System and method for tire tread wear sensing

Abstract

Various embodiments for sensing wear of a tire tread are disclosed. The tire includes: an inner liner; a plurality of belt layers stacked in layers adjacent to the inner liner; a tread adjacent to the plurality of belt layers and opposed to the inner liner; and a tread wear sensor positioned in the inner liner. The tread wear sensor includes: a bottom plate on an inner side of an inner liner; and a tube extending from the base plate through the inner liner and the plurality of belt layers to a first depth of wear in the tread. When the tread is worn to a first depth of wear, the end of the tube is exposed through the tire.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for tire tread wear sensing. Background Art

[0002] As tires are used on a vehicle, the rubber in the tread gradually breaks away, causing the tread to become shallow and reducing overall tire performance. When the tread is too shallow, the tire may become unsafe in certain driving conditions. For example, shallow tread reduces traction in wet or icy conditions. Also, shallow tread can affect braking distance and the likelihood of a blowout. In addition to causing unsafe driving conditions, tread wear can also indicate other issues with the vehicle. Uneven tread wear on a tire can indicate improper alignment, over-inflation, under-inflation, or potentially a problem with the vehicle's suspension. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0004] 1. A tire, comprising:

[0005] Airtight layer;

[0006] a plurality of belt layers, the plurality of belt layers being stacked in layers adjacent to the airtight layer;

[0007] a tread adjacent to the plurality of belt layers and opposite to the airtight layer; and

[0008] a tread wear sensor positioned in the airtight layer, the tread wear sensor comprising:

[0009] a bottom plate located on the inner side of the airtight layer; and

[0010] A tube extends from the base plate through the inner liner and the plurality of belt layers to a first wear depth in the tread such that an end of the tube is exposed through the tire when the tread is worn to the first wear depth.

[0011] 2. The tire according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of the tread wear sensors dispersed throughout the airtight layer.

[0012] 3. A tire according to Option 1, wherein the tread wear sensor further includes a channel extending from the hole in the base plate through the tube to the distal end of the tube, so that when the tread is worn to the first wear depth, a certain amount of air passes through the channel.

[0013] 4. The tire according to claim 3, wherein the tread wear sensor further comprises a semi-permeable filler within the channel, so that when the tread is worn to the first wear depth, a reduced amount of air passes through the semi-permeable filler within the channel.

[0014] 5. The tire according to claim 3, wherein the channel further comprises at least a first portion having a first diameter and at least a second portion having a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

[0015] 6. The tire of claim 5, wherein the tread wear sensor further comprises a first semi-permeable filler located within the first portion of the channel.

[0016] 7. The tire of claim 6, wherein the tread wear sensor further comprises a second semi-permeable filler located within the second portion of the channel.

[0017] 8. A method comprising:

[0018] providing a tread wear sensor having a tube and a base plate disposed at a first end of the tube, the tread wear sensor being configured to produce a unique leakage signature when the tread is worn to a wear depth; and

[0019] The tube of the tread wear sensor is inserted through an inner liner of a tire such that a second end of the tube is disposed in the tread of the tire at the wear depth and the base plate is adjacent to the inner liner.

[0020] 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the tire is a green tire, and the method further comprises curing the green tire around the tube of the tread wear sensor.

[0021] 10. The method according to Option 8 further comprises: filling at least a portion of the tube with a semi-permeable filler.

[0022] 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising positioning the tread wear sensor adjacent to a pressure sensor on the airtight layer of the tire.

[0023] 12. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: attaching a pressure sensor to the base plate of the tread wear sensor.

[0024] 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the tread wear sensor is one of a plurality of tread wear sensors, and the method further comprises: inserting the plurality of tread wear sensors into the tire such that the plurality of tread wear sensors are dispersed throughout the tread.

[0025] 14. A device, comprising:

[0026] a base having a hole;

[0027] an elongated member extending from the base; and

[0028] A channel connects the aperture of the base to the distal end of the elongated member.

