Indirect Tire Deflation Severity Detection Using Wheel Speed Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current indirect tire pressure monitoring systems (iTPMS) cannot distinguish between different tire pressure deviation scenarios, leading to inadequate severity assessment, which can result in unsafe driving decisions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize wheel speed signals to determine tire-related quantities through wheel radius and spectrum analysis, continuously monitoring and comparing these values against multiple thresholds to differentiate between preliminary and severe tire deflation alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current iTPMS are used to detect tire pressure deviations, then tire pressure warnings can be issued, but the severity of tire pressure deviations cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single tire pressure warning into multiple severity levels by dividing the detection range into different zones. It uses multiple indicator values (first indicator value from wheel radius analysis, second indicator value from spectrum analysis) to create distinct severity categories including preliminary deflation alarms and severe deflation alarms, thereby providing differentiated severity information without requiring additional sensors.
2Ease of operation
If tire pressure warnings are issued without severity differentiation, then drivers receive timely alerts, but drivers cannot make informed decisions about whether to stop immediately or continue to the nearest service station
Solution Approach 1:
The warning system is segmented into distinct severity levels with different alert types. The first alert level (preliminary deflation alarm) indicates minor deviations allowing continued travel to service stations, while the second alert level (severe deflation alarm) indicates critical deviations requiring immediate stopping. This segmentation provides drivers with actionable severity information for informed decision-making.
3Reliability
If drivers stop immediately upon receiving any tire pressure warning, then safety is prioritized, but unnecessary stopping in heavy traffic or on open stretches causes safety risks and inconveniences
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments warnings by severity to differentiate between situations requiring immediate action and those allowing delayed response. Preliminary deflation alarms (less severe) permit drivers to continue to the nearest service station without abrupt stopping, while severe deflation alarms (more severe) trigger immediate stopping requirements. This reduces unnecessary safety risks from abrupt braking in low-risk scenarios.
4Ease of operation
If drivers continue driving to the nearest service station upon receiving tire pressure warnings, then convenience is improved, but unsafe driving may occur if the deviation is severe
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the continuation decision based on severity assessment. For preliminary deflation alarms (less severe deviations), the system permits continued driving to the nearest service station, providing convenience. For severe deflation alarms (critical deviations), the system prohibits continuation and requires immediate stopping, ensuring safety. This segmented approach balances convenience and safety based on actual tire condition.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses and computer program products for determining the severity of a deflation of a tire are disclosed. The method comprises: receiving wheel speed signals from wheel speed sensors; determining a first indicator value based on the received wheel speed signals, wherein the first indicator value is indicative of at least one tire-related quantity; determining whether the first indicator value satisfies a first condition; outputting, in response to determining that the first indicator value satisfies the first condition, a preliminary deflation alarm; recording, in response to determining that the first indicator value satisfies the first condition, the first indicator value; determining a second condition from at least the recorded first indicator value; determining a second indicator value based on the received wheel speed signals, wherein the second indicator value is indicative of at least one tire-related quantity; determining whether the second indicator value satisfies the determined second condition; and outputting, in response to determining that the second indicator value satisfies the second condition, a severe deflation alarm.