Vehicle Tire Lifespan Forecasting from Internal Fatigue Load Profiles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for predicting the lifespan of tires on heavily loaded vehicles, such as monorails and mass-transit vehicles, are inadequate as they primarily focus on tread wear and do not account for internal fatigue caused by repeated high loads.
Innovation Solution
A method for forecasting the lifespan of tires based on cumulative internal damages to the tire material, particularly in the sidewall, which considers factors like load profile and track conditions, rather than solely relying on tread depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tires are replaced based on tread depth monitoring, then the monitoring system is simple and cost-effective, but the prediction accuracy is insufficient for heavily loaded vehicles where internal fatigue is the primary failure mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/tread-based wear monitoring with a model-based predictive system that uses load data and fatigue theory to estimate tire lifespan. Instead of physically measuring tread depth, the system substitutes a computational model that calculates cumulative fatigue damage based on measured load profiles and track conditions, thereby improving prediction accuracy for internally fatigued tires without requiring complex physical sensors inside the tire
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model (fatigue damage model) that bridges the gap between measurable quantities (load, track conditions) and the unmeasurable internal tire state (sidewall fatigue). This intermediary model translates external operational data into predictions of internal damage accumulation, enabling accurate lifespan forecasting without direct observation of internal tire conditions
2Reliability
If tires are replaced more frequently to ensure safety, then the reliability is improved, but the maintenance costs increase due to premature replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of tire condition by continuously calculating cumulative fatigue damage during operation. By predicting the remaining lifespan before actual failure occurs, the system enables planned replacement at the optimal moment, avoiding both premature replacement (which wastes resources) and delayed replacement (which compromises safety). This preliminary prediction action resolves the contradiction by providing timely, accurate information for decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where load measurements and fatigue calculations continuously update the tire lifespan prediction. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to actual operating conditions and provide real-time guidance on tire replacement timing, ensuring safety while optimizing maintenance costs by replacing tires only when the predicted fatigue damage reaches critical levels
3Measurement precision
If the forecasting method considers cumulative internal damages, then the prediction accuracy is improved, but the calculation complexity increases due to multiple parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the complex problem of predicting internal tire fatigue into a manageable calculation by changing parameters to measurable quantities. Instead of directly measuring difficult-to-obtain internal stress and strain data, the system uses easily measurable parameters (load force, track roughness, temperature) as inputs to a fatigue model, thereby achieving high prediction accuracy without requiring complex measurement systems
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for forecasting a lifespan of a tire installed on a vehicle, the method comprising: - repeatedly determining (by device 30) a value of a first quantity, optionally based on information provided by Sensors S1, S2, S3, S4, the first quantity being a measure for a load imposed by the vehicle onto the tire installed on the vehicle; - transmitting the determined values of the first quantity to a forecasting device 32; and - using the forecasting device (32), calculating a forecasted lifespan of the tire based on the determined values of the first quantity.