Piezoelectric Tire Load Determination via Contact Patch Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current piezoelectric-based tire sensors lack a robust and reliable method for determining tire load, which is crucial for monitoring tire performance and preventing overloading, as they do not effectively encompass all desired characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize piezoelectric sensors to measure tire pressure and contact patch parameters, such as entry and exit times, total contact patch time, and angle, which are then compared to a look-up table to determine tire load, providing electronic output to the vehicle operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If piezoelectric sensors are used to measure tire parameters, then measurement capability is improved, but reliability of tire load determination is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tire load determination is segmented into multiple independent measurement components: contact patch length measurement, contact patch time measurement, and tire pressure measurement. Each component is measured independently by piezoelectric sensors, and their consistency is verified to ensure reliable load determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by comparing the relationship between measured parameters (contact patch length, contact patch time, pressure) against expected relationships. When measurements are consistent with each other, the load determination is confirmed as reliable; when inconsistencies occur, the system can identify and correct measurement errors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple piezoelectric elements are used to measure contact patch parameters, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple piezoelectric elements perform multiple functions: they simultaneously measure contact patch length, contact patch time, and generate signals for tire pressure determination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement systems and minimizes overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If tire load monitoring is implemented to prevent overloading, then tire life is extended, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric sensor system simultaneously serves multiple purposes: it generates power for the electronic components, measures tire pressure, measures contact patch parameters, and determines tire load. This self-service capability reduces the need for additional power sources and measurement systems, minimizing complexity while extending tire life through reliable load monitoring.
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 and reliable tire load determination, enhancing tire monitoring and preventing overloading, thereby extending tire life and improving performance characterization.
Implementation Method 1
one or more piezoelectric elements provided within a piezoelectric based sensor... analyzing the output of a piezoelectric sensor provided with the tire
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of determining tire load from measured tire parameters include using a piezoelectric based sensor to obtain one or more contact patch parameters (e.g., contact patch entry time, contact patch exit time total contact patch time and contact patch angle) and one or more additional sensors to obtain tire pressure. Selected contact patch parameter measurements and pressure values are then compared with known combinations of contact patch parameter values and pressure values stored in a look-up table. A corresponding determined tire load value is then provided as electronic output.