Capacitive Tire Tread Thickness Sensing via Inductive Resonance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire pressure sensors can only automatically monitor pressure, leaving other tire aspects to manual monitoring, which may lead to safety issues due to inadequate monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A method using a circuit with an inductive component and capacitive sensor electrodes to measure tire tread thickness by applying an oscillating signal at a frequency below the resonant frequency, enhancing sensitivity by introducing an inductor to generate a resonance, allowing for non-invasive and wireless transmission of thickness data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a capacitive sensor is used to measure tire tread thickness, then the measurement can be performed non-invasively, but the sensitivity is insufficient to provide accurate thickness data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrical resonance (analogous to mechanical vibration) by introducing an inductor to create a resonant circuit with the capacitive sensor. The circuit is driven at its resonant frequency to amplify the sensor response, thereby enhancing measurement sensitivity without requiring complex external measurement equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the capacitive sensor by introducing an inductor and operating at a specific resonant frequency. This transforms the sensor from a simple capacitive measurement device to a resonant circuit with enhanced sensitivity, allowing accurate thickness measurement while maintaining relatively simple circuitry
2Extent of automation
If tire pressure monitoring is automated, then safety is improved, but other tire aspects such as tread thickness still require manual monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the functionality of tire monitoring systems by enabling the same sensor platform to measure both tire pressure and tread thickness. This multi-functional approach automates previously manual monitoring tasks while maintaining comprehensive tire safety monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system automatically monitors tread thickness without requiring manual intervention. The resonant circuit self-regulates and provides continuous thickness data, enabling the system to service itself by detecting wear and providing alerts before dangerous wear levels are reached
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
This method provides enhanced sensitivity in measuring tire tread thickness, enabling improved monitoring and reducing the need for manual checks, thus enhancing tire safety and maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
applying an oscillating signal at a measurement frequency to the circuit, wherein the measurement frequency is less than a resonant frequency of the circuit, and the resonant frequency is based on the inductive component and the capacitive component
Implementation Method 2
introducing an inductor to generate a resonance
Implementation Method 3
a capacitive component provided using a pair of capacitive sensor electrodes adjacent the material
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of measuring a thickness of a material are disclosed. An oscillating signal at a measurement frequency is applied to a circuit including an inductive component and a capacitive component provided using a pair of capacitive sensor electrodes adjacent the material. The measurement frequency is less than a resonant frequency of the circuit, and the resonant frequency is based on the inductive component and the capacitive component. Information regarding a value of a measured parameter is generated based on applying the oscillating signal at the measurement frequency to the circuit. A value of the measured parameter is related to the thickness of the material.