[0029] 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a first semi-permeable filler within the channel.

[0030] 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a second semipermeable filler extending through the channel and disposed within the first semipermeable filler.

[0031] 17. The device according to option 14 further includes a pressure sensor attached to the base.

[0032] 18. An apparatus according to embodiment 14, wherein the channel includes at least a first portion having a first diameter and at least a second portion having a second diameter.

[0033] 19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a first semi-permeable filler disposed in the first portion of the channel.

[0034] 20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a second semi-permeable filler disposed in the second portion of the channel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Many aspects of the present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but emphasis is placed on clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. In addition, in the drawings, similar reference numerals throughout the several views designate corresponding parts.

[0036] Figure 1 is a diagram of a vehicle having one or more tires including tread wear sensors according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 According to various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 A perspective cross-sectional view of a tire shown in FIG. 1 , the tire including a plurality of tread wear sensors.

[0038] Figure 3A According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the Figure 2 A cross-sectional perspective view of a tread wear sensor in a tire shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the tire is in an unworn state. Figure 3B According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the Figure 2 A cross-sectional perspective view of a tread wear sensor in a tire shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the tire is in a worn state.

[0039] Figure 4A -C depicts various views of the tread wear sensor of FIG. 3 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 5A -C depicts a cross-sectional view of the tread wear sensor of FIG. 3 , according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 6 According to various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a tire including a tread wear sensor, wherein the tire is in a worn state.

[0042] definition

[0043] “Axial” and “axially” mean lines or directions parallel to the tire's axis of rotation.

[0044] "Axially inward" and "axially inwardly" refer to axial directions towards the axial center of the tire.

[0045] "Axially outward" and "axially outwardly" refer to axial directions away from the axial center of the tire.

[0046] “Bead” means the portion of the tire that includes the annular tensile member that is wrapped by the ply cords and shaped with or without other reinforcing elements (such as flippers, chippers, apex, toe guards, and chafers) to fit the designed rim.

[0047] “Carcass” means the tire structure excluding the belt structure, tread, undertread, and sidewall rubber over the plies, but including the beads.

[0048] “Footprint” means the contact patch or area created by the tire tread with a flat surface, such as the ground, as the tire rotates or rolls.

[0049] “Inner layer” means the layer or layers of elastomer or other material that form the interior surface of a tubeless tire and contain the inflating fluid within the tire.

[0050] "Transverse" means the axial direction.

[0051] “Radial” and “radially” mean lines or directions perpendicular to the tire's axis of rotation.

[0052] “Radially inward” and “radially inwardly” refer to radial directions toward the central axis of rotation of the tire.

[0053] “Radially outward” and “radially outwardly” refer to radial directions away from the central axis of rotation of the tire.

[0054] “TPMS” means Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which is an electronic system that measures the internal pressure of a tire and can transmit the pressure to a processor that is mounted on the vehicle and / or in electronic communication with the vehicle's electronic system.

[0055] “Tread element” or “traction element” means a rib or block-like element defined by a shape having adjacent grooves. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Special References Figure 1 , a vehicle 100 is shown having one or more tires 103. Each tire 103 includes a tread wear sensor 106 that can indicate wear on the tire 103. According to various embodiments, each of the tires 103 on the vehicle 100 may include one or more of the tread wear sensors 106. Although the vehicle 100 is depicted as a commercial truck, the vehicle 100 may include any other type of vehicle that employs tires, with the commercial truck being presented as an example. To this end, the vehicle 100 may include other vehicles belonging to various categories, such as passenger vehicles, off-road vehicles, etc., where such vehicles may include more than one vehicle. Figure 1 A greater or lesser number of tires 103 may be provided.

