Tire Conductivity Measurement Using Bead and Tread Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for determining tire conductivity are complex and material-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a frame with a support surface and movable measuring devices that establish contact with the tire's bead and tread for conductivity measurement, using electrical voltage and current measurement to calculate conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional devices are used to determine tire conductivity, then measurement functionality is achieved, but device complexity and material consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support device serves multiple functions: it supports the tire during measurement and simultaneously serves as one of the measuring devices (second measuring device) through its electrically conductive support surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining measurement reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the support function and measurement function into a single integrated system. The frame structure that supports the tire also incorporates the electrical measurement components, merging structural support with measurement functionality to reduce device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of substance

If conventional devices are used to determine tire conductivity, then measurement functionality is achieved, but material consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial consumptionVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support device serves multiple functions: it supports the tire during measurement and simultaneously serves as one of the measuring devices (second measuring device) through its electrically conductive support surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining measurement reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The tire itself serves as part of the measurement system by resting on the conductive support surface, which automatically establishes electrical contact. The tire's own structure (tread and bead) is utilized as the measurement path, eliminating the need for additional specialized components and reducing material consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If measuring devices are positioned to contact both bead and tread, then conductivity measurement is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductivity measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support device serves multiple functions: it supports the tire during measurement and simultaneously serves as one of the measuring devices (second measuring device) through its electrically conductive support surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining measurement reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive support surface acts as an intermediary that facilitates electrical contact between the tire and the measurement system. By using the support surface as the second measuring device, the patent eliminates the need for separate contact components, reducing device complexity while ensuring precise conductivity measurement through the tire.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device provides a simple and material-saving method for determining tire conductivity, ensuring precise positioning and reliable measurement results.

Implementation Method 1

the conductivity of the tire can be determined by applying an electrical voltage to the tire and measuring an electrical current, and then calculating the electrical conductivity from these two values

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity measurement: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4445124B1Device for determining a conductivity of a tyre
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • EP4445124B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1d
  • EP4445124B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4445124B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Presented and described is a device (1) for determining a conductivity of a tyre (15). The device (1) comprises the following: a frame, a support device (3), which is mounted on the frame and has a support surface (9) which extends in a support plane and on which a tyre (15) can rest, a first measuring device (5), which is mounted on the frame and which has an electrically conductive first portion, and a second measuring device (7), which is mounted on the frame and which has an electrically conductive second portion, the device (1) being adapted such that, if a tyre (15) which has a radially outwardly running tread surface (17) and a radially inwardly running bead (19) rests on the support surface (9) by a first side facing the support plane, the first measuring device (5) can be moved from a second side of the tyre (15), which is opposite the first side of the tyre (15), to the bead (19), such that, in a test configuration, the first portion and the bead (19) are in contact and the second portion and the tread surface (17) are in contact.