Tire Crack Detection via Optical Light Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire monitoring systems do not effectively detect tire wear, particularly cracks, in vehicles in motion, as they lack real-time monitoring capabilities for moving vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A detection-alarm mechanism embedded in the tire using photoelectronic elements and an electronic processing unit that converts light signals from cracks into wear information, transmitted wirelessly to a display unit in the vehicle for driver notification, comprising a substrate with photoconductors, photodiodes, or phototransistors, and a detection circuit connected to a power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If piezoelectric elements are used as tire deformation sensors, then tire pressure and deformation can be detected, but real-time monitoring of tire wear and cracks in motion is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensors (piezoelectric elements) with an optical detection system. Light sources emit light through the tire structure, and photodetectors on the opposite side detect light transmission changes. When cracks or wear occur, light transmission patterns change, enabling detection of tire conditions without mechanical contact, thus achieving real-time wear monitoring while maintaining safety reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to detect tire wear. Light travels through the tire structure and interacts with cracks or wear areas, carrying information about tire condition to photodetectors. This intermediary approach enables indirect measurement of tire wear with high precision while maintaining system reliability.
2Loss of information
If tire monitoring systems are installed, then tire condition data can be obtained, but real-time alerting to drivers during vehicle operation is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where photodetectors continuously monitor light transmission through the tire, process the signals to detect wear or cracks, and immediately transmit alerts to the driver through display units or audible warnings. This closed-loop feedback ensures real-time information transmission and immediate driver response, eliminating information loss and reducing response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of tire wear conditions continuously during vehicle operation. The optical sensors constantly monitor the tire structure, and the system is prepared to immediately alert drivers when wear thresholds are approached or cracks are detected, enabling preventive action before tire failure occurs.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If traditional tire pressure monitoring systems are used, then pressure data is available, but crack detection capability in moving vehicles is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical deformation sensing with optical detection. Light transmission through the tire structure is measured by photodetectors, and changes in light patterns indicate the presence of cracks or wear. This optical approach overcomes the limitations of mechanical sensors in detecting cracks during vehicle motion, improving detection capability while maintaining monitoring accuracy through precise optical measurements.
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
Enables real-time monitoring and notification of tire wear conditions, including cracks, to the driver while the vehicle is in motion, enhancing safety by providing timely alerts and reducing the risk of tire failure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one photoelectronic element fixed to the substrate. If the tire is cracked, light passes through the cracks reaching the photoelectric elements to generate signals
Data Source
AI summary
A detection-alarm mechanism is provided. The detection-alarm mechanism for a tire includes a sensor, an electronic processing unit, a post-processing unit and a display unit. The sensor includes a substrate disposed in the tire and at least one photoelectronic element fixed to the substrate. If the tire is cracked, light passes through the cracks and reaches the photoelectronic elements to generate signals. The electronic processing unit receives signals from the photoelectronic elements to generate wear information. The post-processing unit is disposed in a vehicle on which the tire is installed and receives wear information from the electronic processing unit. The display unit is disposed in the vehicle for presenting the wear information.