Acoustic Tire Tread Depth Measurement via Transducer Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring tire tread depth are cumbersome, unreliable, and prone to errors due to dependence on manual measurements, indirect acceleration sensors, and factors like temperature and tire pressure, leading to inaccurate assessments of tire wear.
Innovation Solution
A device using acoustic measurements to determine tire tread depth by emitting and receiving sound signals, processing reflections to calculate tread depth, and integrating with a control unit for accurate and reliable data transmission and display, potentially incorporating ultrasound for higher resolution and autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement tools are used to measure tire tread depth, then measurement can be performed, but the process is cumbersome and difficult to carry out frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement tools with an automated acoustic measurement system. A transducer emits acoustic signals through the tire and receives reflections, allowing tread depth measurement without physical contact or manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is integrated into the tire pressure monitoring system, which operates autonomously without requiring driver intervention. The system automatically performs measurements and provides feedback, enabling frequent monitoring without making the operation cumbersome
2Loss of information
If acceleration sensors are used to indirectly measure tread depth, then measurement can be obtained, but reliability is compromised due to dependencies on temperature, tire pressure, and road surface conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acceleration-based indirect measurement with direct acoustic measurement. By emitting sound waves through the tire and measuring reflection time, the system obtains tread depth information directly without being influenced by temperature, pressure, or road conditions, thereby improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic signal acts as an intermediary that penetrates the tire material to directly probe the tread depth. This intermediary method bypasses the problematic acceleration measurement pathway and provides reliable information independent of environmental factors
3Loss of information
If acceleration measurements are used to determine tire condition, then information can be obtained, but complex measurement circuits are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex acceleration measurement circuits with a simple acoustic transmission system. The transducer emits acoustic signals and receives reflections, requiring minimal circuitry compared to acceleration sensors and their associated signal processing, thus reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from the complex acceleration system by using acoustic signals that directly penetrate the tire. This extraction eliminates unnecessary circuit complexity while retaining the ability to obtain tire condition information
4Loss of information
If mileage counters are used to estimate tire wear, then overall mileage can be counted, but precision is reduced due to dependencies on driving style and road conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect mileage-based wear estimation with direct acoustic measurement of actual tread depth. This substitution provides precise measurement of the remaining tread thickness regardless of driving patterns or road conditions, eliminating the imprecision of estimation methods
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides accurate, reliable, and efficient tire tread depth measurements, enabling timely warnings for worn tires and integrating with tire pressure monitoring systems for comprehensive vehicle maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer to provide acoustical signals based on electrical signals and vice versa
Implementation Method 2
obtain a second electrical signal from the transducer, the second electrical signal being based on a reflected version of the acoustical transmit signal
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a device, a tire pressure measurement system, a tire, a method and a computer program to obtain information indicating a tread depth of the tire. The device to obtain information indicating a tread depth of a tire of a vehicle comprises a transducer to provide acoustical signals based on electrical signals and vice versa. The device further comprises a control unit, which is coupled to the transducer. The control unit is configured to provide the transducer with a first electrical signal based on which the transducer provides an acoustical transmit signal. The control unit is further configured to obtain a second electrical signal from the transducer. The second electrical signal is based on a reflected version of the acoustical transmit signal. The control unit is further configured to process the second electrical signal to obtain information indicating the tread depth of the tire.