[0057] Go to Figure 2 , shows a cross-sectional view of a tire 103 according to various embodiments. The tire 103 includes a pair of bead areas 109, each of which is formed with a bead core 113 embedded in the corresponding bead area 109. Each of a pair of sidewalls 116 extends radially outward from the corresponding bead area 109 to a tread 119 that contacts the ground. The tread 119 is formed with a plurality of tread elements 123 or tread blocks and defines a radially outer surface 126. The tire 103 is reinforced by a carcass 129 that extends annularly from one bead area 109 to the other bead area 109. An airtight layer 133 is formed on the inner surface or inner side surface of the carcass 129. The tire 103 is mounted on a flange of a wheel or rim, thereby forming an inner cavity 136.

[0058] According to one embodiment, at least one tread wear sensor 106 is inserted into the tire 103. The tread wear sensor 106 detects certain real-time parameters of the tire 103 and is preferably coupled with a pressure sensor to sense the inflation pressure within the cavity 136 of the tire 103. The tread wear sensor 106 may be included in a commercially available tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) module or sensing unit. The tread wear sensor 106 may include metal, rubber, or some other material. In some embodiments, the friction between the material of the tread wear sensor 106 and the rubber of the tire 103 is sufficient to hold the tread wear sensor 106 in place when the tire 103 is in use. In other embodiments, the tread wear sensor 106 is fixed to the tire 103 using an adhesive. In some embodiments, multiple tread wear sensors 106 are included in the tire 103 at various locations in the tread 119. Having multiple tread wear sensors 106 allows wear to be detected even when the tread wear is uneven. For example, uneven tread wear may cause one tread wear sensor 106 to be triggered while other sensors are not triggered.

[0059] Before the tire 103 is mounted on the wheel, the tread wear sensor 106 is installed in the tire 103. In some embodiments, the tread wear sensor 106 is inserted into the green tire and cured in place. In other embodiments, the tread wear sensor 106 is inserted into the tire 103 after the tire is cured. Each tread wear sensor 106 includes a base plate 139 and a tube 143. The tube 143 of the tread wear sensor 106 is inserted into the tire 103 from the direction of the cavity 136 through the airtight layer 133 and the carcass 129 and into the tread element 123. In some embodiments, the tread wear sensor 106 can be integrally molded as a part of the airtight layer 133 of the tire 103. Once the tube 143 is inserted into the airtight layer 133, the base plate 139 engages the radially inward side of the airtight layer 133, thereby providing a conformable mechanical stop for the tread wear sensor 106. The base plate 139 also provides a seal around the tread wear sensor 106 to prevent the tread wear sensor 106 from falling off.

[0060] In some embodiments, tube 143 extends through tread element 123 and may have an end that is flush with outer surface 126 of tread element 123. In other embodiments, the end of tube 143 is not flush with outer surface 126 of tread element 123, but is disposed at a wear depth within tread 119. In some embodiments, tube 143 is formed of a material that has an air barrier greater than or equal to the air barrier of airtight layer 133, is a durable material, and is capable of bonding with rubber components of tire 103. In some embodiments, tube 143 is formed of a material that includes mechanical properties (such as shear modulus) similar to the material of tread 119. This similarity ensures that there are no rigid components within the structure of tire 103, thereby enabling tube 143 of tread wear sensor 106 to behave like a compatible plug in tread element 123. However, in other embodiments, tube 143 is formed of metal or other dissimilar materials.

[0061] The tread wear sensor 106 is designed so that the end of the tube 143 wears together with the tread 119 until the tread 119 reaches the wear depth. The wear depth on the tube 143 coincides with the starting point of the channel 146. Therefore, when the tread 119 is worn to the wear depth, the channel 146 of the tread wear sensor 106 becomes exposed to the air, and the air begins to leak through the tread wear sensor 106. Compared with other common tire leaks (such as punctures or tears), the leakage of the tread wear sensor 106 is designed to be slow and unique. The tread wear sensor 106 can be designed so that the leakage changes with the degree of wear on the tire 103. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor can detect the leakage characteristics of the tread wear sensor 106 and work with other systems to remind the user that the tread 119 is worn. In some embodiments, before the tread wear causes dangerous driving conditions, the leakage of the tread wear sensor 106 causes the tire 103 to flatten.

