Tire Contact Patch Control Using ML and Driver Preferences

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire contact patches are not optimized for driver preferences or current driving conditions, affecting tire wear, friction, comfort, and fuel economy.

Innovation Solution

A multi-phase machine learning process using two algorithms to determine the optimum tire contact patch based on vehicle information and driver preferences, adjusting tire pressure and suspension for optimal performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If tire contact patches are not optimized for driver preferences or current driving conditions, then the system is simple and requires no complex control, but fuel economy, tire wear, comfort, and performance are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel economyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts tire pressure and suspension settings based on real-time driving conditions and driver preferences. The machine learning model continuously processes sensor data and modifies vehicle parameters to optimize fuel economy, tire wear, and ride comfort for each specific driving scenario rather than using fixed settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the vehicle's existing sensors and onboard computer to automatically determine and adjust tire contact patch optimization parameters. The machine learning model processes available vehicle data (accelerometer, gyroscope, steering angle, throttle position) and autonomously controls tire pressure and suspension without requiring external intervention or complex additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If tire contact patches are not optimized, then fewer sensors and processing are needed, but tire wear and performance are adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetire wearVSAvoidsensor and processing requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses existing vehicle sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, steering angle sensor, throttle position sensor) for multiple purposes - both for their original functions and for determining tire contact patch optimization parameters. The onboard computer processes this data for both standard vehicle operations and for the machine learning model that optimizes tire and suspension settings, eliminating the need for dedicated additional sensors.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system optimizes tire wear and performance by dynamically changing physical parameters - specifically tire pressure and suspension settings - based on processed sensor data. The machine learning model determines optimal parameter values for each driving condition, adjusting these parameters in real-time to extend tire life and maintain performance without requiring complex mechanical modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If tire contact patches are not optimized for current driving conditions, then the control system remains simple, but comfort and performance are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveride comfortVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts suspension settings and tire pressure based on real-time driving conditions detected by sensors. The machine learning model continuously processes data from accelerometers, gyroscopes, and other sensors to determine optimal comfort and performance settings for each specific driving scenario, adapting the vehicle characteristics to match current conditions rather than using static configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from vehicle sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, steering angle, throttle position) to continuously monitor driving conditions and driver behavior. The machine learning model processes this feedback information and adjusts tire pressure and suspension settings accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes comfort and performance based on actual vehicle operation and driver preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4247648B1System and method for tire contact patch optimization
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4247648B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4247648B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4247648B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for using multi-stage machine learning algorithms to optimize tire contact patches on a vehicle. Vehicle sensors first collect vehicle information for the vehicle, and input that data into a first machine learning algorithm. The first machine learning algorithm then outputs a lateral dimension, a longitudinal dimension, and a diagonal dimension, which together identify a tire contact patch of at least one tire on the vehicle. The operator of the vehicle provides a human preference for how the vehicle operates, and a second machine learning algorithm is executed. The second machine learning algorithm inputs can include the plurality of vehicle information, the first machine learning algorithm outputs, and the human preference, and the second machine learning algorithm outputs can include a desired tire pressure of the at least one tire and an air suspension adjustment for the normal load of the vehicle.