Offset Load Sensor Array for Tire Pressure and Speed Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining tire pressure and vehicle speed are inaccurate due to interference from tire tread patterns, particularly transverse grooves or diagonal grooves, which alter the leading edge of the signal and make speed measurements unreliable.
Innovation Solution
An array of load sensors with at least two rows arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel, where one row is offset transversely to the other, providing a two-dimensional pattern of force distribution, and a computer calculates tire pressure and speed by analyzing the center of gravity and signal differences between rows, minimizing tread interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single row of load sensors is used to measure tire pressure and speed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to tread pattern interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional single row of sensors to a two-dimensional array with multiple rows arranged in the direction of travel. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture spatial variations in the tire contact patch and differentiate between tread pattern effects and actual speed-related signal changes, thereby improving measurement precision without excessive complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array is divided into multiple segments (rows) positioned at different locations along the direction of travel. Each row provides independent measurement data, and by comparing signals from multiple segments, the system can identify and compensate for tread pattern interference through signal differentiation and pattern recognition algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If load sensors are arranged in multiple rows in the direction of travel, then the measurement precision of tire pressure and speed is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-row sensor array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures tire pressure, determines vehicle speed, and compensates for tread pattern interference. By using the same hardware configuration for multiple measurement objectives, the patent achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the additional rows provide both improved accuracy and enhanced functionality.
3Productivity
If the leading edge of the signal is used for speed measurement, then the speed can be determined from the signal gradient, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to transverse tread grooves altering the signal edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces multiple sensor rows as intermediary measurement points between the tire and the speed calculation algorithm. These intermediate sensors capture the signal progression through the contact patch, allowing the system to use signal processing techniques that are less sensitive to leading edge distortions caused by tread grooves, thereby maintaining speed determination capability while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple sensor rows to continuously monitor and adjust speed measurements. By comparing signals from successive rows and analyzing the temporal evolution of the contact patch signal, the system can compensate for distortions in the leading edge and maintain accurate speed determination even when tread patterns alter the signal shape.
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
This approach allows for accurate determination of tire pressure and vehicle speed, reduces the influence of tread patterns, and enables precise measurement of tread depth and vehicle weight, while maintaining high local resolution and minimizing measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
an array consisting of load sensors which supplies force signals for a two-dimensional pattern of the distribution of force which is exerted by the vehicle tire in contact with the sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting the pressure in a pneumatic vehicle tire which is mounted on a vehicle and/or the speed of the vehicle, having an arrangement composed of load sensors which supplies force signals for a two-dimensional pattern of the distribution of force which is exerted by the vehicle tire in contact with the sensors when the vehicle moves over the arrangement, a computer which is programmed in such a way that it defines the tire pressure and/or the speed on the basis of the distribution of force independently of the method of manufacture or the model of the tire and of the vehicle, and a device for displaying the pressure and/or the speed, is characterized in that the arrangement composed of load sensors comprises at least two series of load sensors which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel, wherein at least one row of load sensors is offset with respect to one or more rows of the load sensors by a predetermined absolute value transversely with respect to the direction of travel.