Tire wear testing system and tire wear testing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tire wear testing system and tire wear testing method designed to evaluate the durability and performance of tires under real-world conditions. The system comprises a test vehicle equipped with control tires and another test vehicle with test tires, as well as a set of sensors configured to measure vehicle position and acceleration, tread depth gauges and tire pressure during designated stops. An accelerometer measures acceleration and deceleration forces on three axes, while GPS tracks the vehicle's position. The system allows automatic or manual switching of tire and driver positions, ensuring even wear distribution. The collected data is registered in a final report for comparative analysis of tire performance.

Description

TIRE WEAR TESTING SYSTEM AND TIRE WEAR TESTING METHODField of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of automotive testing and tire performance evaluation, specifically the development of systems and methods for measuring and monitoring tire wear under real use conditions. This field encompasses technologies aimed at collecting accurate data on tire durability and efficiency, helping manufacturers and engineers to improve product quality and safety.Background of the Invention

[0002] The field of tire wear testing has evolved significantly in recent decades, with the end of improving the assessment of tire durability and performance under different driving conditions. Several methods and systems have been developed to monitor tire wear, focusing on ensuring that they meet the safety and durability expectations demanded by consumers and regulators.

[0003] Traditional tire wear tests typically use test vehicles, control and development tires and equipment for measuring tire depth, tire pressure, monitoring cameras and accelerometers. In many cases, these measurements are taken periodically at established mileage intervals. While these methods provide valuable data on tire performance, they are often limited in flexibility because they rely on manual measurements and static test conditions.

[0004] Additionally, some modern solutions use statical modeling and predictive algorithms to estimate tire wear based on data collected from vehicle movement and location. These systems use techniques such as Bayesian inference to update the probability distributions of factors affecting tire wear. While these models provide continuous estimates, they rely on indirect data and probabilistic assumptions, without the use of direct physical measurements.

[0005] However, none of these systems comprehensively addresses the detailed control of test conditions in a controlled environment, integrating direct and accurate measurements over a real route, simulating actual usage conditions and ensuring comparable results.

[0006] Some prior art documents have attempted to address this problem, as can be seen below:

[0007] US20220016938 - This document discloses a system and method for Bayesian updating of distributions affecting tire wear. The system accumulates data on probability distributions of various factors related to tire wear. This data, which includes information about vehicle movement and location, is collected and transmitted to a centralized device, such as a cloud network. Based on the transmitted information, the system generates observations about one or moreof these factors. Using these observations and previously stored probability distributions, a Bayesian estimate is made on a tire wear status at a given time. This approach allows forecasts to be continuously updated as new observations are made, using Bayesian inference to handle uncertainty and improve the accuracy of estimates over time.

[0008] The mentioned prior art document presents solutions that do not show a physical and direct method, in which sensors installed in the vehicle measure variables related to the route and accelerations during controlled tests on public roads and specific circuits and, therefore, fails to solve the aforementioned problem.Objects of the Invention

[0009] The present invention aims to accurately evaluate tire wear under real- world conditions in the most diverse situations to which a tire is widely subjected during its use.

[0010] The present invention also aims to provide reliable and controlled data for tire manufacturers.Summary Description of the Invention

[0011] The present invention discloses a tire wear testing system comprising at least two test vehicles and at least one set of sensors, wherein one of said test vehicles is configured to be equipped with control tires and the another of said test vehicles is configured to be equipped with tires to be tested.

[0012] Furthermore, said set of sensors comprises at least one acceleration meter. Said sensor is configured to continuously measure accelerations throughout the test. In addition, said test vehicles are designed to run on a predefined road circuit.

[0013] Said tire wear testing system comprises at least one internal monitoring camera, wherein the internal monitoring cameras are configured to record the vehicle interior and the road.

[0014] Said tire wear testing system further comprises at least one GPS in each vehicle.

