Reusable Tire Patch Sensor for Thickness Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire measurement technologies are not reusable, are specific to treaded tires, and require visual inspection, posing risks in treadless applications and failing to provide timely maintenance alerts for tire thickness wear.
Innovation Solution
A reusable patch with embedded sensors that measure tire thickness by emitting and sensing ultrasonic signals, providing data on tire wear and safety characteristics, and offering visual and audible alerts for potential failures, applicable to both treaded and treadless tires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection methods (tread wear indicators or tread depth gauges) are used to measure tire thickness, then the measurement can be performed on treaded tires, but the method requires manual visual inspection which may be neglected and does not provide timely alerts
Solution Approach 1:
The tire thickness measurement system performs self-service by automatically measuring and monitoring tire thickness without requiring manual inspection. The sensor embedded in the tire continuously measures thickness and the communication means automatically transmits data to the indicator, eliminating the need for operator intervention and ensuring timely detection of wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously measuring tire thickness and providing real-time information to the indicator through communication means. This closed-loop feedback mechanism alerts the operator when tire thickness reaches critical levels, ensuring timely maintenance without requiring manual inspection.
2Measurement precision
If embedded conductive elements or wire loops are used to detect tire wear, then the system can provide automatic detection, but the devices are destroyed or modified during normal operation and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by using a sensor that can be removed and replaced rather than permanently embedded. The sensor is designed to be economical and replaceable, allowing it to be discarded after use and replaced with a new sensor for continued monitoring, thus solving the reusability issue while maintaining automatic detection capability.
3Reliability
If treaded tires with grooves are used to improve wet road contact, then safety is improved, but the tread reduces grip on the road by reducing contact area between rubber and driving surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by monitoring the thickness of the tread material itself rather than relying on the presence of grooves or treads. By measuring the actual thickness of the remaining tire material, the system can detect wear in both treaded and treadless tires, allowing optimization of the tread parameter to achieve the desired balance between wet road safety and road grip.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If a reusable sensor patch is used to measure tire thickness, then the device can be removed and reinstalled on new tires, but the patch must be securable to the inner wall of the tire which adds installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by using a patch that can be flexibly attached to the inner wall of the tire. The patch is designed as a thin, flexible component that can conform to the tire's inner surface and be securely attached without complex manufacturing processes, enabling easy removal and reinstallation on new tires.
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 timely and accurate measurement of tire thickness, providing reusable and adaptable solutions for various tire types, enhancing safety by alerting operators to potential failures and facilitating efficient maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor disposed within the patch for generating a signal directed radially outwardly from the tire and sensing a reflection of the signal
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable patch adhesively bondable to the inside of a tire. Disposed within the patch is at least one sensor that generates a radially outwardly directed signal and senses a reflection thereof from the tire's outer surface. Circuitry means is connected to the receiver for receiving data representative of the original and reflected signal and calculating a distance measurement representative of the distance between the sensor and the reflection point. Communication means then transmits the appropriate data to indication means, which triggers an indicator to alert the driver of a tire failure or potential tire failure.