Tire Friction Estimation via Network Node Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to accurately evaluate tire friction performance in real-life conditions, leading to inadequate road friction, especially in winter and varying weather conditions, due to misleading perceptions of tire quality and inadequate tire replacement practices.
Innovation Solution
A network node and communication unit system that continuously collects and compares tire-to-road friction values and Vehicle State Parameters (VSPs) from vehicles, determining comparative friction performance by accounting for geographical location and time, allowing for a ranking of tire friction performance among vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tire friction performance is estimated using traditional methods (e.g., empirical tests, service surveys), then tire quality data can be collected, but the estimation does not reflect real-life conditions and road friction performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously collects actual tire-to-road friction values from vehicles in real-life conditions and feeds this information back to estimate tire friction performance. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic updating of tire quality assessments based on actual performance data rather than static empirical tests
Solution Approach 2:
Vehicles themselves generate and provide the measurement data through their normal operation. The tire friction values are obtained from vehicles during actual driving, allowing the system to self-assess tire performance in real-life conditions without requiring separate test procedures
2Device complexity
If tire friction values are compared without considering geographical location and time, then comparison can be made simply, but road condition variations cause inaccurate tire quality assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The system evaluates tire friction performance locally by comparing vehicles at the same geographical location and time. This local comparison approach accounts for specific road conditions (ice, snow, wet, dry) affecting each vehicle, ensuring accurate tire quality assessment without requiring complex global normalization
Solution Approach 2:
The comparison process is segmented into multiple independent steps: collecting friction values with location/time data, filtering for comparable conditions, performing local comparisons, and aggregating results. This segmentation maintains system simplicity while improving assessment accuracy
3Duration of action of stationary object
If drivers use all-weather tires for year-round use, then tire replacement frequency is reduced, but friction performance is insufficient in specific seasonal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback to drivers about their tire's friction performance relative to others in similar conditions. This feedback enables drivers to understand when their all-weather tires are no longer providing sufficient performance, prompting timely replacement or seasonal tire changes
Solution Approach 2:
The network node acts as an intermediary that processes raw friction data and translates it into meaningful performance assessments. This intermediary provides drivers with actionable information about tire condition without requiring drivers to directly interpret complex measurement data
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a network node for estimating a relative tire friction performance of a number of vehicles is disclosed. The network node and a communication unit may be located in each vehicle and may be part of a communications network. The method may include receiving continuously tire-to-road friction values and corresponding VSPs (Vehicle State Parameters) from each communication unit. Each VSP may include the geographical location and time at which tire-to-road friction value is measured. The method may further include determining that a tire-to-road friction value of a first vehicle is comparative to the tire-to-road friction value of a second vehicle. The method may also include comparing the tire-to-road friction value of the first vehicle to the tire-to-road friction value of the second vehicle, and determining a ranking of the relative tire friction performance of the first vehicle in relation to the second vehicle based on the comparison.