[0062] Turning to FIG. 3 , a cross-sectional view of tread wear sensor 106 in tread 119 of tire 103 is shown. Figure 3A In the embodiment, the tread 119 is in an unworn state. Figure 3B133 of the tire 103, and the tread 119 is in a worn state. The tread wear sensor 106 is inserted through the airtight layer 133 of the tire 103 and can extend to the radially outer surface 126 of the tire 103. In this regard, the tube 143 extends through various components, such as the belt layer assembly, the bottom tread, and other components of the tire 103. The tread wear sensor 106 includes a base plate 139 and a tube 143 extending from the base plate 139. The base plate 139 is placed flush against the radial inner side of the airtight layer 133. In some embodiments, the base plate 139 is connected to a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the tube 143 extends away from the base plate 139 in a substantially vertical direction. In other embodiments, the tube 143 extends away from the base plate 139 at an angle between 80 degrees and 45 degrees.

[0063] like Figure 3A , tube 143 extends through airtight layer 133 and may extend through tread element 123 to radially outer surface 126 of tire 103. Tube 143 includes a channel 146 extending at least partially through tube 143. In some embodiments, channel 146 extends through tube 143 to a wear depth. The wear depth may indicate the degree of tread wear that has occurred. For example, the wear depth may be a depth in tread 119 that, when reached, indicates that tire 103 needs to be replaced.

[0064] In some embodiments, the channel 146 is at least partially filled with a semi-permeable filler 149. The semi-permeable filler 149 may have a lower air permeability than the hollow channel 146 to allow for slow leakage. The semi-permeable filler 149 may be a polymer, foam, plastic, or some other material that is permeable to air. In other embodiments, the channel 146 is hollow. In such embodiments, the diameter of the channel 146 may be optimized based on the following formula to produce a leakage rate ( Where ΔP is the change in pressure (P), and Δt is the change in time (t):

[0065]

[0066] In this formula, is the minimum pressure drop rate that the pressure sensor can detect. The sensor detects the limit of pressure change within the time period Δt (ΔP1 = P0-P1). In this formula, is the unsafe leakage rate of the tire 103. R is the design range of the detected leakage rate for safely detecting the worn tire 103. R is related to the diameter, length and semi-permeable filler 149 of the channel 146.

[0067] The tube 143 includes a solid end 153 that may be flush with the radially outer surface 126 of the tread 119. In some embodiments, the solid end 153 is located within the tread 119 at the wear depth. The solid end 153 of the tube 143 wears at the same rate as the tread 119. When the tread 119 wears beyond the wear depth, the solid end 153 is worn away and the channel 146 is exposed. In some embodiments, the solid end 153 of the tube 143 is made of the same rubber as the tread 119.

[0068] exist Figure 3B In the embodiment of the present invention, the tread 119 of the tire 103 is worn so that the solid end 153 of the tube 143 has eroded into the channel 146. When the tread 119 is worn and the channel 146 is exposed to the air through the tire 103, the air will begin to leak through the channel 146. In some embodiments, the air leaks slowly through the semi-permeable filler 149 disposed inside the channel 146. The pressure sensor coupled to the tread wear sensor 106 can detect the leakage signature generated by the tread wear sensor 106.

[0069] Continuing to FIG. 4 , tread wear sensor 106 is shown in a worn state. Figure 4A A perspective view of a worn tread wear sensor 106 is shown. Figure 4B A cross-sectional side view of tread wear sensor 106 is shown. Figure 4C A bottom view of the tread wear sensor 106 is shown. The tread wear sensor 106 includes a base plate 139 and a tube 143 having a hollow passage 146. Although depicted as separate components in FIG. 4 , the base plate 139 and the tube 143 may be formed as one continuous piece. In a worn state, the passage 146 extends from a hole in the base plate 139 through the tube 143, thereby allowing air to flow through the tread wear sensor 106. Although FIG. 4 depicts the base plate 139, the tube 143, and the passage 146 as circular or cylindrical, many other shapes are possible in other embodiments. For example, as can be appreciated, the tube 143 and / or the passage 146 can be rectangular, conical, triangular, or any other similar shape. Similarly, as can be appreciated, the base plate 139 can be circular, rectangular, rectangular, triangular, or any other similar shape.

