Tire Position Detection via Cleat Waveform Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheel location systems for multi-axle vehicles do not efficiently and automatically determine the position of each tire, which hinders efficient tire pressure management and replacement planning, leading to increased downtime in commercial fleets.
Innovation Solution
The system uses piezoelectric sensors integrated with tires to generate signals as the vehicle passes over a designed array of cleats, allowing for the analysis of tire positions through the analysis of counter-deflection and cleat waveforms, enabling accurate and automatic tire location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional wheel location systems are used, then tire position information can be obtained, but the system is not efficient and automatic, requiring manual intervention and increasing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by having the vehicle pass over cleats before actual tire position determination is needed. The cleats create reference signals in advance that are stored and later used to automatically identify tire positions without manual intervention during maintenance operations, thus reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by using the vehicle's own movement over cleats to generate identification signals. The sensors mounted on tires automatically detect cleat passages and generate waveforms that self-identify tire positions, eliminating the need for external manual positioning systems or human operators.
2Productivity
If tire position information is not automatically determined, then manual methods can be used, but tire pressure management and replacement planning become inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring tire pressure sensors and correlating pressure data with automatically determined tire positions from cleat waveform analysis. This feedback loop enables efficient tire pressure management by providing real-time information about which specific tires need attention, allowing for targeted maintenance planning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical methods of tire position identification with an electronic sensor-based system. Instead of manually tracking or marking tires, the invention uses piezoelectric sensors to detect cleat passages and automatically generate digital position information, significantly improving tire management efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated with tires to detect cleat passages, then automatic tire location determination is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by using multi-functional tire sensors that serve multiple purposes: monitoring tire pressure, detecting cleat passages for position identification, and providing vibration data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated position sensing systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
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
This method allows for precise and automatic identification of tire positions, facilitating efficient tire pressure management and minimizing downtime by enabling timely replacement and maintenance planning.
Implementation Method 1
The use of piezoelectric sensors has been shown to be particularly effective in generating a signal in response to a shape change of the tire.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for identifying tire locations associated with a vehicle. Sensed variations in tire related parameters are measured as a vehicle traverses a known or ascertainable travel path. Data accumulated over one or more measurement windows may be analyzed to determine the location of each individual tire associated with a vehicle. Measurements and accumulation of data may be initiated upon detection of a stationary vehicle state exceeding a predetermined time, a predetermined lateral acceleration, and/or a predetermined vehicle speed.