Magnetic Drive-Over Tire Tread Depth Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire monitoring systems rely heavily on manual checks, which can lead to safety issues due to inadequate monitoring of tire tread conditions beyond tire pressure.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic sensor system with a nonmagnetic layer and magnets is used to measure tire tread depth by detecting the magnetic field interactions between the tire's steel belts and the magnets, allowing for automatic and precise measurement of tread thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual monitoring of tire tread is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to inadequate monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated magnetic sensing system. Magnets embedded in the tire interact with a magnetic sensor to automatically measure tread depth, eliminating the need for manual visual or physical inspection while providing precise, objective measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The tire itself provides the measurement mechanism through embedded magnets that interact with the sensing system. The tire's steel belt and tread structure work together with the magnetic field to generate measurable signals, allowing the tire to essentially measure its own tread depth without external intervention.
2Reliability
If only tire pressure monitoring is implemented, then device complexity remains low, but reliability deteriorates due to inadequate monitoring of other tire aspects
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensing system serves multiple functions: it measures tread depth, detects tire wear patterns, and can potentially monitor tire construction integrity. This multi-functional approach enhances overall tire monitoring reliability while using a single integrated system rather than multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the tire's internal structure (steel belt and tread) and the sensing system. This non-contact measurement method allows the system to detect tread depth and tire conditions without physical contact, enhancing reliability while keeping the system relatively simple.
3Reliability
If continuous automatic monitoring is implemented, then reliability improves, but loss of time for manual checks is eliminated, requiring energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensor system operates periodically as the tire rotates, measuring tread depth at specific intervals during each revolution. This periodic measurement approach provides continuous monitoring capability while minimizing energy consumption by activating measurements only when needed during the tire's rotation cycle rather than maintaining constant continuous sensing.
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 system provides accurate and automatic monitoring of tire tread depth, enhancing safety by reducing the reliance on manual checks and improving the detection of tire conditions beyond pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic sensor is configured to detect a magnetic field resulting from the magnet and the tire on the drive over surface
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a system is provided to measure a tread of a tire. The system includes a nonmagnetic layer providing a drive over surface, a magnet, and a magnetic sensor associated with the magnet. The drive over surface is adapted to receive the tire thereon including the tread to be measured. The magnet has opposing first and second magnetic poles, the nonmagnetic layer is between the drive over surface and the magnet, and the magnet is arranged so that the first magnetic pole is between the second magnetic pole and the nonmagnetic layer. The nonmagnetic layer is between the drive over surface and the magnetic sensor, and the magnetic sensor is configured to detect a magnetic field resulting from the magnet and the tire on the drive over surface.