Vehicle Component Life Prediction Using Tyre Load Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the service life of vehicle components are often inaccurate, leading to components being replaced too frequently or not often enough, which increases costs and reduces vehicle reliability.

Innovation Solution

A method that predicts the service life of vehicle components using tyre operation data, vehicle condition data, and a model, incorporating inputs such as contact patch longitudinal load, radial load, and deflection, along with vehicle load, to calculate a precise service life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fixed interval service schedules are used based on distance or time, then maintenance planning is simplified, but component replacement occurs too frequently or not often enough leading to unnecessary costs and reliability issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance planningVSAvoidcomponent service life accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static fixed-interval maintenance schedules to dynamic condition-based maintenance scheduling. The system continuously monitors component condition parameters (vibration, temperature, pressure) and adjusts maintenance timing based on actual component degradation rates, allowing maintenance intervals to adapt dynamically to real-time component status rather than following predetermined fixed schedules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensor data from components is constantly monitored and fed back to the maintenance management system. This feedback mechanism enables real-time assessment of component health and triggers maintenance actions based on actual condition thresholds, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes maintenance timing based on observed component behavior

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If components are replaced frequently according to fixed intervals, then reliability is maintained, but unnecessary replacement costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle reliabilityVSAvoidreplacement parts cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary monitoring and assessment of component condition before failure occurs. By continuously tracking degradation trends and predicting remaining useful life, the system enables proactive maintenance planning that schedules replacements only when truly necessary, preventing both premature replacement and unexpected failures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in component operational parameters (vibration amplitude, temperature gradients, pressure variations) as indicators of degradation. By monitoring these parameter changes over time and comparing them against threshold values, the system determines optimal replacement timing based on actual physical condition rather than arbitrary time or distance intervals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If components are replaced based on fixed time intervals, then maintenance scheduling is simplified, but component wear is not accurately reflected leading to potential failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent wear measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/time-based maintenance triggers with sensor-based condition monitoring systems. Instead of relying on odometer readings or time clocks, the system uses electronic sensors to detect actual component condition parameters, substituting mechanical measurement systems with electronic detection systems that provide continuous real-time data on component health

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4361750B1Component service life prediction
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 MCLAREN AUTOMOTIVE LTD
  • EP4361750B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4361750B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4361750B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for predicting a service life for a component of a vehicle, the vehicle comprising a road wheel and at least one vehicle sensor configured to provide vehicle condition data, the road wheel comprising a tyre sensor configured to output tyre operation data, the method comprising: receiving tyre operation data from the tyre sensor; receiving vehicle condition data from at least one vehicle sensor; and calculating a predicted service life for a vehicle component based on the tyre operation data, the vehicle condition data and a model of the vehicle component.