[0070] 5, a cross-sectional side view of various embodiments of tread wear sensor 106 is shown. Figure 5AIn one embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , tread wear sensor 106 includes a first semi-permeable filler 149a and a second semi-permeable filler 149b, wherein first semi-permeable filler 149a is a different material than second semi-permeable filler 149b. In some embodiments, first semi-permeable filler 149a surrounds second semi-permeable filler 149b, and both fillers extend the length of channel 146. In other embodiments, first semi-permeable filler 149a and second semi-permeable filler 149b are layered throughout channel 146. Further embodiments may also include a third, fourth, or more semi-permeable fillers 149.

[0071] according to Figure 5B In another embodiment shown in, the tube 143 includes a first tube portion 143a and a second tube portion 143b, wherein the first tube portion 143a has a diameter different from that of the second tube portion 143b. In some embodiments, the channel 146 has a first diameter in the first tube portion 143a and a second diameter in the second tube portion 143b. In a further embodiment, the channel 146 in the first tube portion 143a is filled with a first semi-permeable filler 149a, and the channel 146 in the second tube portion 143b is filled with a second semi-permeable filler 149b. In some embodiments, both the first tube portion 143a and the second tube portion 143b are filled with the same semi-permeable filler 149. Further embodiments may also include providing a third, fourth, or more tube portions 143 with channels 146 of different diameters and potentially various semi-permeable fillers 149.

[0072] according to Figure 5C In another embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the first tube portion 143a is longer than the second tube portion 143b. In some embodiments, the second tube portion 143b is longer than the first tube portion 143a. Figure 5A -C depict various embodiments of tread wear sensor 106, but tread wear sensor 106 is not limited to these embodiments. Any combination of tube portions 143a, 143b, channel 146 diameter, semi-permeable filler 149, or other features that produce a unique leakage signature different from a typical tire puncture or tear can be used to form tread wear sensor 106.

[0073] exist Figure 5AIn the embodiment shown in FIG. 1-C and other embodiments, the leakage characteristics of the air flowing through the passage 146 change as the tread wear progresses. For example, when the second tube portion 143b of the tread wear sensor is exposed through the tread 119, the leakage through the passage 146 will be a first value. However, when the wear progresses so that the first tube portion 143a is exposed through the tread 119, the value of the leakage through the passage will increase. In this way, the first leakage value, the second leakage value, and / or the change in the leakage value can be detected to inform the user that the tread 119 is too low.

[0074] Continue turning Figure 6 As the tread 119 wears, the tube 143 of the tread wear sensor 106 also wears. When the tread 119 and the tube 143 wear to a wear depth, the distal end of the tube 143 is eroded to the start of the channel 146, thereby creating a path for air to flow out of the cavity 136 of the tire 103 through the channel 146. The predefined wear depth may be the minimum recommended tread depth for the tire 103. Leakage caused by the tread wear sensor 106 indicates that the minimum tread depth has been reached, and therefore indicates when the tire 103 should be replaced or retreaded.

[0075] In this manner, the tire 103 with tread wear sensor 106 utilizes components mounted within the tire 103 to indicate tire wear, and does not require sensors external to the tire 103. The tire 103 with tread wear sensor 106 provides a direct wear sensor system for a vehicle tire 103 that includes structure that is easily mounted in the tire 103, withstands the operating environment of the tire 103, and accurately indicates tire wear in a repeatable manner.

