tire pressure, and internal thermal condition. For example, Figure 7 a shows a tire that is not worn. Figure 7 b shows a partially worn tire. Figure 7 c shows the tire with the greatest wear. The tire-ground interface condition can include parameters such as tire contact area, road surface condition, and external thermal conditions. For example, Figure 2a The image shows the dry condition on a straight road. Figure 2b The image shows the dry condition on a curved road. Figure 2c The image shows the wet condition of a winding road.

[0044] The tire condition and / or the tire-ground interface condition are determined at least in part based on the detected electromagnetic radiation. This determination can also be performed in a simple manner, for example, by simply detecting the presence of electromagnetic radiation inside the tire 4. More complex methods involving different algorithms can also be used, for example, by detecting the amount of electromagnetic radiation in one or more areas inside the tire 4. Furthermore, tire-specific data can be uploaded from the tire manufacturer to the tire monitoring system 1 or the vehicle CPU 10. This data is used for any calculations and predictions made.

[0045] The tire monitoring system 1 is used to determine the tire state and / or the tire-ground interface state at least once per wheel revolution. The tire state and / or tire-ground interface state can be determined once per wheel revolution, for example, at the point where a specific peripheral area of ​​the tire contacts the road surface. The tire state and / or tire-ground interface state can be determined twice per wheel revolution, for example, at a first point where the specific peripheral area of ​​the tire contacts the road surface and a second point where the specific peripheral area of ​​the tire does not contact the road surface. The tire state and / or tire-ground interface state can be determined continuously per wheel revolution. In other words, the tire monitoring system 1 can be used to determine the tire state of the loaded portion and / or the unloaded portion of the tire 4. The loaded portion of the tire is the part in contact with the road surface and bears the weight of the vehicle. The unloaded portion of the tire refers to the part that does not contact the road surface and does not bear any vehicle weight; that is, it is the main part of the tire at any given time.

[0046] The tire monitoring system 1 includes a hardware unit 2, which is used to fix to the rim 3 of the wheel 22 equipped with tires 4, such as... Figure 5 As shown. The hardware unit 2 includes a non-contact sensing device 6 for detecting electromagnetic radiation within the tire 4.

[0047] Hardware unit 2 also includes one or more of the following: Figure 4a and Figure 4b The first processing unit 7 and the transmission unit 9 shown, and Figure 3a and Figure 3b The power supply unit 11 shown.

[0048] The first processing unit 7 is used to determine the tire state and / or the tire-ground interface state based on the information detected by the non-contact sensing device 6 and / or the contact sensing device 8.

[0049] The transmission unit 9 is used to transmit information detected by the non-contact sensing device 6 and / or the contact sensing device 8 to the second processing unit 10. The second processing unit 10 is used to determine the tire state and / or the tire-ground interface state based on the transmitted information. The transmission unit 9 may include a low-power wireless communication system, such as a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi transmitter, or it may include a cable connector.

[0050] The power supply unit 11 is at least partially disposed inside the hardware unit 2. The power supply unit 11 may include a rechargeable storage device such as a battery, or be used to directly power the system.

[0051] like Figure 3aAs shown, the power supply unit 11 includes a rotary connector 12 for fixing to the wheel rim 3, and a non-rotating connector 13 for fixing to a non-rotating part of the vehicle. The non-rotating connector 13 can be connected to a power source installed in the vehicle via a cable.

[0052] like Figure 3b As shown, the power supply unit 11 includes: a plurality of coils 14 for fixing to the rim 3, and a plurality of magnets 15 for fixing to the non-rotating parts of the vehicle. Therefore, the self-powered system can generate electricity through electromagnetic induction.

[0053] The tire monitoring system 1 further includes at least one light guide 5, wherein the at least one light guide 5 is embedded in the tire 4 and extends at least partially from the inner surface 4a of the tire 4 to the outer surface 4b of the tire 4. The light guide 5 or probe 5 penetrates the tire 4 from the inner surface 4a toward the outer surface 4b, that is, when the tire is a new tire and has not been worn, the light guide 5 does not reach the outer surface 4b. Figure 7 As shown in a. When the tire wears down, for example, when the rubber around the tire has aged, one end of the optical guide 5 is exposed at the outer surface 4b, as shown in a. Figure 7 As shown in b. Similarly, when the tire is fully worn, i.e., when the rubber passing through the entire tire contact area has aged, the ends of all the light guides 5 are exposed at the outer surface 4b, as shown in b. Figure 7 As shown in c. Because the condition of the tire is directly proportional to its grip on the road surface and the vehicle's acceleration and braking capabilities, the wear of the tire can be monitored, thereby improving safety.

[0054] When the tire 4 has worn down to a predetermined amount, one end of the light guide 5 is exposed, allowing it to extend from the outer surface 4b of the tire 4 to the inner surface 4a. The length of the light guide 5 can be varied. Therefore, as the tire 4 wears down to different degrees, the corresponding ends of the light guide 5 are exposed, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the lengths of the three optical guides 5 are all different.

