Dynamic Tire Slip Angle Estimation via Vehicle Dynamics Observer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tire monitoring systems cannot effectively measure and communicate tire slip angle data to vehicle control systems, which is crucial for vehicle operation and safety, despite being able to monitor tire pressure and temperature.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic slip angle estimation system that uses vehicle sensors to measure acceleration and yaw rate, combined with load sensors to estimate static tire load, and employs an observer to predict tire axle forces, utilizing direct tire slip angle measurements as feedback for improved estimation accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If direct tire slip angle measurement is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetire slip angle measurementVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an observer system as an intermediary to estimate tire slip angle indirectly through vehicle dynamics parameters (acceleration, yaw rate, tire forces) rather than direct measurement. This mediator approach provides accurate slip angle data without requiring complex direct measurement hardware at each tire.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces potential mechanical/direct sensing methods with a computational estimation system that uses vehicle sensor data and mathematical models. This substitution reduces hardware complexity while maintaining measurement precision through algorithmic calculation of slip angle from observable vehicle parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If dynamic high-frequency slip angle estimation is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing speedVSAvoidestimation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The observer system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it estimates tire slip angle, calculates tire forces, and provides data for vehicle stability control. This multi-functionality increases productivity by providing comprehensive tire and vehicle dynamics information through a single integrated system rather than separate specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The estimation system uses readily available vehicle sensor data (acceleration, yaw rate) and standard vehicle parameters to autonomously calculate slip angle without requiring additional dedicated measurement hardware. The system serves itself by utilizing existing infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high-frequency estimation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If tire slip angle monitoring is added to existing TPMS, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetire monitoring capabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates slip angle estimation into the existing TPMS framework by using the same vehicle sensor inputs (acceleration, yaw rate) already available for other vehicle control functions. This multi-functional approach allows the system to provide tire pressure, temperature, and slip angle monitoring through a unified platform, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines slip angle estimation with existing tire monitoring and vehicle stability control systems by sharing common sensors and computational resources. This merging consolidates multiple functions into a single integrated system, improving versatility while avoiding the complexity of separate independent systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2777999B1Dynamic tire slip angle estimation system and method
Publication Date: 2018.04.18 THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO
  • EP2777999B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2777999B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2777999B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A slip angle estimation system (10) and method for estimating a tire slip angle is disclosed. The system (10) comprises at least one tire (14) supporting a vehicle (12); vehicle sensor means mounted to the vehicle for providing measured vehicle acceleration and yaw rate parameters; static load sensor means mounted to the vehicle tire for providing a tire static load measurement; and tire slip angle estimation means for estimating a tire slip angle from the tire static load measurement, and the vehicle acceleration and yaw rate parameters.