[0076] The present disclosure also includes a method of determining tire wear using the tread wear sensor 106. The method includes the steps presented above and in Figure 1 To the steps described shown in FIG. 5 .

[0077] It will be understood that the structure of the above tire with tread wear sensor 106 may be changed or rearranged, or components or steps known to those skilled in the art may be omitted or added without affecting the overall concept or operation of the various embodiments. For example, a single tread wear sensor 106 may be disposed in tread 119 of tire 103, or a plurality of tread wear sensors 106 may be disposed in tread 119 around tire 103. In addition, tread wear sensor 106 may be inserted into tread element 123 before or after curing of tire 103.

[0078] Tire 103 includes a predefined minimum tread depth. As tire 103 is put into use on a vehicle over time, tread 119 will wear. The predefined minimum tread depth is the minimum recommended tread depth at which tire 103 can be put into use. Once tread 119 wears below the predefined minimum tread depth, tire 103 should be discontinued from use. Therefore, tread 119 of tire 103 includes a sacrificial portion that is expected to wear away over time while tire 103 is in use.

[0079] Additionally, tread wear sensors 106 may be located at any lateral position on tread 119 of tire 103. For example, tread wear sensors 106 may be placed at positions across tread 119 relative to one another or at any other position on tread 119 or within a given tread element 123, as shown. In this manner, tread wear sensors 106 may be positioned to detect tread wear at any lateral position on tread 119 of tire 103. For example, it may be desirable to detect various degrees of wear on tread 119 at different lateral positions on tread 119 to determine if uneven tread wear is occurring.

[0080] refer to Figures 1 to 6 In view of the foregoing discussion, the following is a description of various embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the following embodiments are not an exhaustive description of possible embodiments of the present disclosure, and other embodiments are described herein.

[0081] Embodiment 1 is a tire comprising: an airtight layer; a plurality of belt layers stacked in layers adjacent to the airtight layer; a tread adjacent to the plurality of belt layers and opposite to the airtight layer; and a tread wear sensor positioned in the airtight layer. The tread wear sensor comprises: a base plate located on the inner side of the airtight layer; and a tube extending from the base plate through the airtight layer and the plurality of belt layers to a first wear depth in the tread. When the tread is worn to the first wear depth, an end of the tube is exposed through the tire.

[0082] Embodiment 2 is the tire of embodiment 1, further comprising a plurality of tread wear sensors dispersed throughout the inner liner.

[0083] Embodiment 3 is the tire of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the tread wear sensor further comprises a channel extending from the hole in the base plate through the tube to a distal end of the tube. When the tread is worn to a first wear depth, a certain amount of air passes through the channel.

[0084] Embodiment 4 is the tire of embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the tread wear sensor further comprises a semi-permeable filler in the channel. When the tread is worn to a first wear depth, a reduced amount of air passes through the semi-permeable filler in the channel.

[0085] Embodiment 5 is the tire of embodiments 2-4, wherein the channel further comprises at least a first portion having a first diameter and at least a second portion having a second diameter.

[0086] Embodiment 6 is the tire of embodiment 5, wherein the tread wear sensor further comprises a first semi-permeable filler positioned within the first portion of the channel.

[0087] Embodiment 7 is the tire of embodiment 6, wherein the tread wear sensor further comprises a second semi-permeable filler positioned within the second portion of the channel.

[0088] Embodiment 8 is a method comprising: providing a tread wear sensor having a tube and a base plate disposed at a first end of the tube, wherein the tread wear sensor is configured to produce a unique leakage signature when the tread is worn to a wear depth. The method further comprises: inserting the tube of the tread wear sensor through an airtight layer of a tire so that a second end of the tube is disposed in the tread of the tire at the wear depth and the base plate is adjacent to the airtight layer.

[0089] Embodiment 9 is the method of embodiment 8, wherein the tire is a green tire. The method of embodiment 9 further comprises curing the green tire around the tube of the tread wear sensor.

