Patch Antenna Tire Structure for Comparable Tread Depth Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining tire tread depth, such as the 'Drive Over Solutions,' are not cost-effective, simple, or compact, and they require calibration to ensure comparable results due to varying angles of electrically conductive reinforcement members in tires.
Innovation Solution
An elastomer body, preferably a tire, incorporating electrically conductive reinforcement members and at least one patch antenna with perpendicularly crossed dipoles or circularly polarized patch antennas, which allows for the determination of the angle between the dipoles and the reinforcement members, enabling consistent tread depth measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single dipole antenna is used for tread depth measurement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to unknown angles between the antenna and reinforcement members
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into two perpendicular dipole antennas (first and second polarization directions) to independently measure reflection factors at different orientations. This segmentation allows the system to capture complete angular information about the reinforcement members, thereby resolving the measurement precision issue while maintaining reasonable device complexity through modular antenna elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system transitions from a single-dimensional (one dipole) to a two-dimensional approach by introducing a second dipole perpendicular to the first. This dimensional expansion creates a comprehensive measurement space that accounts for all possible angles between the antenna and reinforcement members, eliminating the precision loss that would occur with a single antenna orientation.
2Measurement precision
If calibration procedures are implemented to account for reinforcement member angles, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional calibration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system performs self-calibration by automatically utilizing the reflection factors from both perpendicular dipoles to determine the angle of reinforcement members. The system independently calculates the amplitude A using the formula A = sqrt(S_a² + S_b²) without requiring external calibration inputs or manual angle adjustments, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters by simultaneously measuring reflection factors in two perpendicular polarization directions rather than relying on a single angle-specific measurement. This parameter transformation allows the system to inherently account for reinforcement member orientations through mathematical combination of the two measurements, eliminating the need for separate calibration procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple polarization directions are measured, then the adaptability is improved for different reinforcement angles, but the device complexity increases due to multiple dipole antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The pair of perpendicular dipole antennas serves multiple functions: each dipole can independently measure reflection factors, and together they universally handle all possible reinforcement member orientations. The system achieves universal adaptability across different tire types and reinforcement angles while maintaining relatively simple antenna structures that are standard in radar technology, thus balancing versatility with device complexity.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, simple, and compact method for determining tire tread depth, ensuring that measurements are comparable regardless of the angle of the reinforcement members, thus overcoming the limitations of existing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
at least one patch antenna with perpendicularly crossed dipoles... The magnitude of the reflection factor is plotted against the frequency index of the patch antenna
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to elastomer bodies, preferably tires, comprising an elastomeric material (6) and electrically conductive reinforcements (4) arranged in the elastomeric material (6) and/or parallel to the elastomeric material (6). The elastomer body is characterized by at least one patch antenna (10) with perpendicularly crossed dipoles and/or at least one circularly polarized patch antenna (10).