[0015] The present invention further discloses that said tire wear testing system comprises at least one accelerometer in each vehicle. Said accelerometer is to configured to measure accelerations on different axes and to monitor the forces applied to said test vehicle

[0016] The present invention further discloses a tire wear testing method, which comprises said tire wear testing system, as previously herein described, and the steps of:- equipping at least one test vehicle with control tires;- equipping at least one test vehicle with tires to be tested;- driving said test vehicle on a predefined driving circuit;- performing continuous tire wear and pressure measurements during designated stops- generate a report on the wear of the tires to be tested compared to the control tires.

[0017] Still regarding the aforementioned tire wear testing method, it is important to highlight that the route is the same each time the method is executed.

[0018] It is also important to highlight that the aforementioned tire wear testing method is executed on a convoy of vehicles.

[0019] Furthermore, the aforementioned tire wear testing method comprises the step of vehicles position changing in the convoy and also alternating the drivers at each defined interval.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] The present invention will be described in more detail according to the attached figures, which shown a preferred embodiment thereof. The figures show:

[0021] Figure 1 shows a view of the aforementioned tread depth gauge.

[0022] Figure 2 shows a view of the tire pressure sensor.

[0023] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the aforementioned test vehicle comprising the tires to be tested.

[0024] The reference elements in the figures are: 1 - test vehicles, la - test vehicle, 5 - tires to be tested, 10 - tread depth gauge, 20 - tire pressure sensor.Detailed Description of the Invention

[0025] Before describing the invention, it is important to understand that it is not limited to the specific components of the described device, as these may vary. It is also important to emphasize that the terminology employed serves only to describe particular embodiments and should not be construed as limiting. It should be noted that, as used in this specification and associated claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," may refer to either singular or plural elements, unless the context indicates otherwise. Furthermore, when numerical parameter ranges are provided, they are deemed to include the limiting values.

[0026] It should also be understood that the embodiments herein presented should not be viewed in isolation or disconnected. The features described for one embodiment are also applicable to the other embodiments mentioned. If a specific feature is mentioned in one embodiment but not in another, one skilled in the art would understand that this does not necessarily imply that the featureshould not be considered for the other embodiment. One skilled in the art would understand that the purpose of this application is to disclose the feature for other embodiments as well, but for the sake of clarity and conciseness, this has not been explicitly stated in each case.

[0027] The present invention discloses a tire wear testing system, comprising at least two test vehicles 1, and at least one set of sensors. One of said test vehicles la is configured to be equipped with control tires and the other test vehicle is configured to be equipped with tires to be tested 5. Said test vehicle 1 is configured to perform the test on a predefined circuit.

[0028] Within the scope of the present invention, said tires to be tested 5 are the tires that will be tested according the present invention.

[0029] The control tires are tires that have already passed for previous tests and will be used for comparison with the tires to be tested 5.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tread depth gauge 10 is configured to measure the tread depth at the very least five different points on the tire, including the center and side areas.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the set of sensors can be configured to measure the tread depth at three points.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said tire wear testing system comprises at least one GPS in each vehicle.

[0033] Within the scope of the present invention, GPS is a global positioning system that allows determining the exact location of an object or person, using satellites.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, said tire wear testing system comprises at least one accelerometer. Said accelerometer is responsible for measuring the accelerations and decelerations of the vehicle on three axes (x, y, and z), capturing the movement forces that occur during the tire wear test.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, said tire wear testing system comprises at least one internal monitoring camera. Said internal monitoring cameras are configured to record the interior of the vehicle and the road. Even more preferably, said tire wear testing system comprises exactly one internal monitoring camera.

[0036] It is a further preferred embodiment of the present invention that the said tires to be tested are located on the same vehicle.

[0037] The present invention also discloses a tire wear testing method comprising said tire wear testing system and the steps of:- Equipping at least one test vehicle la with control tires;- Equipping at least one test vehicle with tires to be tested 5;- Monitoring tire wear and pressure using at least one tread depth gauge 10 and a tire pressure sensor 20;- Driving said test vehicle 1 on a predefined driving circuit;- Performing continuous tire wear and pressure measurements during designated stops;- Generating a report on the wear of said tires to be tested 5 compared to the control tires.