[0090] Embodiment 10 is the method of embodiment 8 or 9, further comprising: filling at least a portion of the tube with a semipermeable filler.

[0091] Embodiment 11 is the method of embodiments 8 to 10, further comprising positioning a tread wear sensor adjacent to a pressure sensor on an inner liner of the tire.

[0092] Embodiment 12 is the method of embodiments 8 to 11, further comprising: attaching a pressure sensor to a base plate of the tread wear sensor.

[0093] Embodiment 13 is the method of embodiments 8 to 12, wherein the tread wear sensor is one of a plurality of tread wear sensors. The method of embodiment 13 further comprises: inserting the plurality of tread wear sensors into the tire such that the plurality of tread wear sensors are dispersed throughout the tread.

[0094] Embodiment 14 is a device comprising: a base having a hole; an elongated member extending from the base; and a channel connecting the hole of the base to the distal end of the elongated member.

[0095] Embodiment 15 is the device of embodiment 14, further comprising a first semi-permeable filler within the channel.

[0096] Embodiment 16 is the device of embodiment 14 or 15, further comprising a second semipermeable filler extending through the channel and disposed within the first semipermeable filler.

[0097] Embodiment 17 is the apparatus of embodiments 14 to 16, further comprising a pressure sensor attached to the base.

[0098] Embodiment 18 is the apparatus of embodiments 14 to 17, wherein the channel includes at least a first portion having a first diameter and at least a second portion having a second diameter.

[0099] Embodiment 19 is the device of embodiment 18, further comprising a first semi-permeable filler positioned in the first portion of the channel.

[0100] Embodiment 20 is the device of embodiment 18 or 19, further comprising a second semipermeable filler positioned in the second portion of the channel.

[0101] In this disclosure, unless expressly stated otherwise, disjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, or Z" should be understood as generally used to indicate that an item, term, etc. may be X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z), as the context allows. Thus, such disjunctive language is generally not intended to imply that a particular embodiment requires that at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z are all present, and should not imply that a particular embodiment requires that at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z are all present.

[0102] It should be emphasized that the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure are only possible implementation examples for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many changes and modifications may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All these modifications and changes are intended to be included in the scope of the present disclosure and protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. A tire, characterized in that include: Airtight layer; a plurality of belt layers, the plurality of belt layers being stacked in layers adjacent to the airtight layer; a tread, the tread being adjacent to the plurality of belt layers and opposite to the airtight layer; as well as a tread wear sensor positioned in the airtight layer, the tread wear sensor comprising: a bottom plate located on the inner side of the airtight layer; as well as A tube extends from the base plate through the inner liner and the plurality of belt layers to a first wear depth in the tread such that an end of the tube is exposed through the tire when the tread is worn to the first wear depth.

2. The tire according to claim 1, characterized in that Further comprising a plurality of said tread wear sensors dispersed throughout said inner liner.

3. The tire according to claim 1, characterized in that The tread wear sensor further includes a passage extending from the hole in the base plate through the tube to a distal end of the tube such that when the tread is worn to the first wear depth, a certain amount of air passes through the passage.

4. The tire according to claim 3, characterized in that The tread wear sensor further includes a semi-permeable filler within the channel such that when the tread is worn to the first wear depth, a reduced amount of air passes through the semi-permeable filler within the channel.

5. The tire according to claim 3, characterized in that The channel further includes at least a first portion having a first diameter and at least a second portion having a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

6. The tire according to claim 5, characterized in that The tread wear sensor further includes a first semi-permeable filler positioned within the first portion of the channel.

7. The tire according to claim 6, characterized in that The tread wear sensor further includes a second semi-permeable filler positioned within the second portion of the channel.

8. A device, comprising: a base having a hole; an elongated member extending from the base; as well as A channel connects the aperture of the base to the distal end of the elongated member.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that Further comprising a first semi-permeable filler within the channel.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that Further included is a second semipermeable filler extending through the passage and disposed within the first semipermeable filler.

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