Non-Contact Optical Wheel Speed and Tire Pressure Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire pressure monitoring and wheel speed detection systems are complex, costly, and prone to mechanical failures, with limitations in accuracy at low speeds and inability to detect zero speed or very low speeds.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a hub cap with a variable thickness target and displacement sensors that measure distance changes to determine wheel speed and tire pressure, using a non-contact method to reduce wear and improve accuracy across a range of speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional gear assembly with blade is used for wheel speed detection, then mechanical structure is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates at low speeds and cannot detect zero speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gear assembly system with an optical measurement system. A non-contact optical sensor measures the position of a reflective target attached to the wheel, eliminating mechanical contact components like blades and gears. This substitution enables accurate measurement at zero and very low speeds without the limitations of mechanical drive systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a reflective target that creates an optical copy or reflection of measurement markings. The optical sensor detects the position of these reflected light patterns, which represent the wheel's rotational position, enabling precise measurement without direct mechanical contact with the wheel components.
2Reliability
If mechanical blade and clip are used to drive gear assembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to mechanical wear and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical contact components (blade, clip, gear assembly) by using a non-contact optical sensing system. The optical sensor reads position information from a reflective target on the wheel without physical contact, removing wear-prone components and potential misalignment issues while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective target as an intermediary between the wheel and the optical sensor. This target carries measurement markings that reflect light to the sensor, mediating the measurement process without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex mounting structures.
3Reliability
If conventional RF wireless tire pressure monitor is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to RF signal disturbance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a reflective target with measurement markings as an intermediary to transfer information from the rotating wheel to the stationary optical sensor. This optical intermediary enables contactless measurement of both wheel speed and tire pressure without being susceptible to electromagnetic interference, while maintaining ease of operation through non-contact 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 wheel speed and tire pressure monitoring with reduced mechanical contact, enabling detection at low speeds and improved reliability by correlating distance measurements with rotational locations and fluid pressure changes.
Implementation Method 1
at least two displacement sensors configured to measure a displacement between each sensor and the target
Implementation Method 2
the target comprises a hollow vessel in fluid communication with a tire
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods facilitate the monitoring of tire pressure, the detection/determination of wheel speed, or a combination thereof. A system is provided comprising a hub cap, a target coupled to the hub cap, and at least two displacement sensors configured to measure a displacement between each displacement sensor and the target. The target has a variable thickness, and the target comprises a hollow vessel in fluid communication with a tire.