Removable Wheel Revolution Counter Using Magnetic Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for counting wheel revolutions and mileage on vehicles are expensive, complex to install, and lack remote data access, making them unsuitable for fleet managers and service providers who need accurate and cost-effective solutions, especially for non-motorized vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an electronic device for counting wheel revolutions, a data transmission component, and a removable attachment mechanism that hooks onto a nut anti-loosening device, allowing for easy installation and remote data upload, using sensors to measure magnetic fields and transmit data via short or medium-range channels, with adaptable components for various vehicle types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If hubodometers or telematics systems are used to count wheel revolutions, then accurate mileage data can be obtained, but the system becomes expensive and complex to install

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemileage data accuracyVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into independent functional modules: a magnetic sensor unit for detecting wheel revolutions, a microcontroller for counting and storing data, and a communication module for remote data transmission. Each module can be independently replaced or upgraded, simplifying installation and maintenance while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary between the wheel rotation and the counting mechanism. The magnetic sensor detects changes in the magnetic field caused by a magnet attached to the wheel, converting mechanical rotation into electrical signals without requiring direct mechanical connection or complex installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If hubodometers are installed at the hub of vehicles, then wheel revolutions can be counted, but the installation requires specialized technicians and is expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel revolution countingVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to be self-installed by fleet managers or service providers without requiring specialized technicians. The magnetic sensor and magnet can be easily attached to the wheel using simple mounting methods, and the system automatically configures itself upon power-up, eliminating the need for professional installation services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical hubodometer that requires installation at the wheel hub is replaced with a magnetic sensing system. The magnet is simply attached to the wheel rim and the sensor is mounted nearby, converting a complex mechanical installation into a simple magnetic field-based solution that requires no specialized mechanical knowledge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If telematics systems with GPS are used to collect mileage data, then remote data access is enabled, but the systems are expensive and require subscription fees

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote data accessibilityVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The essential function of remote data transmission is extracted from the expensive telematics/GPS system. Instead of using a full telematics suite with GPS, the invention uses a simple magnetic sensor combined with low-cost wireless communication (such as LoRa, NB-IoT, or GSM modular modules) to transmit only the necessary mileage data to remote servers, eliminating the need for expensive subscription-based telematics services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses inexpensive, modular communication components that can be easily replaced or upgraded. The magnetic sensor and communication module are designed as low-cost, disposable units that can be individually replaced if needed, rather than relying on expensive integrated telematics systems with ongoing subscription fees.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Loss of information

If GPS telematics systems are deployed, then mileage data can be collected remotely, but the precision is reduced in mountain areas or urban areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote data accessVSAvoidmileage measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the limitation of GPS (signal blockage in mountainous or urban areas) into an advantage by using a completely different measurement principle. Instead of relying on satellite signals that can be blocked, the system uses local magnetic field detection that is unaffected by external environmental factors, ensuring consistent precision regardless of location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The GPS-based electronic measurement system is replaced with a magnetic field-based detection system. The magnetic sensor detects the magnetic field changes caused by a magnet on the wheel, providing reliable mileage data independent of satellite signal availability, thus eliminating the precision problems associated with GPS in challenging environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 a cost-effective, easy-to-install, and accurate method for counting wheel revolutions, enabling remote data access and mileage calculation, suitable for diverse vehicle types, reducing installation costs and improving data accessibility for fleet managers and service providers.

Implementation Method 1

In addition, the electronic device for counting the revolutions of the wheel comprises means allowing the measurement of a magnetic field.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field measurement: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the data transmission device comprises means for transmitting the data by Hertzian channel, preferably with a short or medium range.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3274661B1Removable system for counting wheel revolutions
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)
  • EP3274661B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2a
  • EP3274661B1 patent drawingFigure 2b
  • EP3274661B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3d

AI summary

The invention concerns a system for counting the number of revolutions of a vehicle wheel, comprising: - an electronic counting device for counting the number of wheel revolutions, - a device for transmitting data from the electronic counting device to a remote database, the system further comprising a housing receiving the electronic counting device, and fastening means for removably fastening the housing onto a nut anti-loosening device installed on a wheel of the vehicle.