Suspension-Based Tire Flat Spot Detection for Heavy Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tires in heavy-duty vehicles, particularly those without Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), wear out quickly, leading to flat spots that cause performance degradation due to uneven wear and reduced friction, which existing detection methods fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A method for detecting flat spots by analyzing measurements from a vehicle's suspension arrangement, including pneumatic suspension parameters and using machine learning models to identify periodic patterns and amplitude thresholds in suspension data, allowing for early detection and adjustment of braking configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ABS module is installed to reduce tire wear and prevent flat spots, then tire wear is reduced and flat spot emergence is deferred, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's existing suspension sensors and control unit to detect flat spots, allowing the vehicle to monitor its own tire condition without requiring separate dedicated detection hardware. The suspension system serves dual purposes: providing suspension function and detecting tire wear conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing suspension arrangement and control unit are made multi-functional by using them both for suspension control and flat spot detection. The same sensors that monitor suspension performance are also used to detect changes in tire shape and wear patterns.
2Reliability
If passive brake force distribution is used to reduce brake lockup, then brake lockup is reduced and flat spot risk is lowered, but braking performance and responsiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The brake force distribution is made dynamic by adjusting brake forces based on real-time flat spot detection. When a flat spot is detected, the system dynamically modifies brake force application to that wheel, optimizing braking performance while preventing further wear. This allows the system to switch between passive distribution and active compensation based on current tire conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring suspension measurements to detect flat spots and using this information to adjust brake force distribution. The control unit receives feedback from suspension sensors and modifies braking commands accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes both tire protection and braking performance.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If flat spotted tires are used despite wear, then vehicle can continue operating, but performance degradation occurs in suspension, brakes and general tire performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of flat spots before they cause significant performance degradation. By detecting changes in suspension behavior that indicate flat spot formation, the system can alert operators and adjust braking parameters proactively, preventing further wear and maintaining vehicle performance for longer periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for detecting a flat spot (14) of a tire (12) of a first wheel (11) of a vehicle (10) is provided. The method comprises obtaining a plurality of measurements indicative of an actuation and/or a motion of at least part of a suspension arrangement (20). The suspension arrangement (20) is arranged to provide suspension for the first wheel (11). The method further comprises detecting that the tire (12) has a flat spot (14) by determining that the plurality of measurements fulfils one or more predetermined conditions.