Fiber Optic Interferometer Tire Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor systems face challenges in accurately recording tire properties while driving due to difficult and costly measurement conditions, resulting in limited data availability in everyday life.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic interferometer-based sensor device is integrated into a vehicle tire, using an optical fiber with a Sagnac interferometer structure to detect mechanical vibrations and effects, providing real-time data on tire properties like angular velocity, wear, and road conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensors are used to measure tire properties during driving, then measurement data can be obtained, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient due to harsh measurement conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sensors with an optical measurement system based on fiber optic interferometers. The interferometer uses light propagation through optical fibers embedded in the tire to detect mechanical vibrations and tire properties, eliminating the need for mechanical sensor components that are sensitive to harsh driving conditions. This optical substitution significantly improves measurement precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds optical fibers within the tire structure, utilizing the flexible nature of optical fibers to conform to the tire's shape and deformations. The optical fibers are integrated into the tire layers, allowing them to experience the same mechanical stresses and vibrations as the tire itself, enabling accurate measurement of tire properties without compromising the tire's structural integrity.
2Loss of information
If in-house tests and trials are conducted to gather tire data, then some measurement data becomes available, but data availability in everyday driving conditions remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the tire itself the sensor by embedding optical fibers directly into the tire structure. The tire automatically measures its own mechanical vibrations, deformations, and operational parameters during normal driving without requiring external testing equipment or controlled test environments. This self-measuring capability enables continuous data collection in real-world driving conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber interferometer system serves multiple functions: it measures tire mechanical vibrations, monitors tire pressure changes, detects road surface conditions, and provides data for various vehicle control systems. This multi-functional capability allows the same sensor system to gather comprehensive tire data applicable to diverse everyday driving scenarios.
3Productivity
If fiber optic interferometer is integrated into the tire, then real-time measurement of tire properties is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical fiber sensing elements directly with the tire structure, merging the sensor functionality with the tire's existing layers and components. The optical fibers are embedded within the tire plies and belts, eliminating the need for separate sensor housings, mounting mechanisms, or external sensor assemblies, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining real-time measurement capability.
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
The sensor device enables accurate, real-time measurement of tire properties and driving conditions, enhancing safety by providing critical information for vehicle control and warning systems, even in adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
two or more light signals propagate along the same optical path, but in opposite directions, and are superimposed after traversing the path, allowing the light signals to interfere
Implementation Method 2
The classic design of an interferometer, in particular a Sagnac interferometer, uses mirrors, with the light typically propagating through the air
Implementation Method 3
The light is reflected at the edges of the fiber
Implementation Method 4
The rotation causes the optical path length traveled by the signal propagating in the direction of rotation (of the tire) to differ from that of the light signal propagating in the opposite direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an improved sensor device (S) for detecting mechanical vibrations and/or other mechanical effects on an examination object (10), in particular a vehicle and/or a component of a vehicle, preferably a tire, the sensor device (S) comprising a fiber optic interferometer, in particular a ring interferometer.