Retractable Tire Tread Depth Sensor with Magnetic Position Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire tread depth detection tools face inaccuracies due to poor bonding of strain gauges and are prone to damage from external forces, as the pin protrudes permanently and is easily bent or broken.

Innovation Solution

A tire tread detection apparatus with a retractable measuring member driven by a unit, which protrudes from the casing to measure tread depth, using a positioning and sense member to generate accurate measurement signals, eliminating the need for permanent protrusion and enhancing detection precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pin permanently protrudes from the head portion to measure tread depth, then the measurement function is available, but the pin is easily bent or broken under external force causing damage to the inspection tool

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement function availabilityVSAvoidtool durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pin is changed from a permanently protruding static structure to a retractable dynamic structure. The driving unit enables the pin to extend when measurement is needed and retract when not in use, making the tool both operational and durable by adapting the pin's position based on functional requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a strain gauge is used to detect resistance variation for measuring tread depth, then the measurement principle is simple, but poor bonding quality affects inspection accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement principle simplicityVSAvoidtread depth detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The strain gauge's electrical resistance measurement method is replaced with a magnetic field-based sensing system. The sense member detects the position of the pin through magnetic field interaction without requiring physical contact or bonding, eliminating bonding quality issues while maintaining measurement functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary between the pin and the sense member. This magnetic field mediator allows position detection without direct mechanical contact or bonding, solving the accuracy problem caused by poor strain gauge bonding while keeping the system relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11181358B2Tire tread detection apparatus and tire pressure detector setting apparatus with tire tread detection function

Publication Date: 2021.11.23 CUB ELECPARTS

AI summary

A tire tread detection apparatus and tire pressure detector setting apparatus with tire tread detection function are provided. The tire tread detection apparatus includes a body casing, a driving unit, a measuring member, a position member, and a sense member. The driving unit, the measuring member, and the positioning member are connected. The driving unit is applied for driving the measuring member to protrude outward from the body casing for measuring the tire tread depth of the tire. The sense member generates a measurement signal corresponding to the positioning member, such that the measurement signal indicates a tire tread depth value. Therefore, the tire tread depth is efficiently and accurately acquired.