[0055] The light guide 5 can be transparent, meaning it is a material that allows electromagnetic radiation to propagate from the outside of the tire 4 to the inside of the tire 4. The non-contact sensing device 6 can detect the electromagnetic radiation. Accordingly, the electromagnetic radiation can propagate from the inside of the tire 4 to the outside of the tire 4. The material can be a transparent plastic, such as polyurethane.

[0056] The light guide 5 is an optomechanical element, and a portion of the light guide 5 is disposed near the inner surface 4a of the tire 4. For example, the light guide can be bolt-shaped or nail-shaped, with the head of the bolt-shaped or nail-shaped element abutting the inner surface 4a of the tire 4. The optomechanical element can also be a self-locking element that is locked in place by friction or internal tire pressure.

[0057] The non-contact sensing device 6 may include an optical device 16 and / or a horizontal sensing device 17. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the horizontal sensing device 17 may include a gyroscope and / or multiple accelerometers. The gyroscope and / or the multiple accelerometers are used to detect the angular orientation of the tire, providing data for analyzing the contact area between the tire and the road surface in the event of dynamic deformation caused by the shape and angle of the road surface and / or the vehicle suspension system.

[0058] The optical device 16 may include an infrared emitter 18. The optical device 16 is used to detect electromagnetic radiation within the visible and infrared spectra. The optical device 16 may be positioned facing the inner surface of the tire 4. The optical device 16 can be used to detect electromagnetic radiation emitted by the infrared emitter 18 and reflected from the inner surface 4a of the tire 4 towards the optical device 16. This allows monitoring of the tire's internal profile, displaying tire contact area, vehicle overload, and whether the vehicle is traversing a curved road, among other things. Figure 8 a shows the normal geometry of the tire on a straight road. Figure 8 b illustrates the corresponding geometry of the tire on a curved road, where the tire's contact area with the ground is reduced. Figure 8 c indicates overload or low tire pressure.

[0059] The optical device 16 may include a first optical unit 19 for detecting electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum, and a second optical unit 20 for detecting electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum, such as... Figure 4a As shown.

[0060] The optical device 16 may further include an optical unit 19 for detecting electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum, and an infrared filter 21 for allowing the optical unit 19 to detect electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum, such as... Figure 4b As shown.

[0061] When the tire is not worn, such as Figure 7As shown in diagram a, no electromagnetic radiation can propagate from the outside of the tire 4 to the inside through the light guide 5. Therefore, the optical unit 19 cannot detect electromagnetic radiation within the visible spectrum. Correspondingly, when a light guide 5 is exposed due to tire wear, electromagnetic radiation within the visible spectrum will propagate from the outside of the tire to the inside through the light guide 5. Subsequently, the optical unit 19 will detect this electromagnetic radiation. This indicates that the tire has begun to wear, as... Figure 7 As shown in b. When all light guides 5 are exposed, as Figure 7 As shown in c, this indicates that the tire's lifespan has ended.

[0062] The optical unit 19 can be a monochrome camera or a color camera. The optical unit 20 can be a structured light camera.

[0063] The non-contact sensing device 6 may also include a pressure sensing element or a sound sensing element.

[0064] The contact-type sensing device 8 may include a capacitive sensor element. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the contact sensor 8 extends from the inner surface 4a of the tire 4 to the outer surface 4b of the tire 4. The contact sensor 8 includes an electrode 8a. When the electrode 8a comes into contact with water near the outer surface 4b, the electrode 8a short-circuits. In a dry state, the contact sensor 8 does not provide any signal.

[0065] The electrodes 8a of the contact sensing device 8 can be set completely independently of the light guide. Figure 6 a shows the dry condition of the road. Figure 6 b illustrates the wet condition on the road. The contact sensing device 8 may also include two electrodes 8a, each disposed within a light guide 5 (not shown), and the electrodes 8a are electrically connected to each other inside the tire 4. The electrodes 8a may comprise any suitable conductive material, such as a relatively wear-resistant metal.

[0066] Additionally, the tire monitoring system 1 may include a tire pressure monitor and / or a spectral imager or thermal imager for detecting the material properties and temperature of surrounding objects. Furthermore, the tire monitoring system 1 may include solutions for tracking the external contours of the road surface, such as lidar, an infrared camera with diffractive illumination elements, or a time-of-flight camera.

[0067] This invention also relates to, for example Figure 1The vehicle structure 23 shown is that of a car or truck. The vehicle structure includes a vehicle central processing unit 10 and a plurality of wheels 22. Each wheel 22 is provided with a tire 4 and the aforementioned tire monitoring system 1. Each wheel 22 is provided with a hardware unit 2 of the tire monitoring system 1, and the tire 4 of each wheel 22 is provided with at least one light guide 5 of the tire monitoring system 1.

[0068] Each hardware unit 2 may include a processing unit 7 and / or a transmission unit 9. Each processing unit 7 is used to determine the tire status and / or tire-ground interface status of a tire 4. Each transmission unit 9 is used to transmit the information detected by the tire monitoring system 1 to the vehicle central processing unit 10. The vehicle central processing unit 10 is used to determine the tire status and / or tire-ground interface status of all tires 4.

