In-Rubber Tire Sensor Stability Control for Off-Road Vehicles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Off-road mobile machines, such as agricultural and construction vehicles, face instability issues due to uneven terrain and heavy loads, which existing tire sensors do not adequately address, leading to potential tipping and operational hazards.

Innovation Solution

A stability control system utilizing in-rubber sensors to monitor tire pressure, temperature, contact patch size, acceleration, and load, generating control signals to adjust the vehicle's operation, such as steering and propulsion, to maintain stability by identifying actionable conditions and implementing remedial actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing tire sensors are used to monitor basic tire parameters, then tire pressure information is available, but stability control against tipping hazards is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability controlVSAvoidsensor functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The in-rubber sensor system performs multiple functions: monitoring tire pressure, temperature, contact patch characteristics, acceleration, and load distribution. This multi-functional approach enables comprehensive stability control while addressing the insufficiency of basic tire sensors for preventing tipping hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that receives data from in-rubber sensors and generates control signals to adjust vehicle operation. This intermediary layer translates raw sensor data into actionable stability control measures, bridging the gap between sensing and effective stability management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If in-rubber sensors are deployed to monitor multiple parameters, then stability detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact patch measurementVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system embeds multiple sensing capabilities within the in-rubber sensor structure itself, nesting pressure, temperature, acceleration, and load sensors within a compact integrated unit. This nesting approach enables comprehensive measurement while containing complexity within the sensor module rather than requiring separate external systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a unified in-rubber sensor system that simultaneously monitors pressure, temperature, contact patch characteristics, and vehicle dynamics. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving comprehensive measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If real-time sensor data is processed to generate control signals, then operational stability is enhanced, but response time requirements increase system demands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic stability controlVSAvoidprocessing delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously collects and pre-processes sensor data during normal operation, maintaining a ready state that enables rapid response when instability conditions are detected. This preliminary data preparation reduces processing delays during critical stability events by having information already organized and analyzed before it is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where sensor data continuously informs control signal generation, which in turn affects vehicle operation and subsequently changes sensor readings. This feedback mechanism enables automatic stability control that adapts in real-time while maintaining rapid response through continuous monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11680382B2Controlling a work machine based on in-rubber tire/track sensor
Publication Date: 2023.06.20 DEERE & CO
  • US11680382B2 patent drawing
  • US11680382B2 patent drawing
  • US11680382B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A stability control system identifies an actionable condition, such as instability, in an off-road mobile machine, based upon an in-rubber tire sensor. A remedial action is identified, and a control signal is generated to control the mobile machine to take the remedial action.