Hall Sensor Measuring Cell With Mechanical Uncoupling for Tire Tread Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire thickness measurement systems face challenges such as high installation and relocation costs, sensitivity to vibrations and deformations, and interference from vehicle loads, leading to inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A device with a hermetically sealed measuring cell containing a Hall effect sensor and a sealed air layer to mechanically isolate the measuring apparatus from the object, using a permanent magnetic field source and ferromagnetic materials to measure distance, with a resin-embedded sealing piece for mechanical stability and non-metallic components to avoid interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the measuring housing is fixed to the ground through substantial modifications, then the housing can withstand significant loads and vibrations, but the installation and relocation become time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring system is divided into separate functional components: a reusable measuring unit containing the sensor and electronics, and a removable housing. This segmentation allows the measuring unit to be easily transferred between different housing locations without requiring substantial ground modifications, reducing installation time while maintaining measurement stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing piece acts as an intermediary element between the measuring unit and the housing. This sealing piece provides a standardized interface that enables quick attachment and detachment of the measuring unit, eliminating the need for permanent installations while ensuring reliable mechanical coupling and sealing during measurement.
2Measurement precision
If the Hall effect sensor is in direct contact with the measurement surface, then the measurement precision is high, but the sensor becomes sensitive to deformations and displacements during vehicle passage
Solution Approach 1:
A sealed air layer acts as an intermediary between the Hall effect sensor and the measurement surface. This air layer maintains a precise, stable gap that allows accurate magnetic field measurements while mechanically isolating the sensor from vibrations, deformations, and displacements caused by vehicle passage, thereby preserving both precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical contact between the sensor and measurement surface is replaced with a magnetic field-based measurement system. The Hall effect sensor detects changes in the magnetic field generated by the ferromagnetic material at the measurement surface, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact and thus protecting the sensor from physical stress while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Strength
If metallic components are used in the measuring cell, then the structural strength is sufficient, but interference disrupts the magnetic field measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The material composition of the measuring cell components is changed from metallic to non-metallic materials that are transparent to magnetic fields. This parameter change eliminates magnetic interference while maintaining sufficient structural strength through alternative material selections such as plastics or composite materials, allowing the Hall effect sensor to accurately detect the magnetic field generated by the ferromagnetic measurement surface.
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 device provides accurate, durable, and cost-effective tire thickness measurements by isolating the measuring apparatus from external stresses, ensuring precise and reliable readings without metallic interference.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic circuit equipped with a Hall effect sensor, the output signal of which is a function of the generated magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a permanent magnetic field source; a variation of the magnetic field being generated when the object is pressed on the measuring cell
Implementation Method 3
A sealed cavity filled with a volume of air, arranged between the measuring apparatus and the measuring surface of the cell
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for measuring the distance between two substantially parallel surfaces of an object comprising an electronic device with a Hall effect sensor. The device comprises a mechanical uncoupling system which isolates the object to be measured from the measuring device so as to eliminate the interactions which may affect the measurement. The invention also relates to the use of said device in measuring the thickness of a rubber layer of a tyre, and more specifically in measuring the remaining thickness of a tread.