[0069] This document has described various aspects and implementations in conjunction with different embodiments. However, those skilled in the art, upon studying the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and appended claims, will be able to understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed subject matter. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The enumeration of measures in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that a combination of these measures cannot be used to obtain an advantage.

[0070] The reference numerals used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise stated, the drawings (e.g., cross shading, component arrangements, scale, degrees, etc.) should be read in conjunction with the specification and should be considered an integral part of the entire written description of the invention. The terms “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” “up,” and “down,” as well as their adjective and adverbial derivatives (e.g., “horizontally,” “to the right,” “upward,” etc.) used herein, when a particular drawing is facing the reader, simply indicate the orientation of the illustrated structure. Similarly, the terms “inward” and “outward” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation or axis of rotation (where applicable).

Claims

1. A tire monitoring system (1) for determining tire condition and / or tire-ground interface condition, characterized in that, The tire monitoring system (1) includes: a hardware unit (2) for fixing to the rim (3) of a wheel (22) with a tire (4); and at least one light guide (5) for embedding into the tire (4) and extending at least partially from the inner surface (4a) of the tire (4) to the outer surface (4b) of the tire (4). The hardware unit (2) includes: A non-contact sensing device (6) is used to detect electromagnetic radiation inside the tire (4); A contact sensing device (8) is provided for extending from the inner surface (4a) of the tire (4) to the outer surface (4b) of the tire (4); wherein the contact sensing device (8) includes two electrodes (8a), each electrode (8a) being disposed within a light guide (5), and the electrodes (8a) being electrically connected to each other inside the tire (4); when the electrodes (8a) come into contact with water near the outer surface (4b), the electrodes (8a) are short-circuited; The tire condition and / or the tire-ground interface condition are determined at least in part based on the detected electromagnetic radiation.

2. The tire monitoring system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hardware unit (2) further includes at least one of the following: The first processing unit (7) is used to determine the tire state and / or the tire-ground interface state based on the information detected by the non-contact sensing device (6) and / or the contact sensing device (8). The transmission unit (9) is used to transmit the information detected by the non-contact sensing device (6) and / or the contact sensing device (8) to the second processing unit (10), and the second processing unit (10) is used to determine the tire state and / or the tire-ground interface state based on the transmitted information. The power supply unit (11) is at least partially disposed inside the hardware unit (2).

3. The tire monitoring system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tire monitoring system (1) is used to determine the tire condition and / or the tire-ground interface condition at least once every time the wheel rotates.

4. The tire monitoring system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tire monitoring system (1) is used to determine the tire condition of the loaded portion and / or the unloaded portion of the tire (4).

5. The tire monitoring system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The power supply unit (11) includes a rotary connector (12) for fixing to the rim (3) and a non-rotating connector (13) for fixing to the non-rotating part of the vehicle.

6. The tire monitoring system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The power supply unit (11) includes: a plurality of coils (14) for fixing to the rim (3), and a plurality of magnets (15) for fixing to the non-rotating parts of the vehicle.

7. The tire monitoring system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The non-contact sensing device (6) includes an optical device (16) and / or a horizontal sensing device (17).

8. The tire monitoring system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The optical device (16) includes an infrared emitter (18) for detecting electromagnetic radiation in the visible and infrared spectra.

9. The tire monitoring system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The optical device (16) is used to detect electromagnetic radiation emitted by the infrared emitter (18) and reflected by the inner surface of the tire (4).

10. The tire monitoring system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The optical device (16) includes: a first optical unit (19) for detecting electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum; and a second optical unit (20) for detecting electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum.

11. The tire monitoring system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The optical device (16) includes: an optical unit (19) for detecting electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum; and an infrared filter (21) for allowing the optical unit to detect electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum.

12. The tire monitoring system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the tire (4) has worn to a predetermined amount, causing the light guide (5) to extend from the outer surface (4b) of the tire (4) to the inner surface (4a) of the tire (4), one end of the light guide (5) is exposed.

13. The tire monitoring system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The light guide (5) includes a material that allows electromagnetic radiation to propagate from the outside of the tire (4) to the inside of the tire (4) and from the inside of the tire (4) to the outside of the tire (4).

14. The tire monitoring system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The light guide (5) is an optomechanical element, a portion of which is disposed adjacent to the inner surface (4a) of the tire (4).

15. The tire monitoring system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The horizontal sensing device (17) includes a gyroscope and / or multiple accelerometers.

16. A vehicle structure (23) comprising a vehicle central processing unit (10) and a plurality of wheels (22), characterized in that, Each wheel (22) is provided with a tire (4) and a tire monitoring system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15. Each wheel (22) is provided with a hardware unit (2) of the tire monitoring system (1), and each wheel (22) has at least one light guide (5) of the tire monitoring system (1) on its tire (4).

17. The vehicle structure (23) according to claim 16, characterized in that, Each hardware unit (2) includes a processing unit (7), each processing unit (7) being used to determine the tire state and / or tire-ground interface state of a tire (4); and / or Each hardware unit (2) includes: a transmission unit (9) for transmitting information detected by the tire monitoring system (1) to the vehicle central processing unit (10), the vehicle central processing unit (10) for determining the tire status and / or tire-ground interface status of all tires (4).

Citation Information

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