[0038] Preferably, said tire wear testing method is always performed on the same route in order to obtain more uniform and reliable results.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the route should include urban routes and highways.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the route should include routes on winding roads, paved roads, and also routes with secondary pavement (poor asphalt or uneven pavement).

[0041] In a preferred configuration of the present invention, the aforementioned urban section represents between 20% and 60% of the total route. The afore mentioned highway section preferably represents between 30% and 80% of the total route.

[0042] Preferably, the tire wear test method is performed with vehicles traveling in convoy, wherein multiple vehicles travel the same route in a controlled manner. This embodiment ensures that all vehicles face similar road conditions, allowing for a more accurate comparison of tire wear.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tire wear testing method comprises the step of vehicles position changing in the convoy as well as the drivers alternating at each previously defined interval.

[0044] Preferably, said previously defined interval is between 50 km and 150 km, more preferably between 75 km and 125 km and, even more preferably, this interval is 100 km.

[0045] The change in positioning in the convoy occurs in order to keep the test as standardized and reliable as possible. Preferably, in the vehicles changing, the vehicle furthest ahead allows itself to be overtaken by all others, becoming the last in line.

[0046] Preferably, at the end of the test, the tested tires 5 that have passed the test are those that show less than 45,000 km of wear in the TWI projection.

[0047] Within the scope of the present invention, the TWI projection is a tread wear indicator.

[0048] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the test vehicle is a passenger car. Alternatively, the vehicle may be a van, pickup truck, truck, or bus.

[0049] The scope of this invention encompasses all combinations of elements that perform the same function in a substantially similar manner, using equivalent methods and producing the same results as the elements specified in the claims. This means that, even if a variation of elements performs the function in a slightly different manner, as long as the result is essentially the same, these variations are also protected by the patent application. Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that the scope of protection conferred by this invention is not limited to the literal content of the described claims, but also includes variations or modifications that may be considered equivalent.

[0050] It should be noted that the attached drawings, although representing the ideas and concepts of the invention, were not necessarily drawn to scale and serve only to illustrate conceptually the possible embodiments of the elements. This choice is intended only to facilitate understanding of the invention and not to restrict the interpretation of the claims to a specific or exact dimension. Furthermore, all combinations of elements that perform the same function in an essentially equivalent manner, even if they operate slightly differently, are protected by the scope of the invention. The patent application protection therefore covers a wide range of potential variations that may differ in their specific characteristics but achieve the same results. This flexibility allows the invention to protect not only the exact forms described, but also other possible variations and modifications, including those so-called "equivalents," which fall within the broader scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims1. A tire wear testing system comprising at least two test vehicles (1), wherein one of said test vehicles (la) is configured to be equipped with control tires; wherein one of said test vehicles is configured to be equipped with tires to be tested (5); wherein said test vehicles (1) are configured to run on a predefined driving circuit.

2. A tire wear testing system, according to claim 1, comprising at least one internal monitoring camera, wherein said internal monitoring cameras are configured to record the interior of the vehicle as well as the road.

3. A tire wear testing system, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises at least one GPS in each vehicle.

4. A tire wear testing system, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises at least one accelerometer in each vehicle and said accelerometer is configured to measure accelerations on different axes and also monitor the forces applied to said test vehicles (1).

5. A tire wear testing method, wherein it comprises said tire wear testing system as described in any of the preceding claims, and the steps of:- equipping at least one test vehicle (la) with control tires;- equipping at least one test vehicle with tires to be tested (5);- driving said test vehicles (1) on a predefined driving circuit;- performing tire wear and pressure measurements during designated stops;- generating a wear report for said tires to be tested (5) compared to the control tires.

6. The tire wear testing method according to claim 5, wherein said route or circuit is the same each time the method is performed.

7. The tire wear testing method of any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein it is performed on a convoy of vehicles.

8. The tire wear testing method of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein it comprises a step of vehicles position changing in the convoy and alternating drivers at each defined interval.

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