Tire Sensor Load Estimation for Redundant Heavy-Duty Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heavy-duty vehicles face inefficiencies in implementing redundant vehicle control systems due to the cost and space constraints of duplicating components, particularly in autonomous vehicles, necessitating a more efficient and space-saving redundancy solution for sensor systems and control units.
Innovation Solution
A control system utilizing primary and secondary tire sensor systems, where a primary sensor system determines a first load value and a tire sensor control unit determines a second load value, allowing the system to fallback on tire sensor data in case of primary system malfunction, utilizing independent tire sensors like accelerometers, strain gauges, and optical sensors, and employing machine learning algorithms for robust signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two or more separate and independent braking systems are deployed to implement redundancy, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the redundant sensor system into the existing tire structure by integrating sensors directly into the tire rather than using separate independent systems. This allows the vehicle to have redundant load sensing capability while using a single integrated tire system rather than multiple separate braking systems, thereby maintaining reliability through redundancy while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The tire sensor system serves multiple functions: it provides load sensing for braking control redundancy, monitors tire pressure, and detects wheel slip conditions. This multi-functionality allows a single system to provide redundant capabilities across multiple vehicle control functions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function
2Reliability
If two or more separate and independent braking systems are deployed to implement redundancy, then reliability is improved, but space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors are nested within the tire structure itself, with sensor elements embedded in the tire rubber or mounted on the tire inner surface. This nesting approach allows the redundant sensing capabilities to be housed within the existing tire volume without requiring additional external space or separate system components that would occupy valuable vehicle space
3Measurement precision
If traditional sensor systems are used for load estimation, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical load sensing systems with electronic sensors integrated into the tire. Instead of using mechanical linkages, suspension system sensors, or complex force measurement devices, the invention uses electronic strain gauges, pressure sensors, or other electronic sensing elements embedded in the tire to measure load, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically reducing mechanical complexity
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
Provides reliable and cost-effective redundant vehicle control by leveraging tire sensors for load estimation and wheel slip determination, ensuring stable vehicle operation even in primary system failures, without occupying valuable vehicle space.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more tire sensor devices comprises any of; an accelerometer, a strain gauge, and an optical sensor
Implementation Method 2
The one or more tire sensor devices comprises any of; an accelerometer, a strain gauge, and an optical sensor
Implementation Method 3
The one or more tire sensor devices comprises any of; an accelerometer, a strain gauge, and an optical sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for controlling one or more torque generating devices on a heavy-duty vehicle comprising a primary sensor system with a primary sensor control unit configured to interpret an output signal of the primary sensor system, wherein the primary sensor control unit is configured to determine a first load value associated with the heavy-duty vehicle, and one or more tire sensor devices mounted on one or more tires of the heavy-duty vehicle, and a tire sensor control unit configured to interpret an output signal of the one or more tire sensor devices, wherein the tire sensor control unit is configured to determine a second load value associated with the heavy-duty vehicle, wherein the control system is arranged to base control of the heavy-duty vehicle on the second load value in case of malfunction in the primary sensor system and/or in the primary sensor control unit.