Capacitive Tire Wear Sensor Using Conductive Ink
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire wear monitoring methods are inefficient, requiring manual visual inspection and are not effective in muddy, dirty, or snowy conditions, and lack digital or numerical measurement capabilities, making it difficult to track wear rate accurately.
Innovation Solution
A tire-embedded tread wear sensor system using a capacitor with conductive ink in the tread grooves or sipes, connected to a passive RFID tag, which measures tread wear digitally and wirelessly communicates with a reader for real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual tread wear indicators (colored indicia or tie-bar elements) are used, then the vehicle operator can determine tire wear status, but manual inspection is required which is slow, inconvenient, and difficult in muddy, dirty or snowy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated sensor system that uses electrical capacitance measurements to detect tread wear. The sensor system substitutes the mechanical/visual inspection process with an electrical measurement system that automatically monitors tread depth through capacitor plates positioned in the tread groove.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system enables the tire to self-monitor its own wear condition continuously. The capacitor-based sensor automatically detects changes in tread depth and transmits this information without requiring operator intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in monitoring its degradation state.
2Measurement precision
If visual Lincolns head penny coin method is used, then the operator can quickly check tire wear, but it lacks digital or numerical measurement capabilities and cannot accurately track wear rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual penny coin method with an electrical capacitance-based measurement system. The sensor system uses capacitor plates to measure tread depth electrically, providing precise numerical data that can be digitally recorded and analyzed, eliminating the need for manual coin insertion and visual estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from visual estimation to electrical capacitance. By measuring the capacitance between two plates positioned in the tread groove, the system obtains precise numerical data about tread depth that can be continuously tracked and converted into wear rate information.
3Loss of information
If multiple different marks are formed in the tread to indicate wear levels, then continuous wear information is provided to the consumer, but the complexity of forming the tire is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wear indication function from the complex multi-mark system and consolidates it into a single sensor system. Instead of forming multiple different marks in the tread, the invention uses one capacitor-based sensor that continuously measures and reports wear levels, simplifying the tire formation process while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.
4Loss of information
If manual transcription of wear measurements to computer or smartphone is required, then full information about wear rate can be derived, but this process is slow and inconvenient for the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual transcription process with automated wireless communication. The sensor system automatically transmits wear data and wear rate information to a smartphone or computer via wireless communication protocols, eliminating the need for manual data entry and providing real-time access to wear information.
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
Enables convenient, real-time, and accurate digital monitoring of tire wear, allowing for timely replacement decisions and reducing operator effort, even in adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor system uses a capacitor with a first and second plate, the distance between which varies with the amount of wear of the tread
Implementation Method 2
The sensor system is based on the use of a tread wear sensor, which is integrated in the tread in a groove or in a sipe, and which is in communication with a passive RFID tag
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3F
AI summary
A vehicle tire tread wear sensor system (200) is disclosed. The system (200) comprises a tire (10) having a tread (14) and a tread wear sensor (100) mounted in the tread (14). The tread wear sensor (100) comprises a capacitor comprising electrically conductive ink; and/or at least one electrical element affixed to a rubber layer, wherein the rubber layer is mounted in the tread (14), wherein the electrical element is made of a capacitor for emitting an electrical signal, and a passive circuit mounted in electrical communication with the electrical element and capable of sensing an electrical signal emitted from the electrical element.