Tire Slip Angle Estimation via Sidewall Strain Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire monitoring systems cannot effectively measure and communicate tire slip angle data, which is crucial for vehicle operation and safety, especially for braking and stability control systems.
Innovation Solution
The system employs strain sensors affixed to the inner and outer tire sidewalls to measure sidewall strain, detect peaks, extract linear portions of the signals, fit lines by least squares, and estimate the difference in signal slopes to calculate the tire slip angle, incorporating load estimation from sidewall strain signals for accurate slip angle estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain sensors are mounted on tire sidewalls to measure slip angle, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tire monitoring function is segmented into multiple independent strain sensors mounted on different sidewalls, each measuring local deformation. This allows slip angle measurement through differential comparison of individual sensor readings, improving measurement capability while keeping each sensor unit simple and independent
Solution Approach 2:
Strain sensors serve as intermediary elements that indirectly measure slip angle by detecting sidewall deformation caused by slip conditions. Rather than directly measuring the angle, the sensors detect the mechanical effect of slipping on the tire structure, enabling measurement without direct angular sensing
2Loss of information
If multiple strain sensors are installed on tire sidewalls, then slip angle data becomes available for vehicle control systems, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Strain sensors are installed on tire sidewalls during the tire manufacturing process (either pre-cure or post-cure assembly), rather than as a separate field installation step. This preliminary action integrates the sensing capability into the tire production workflow, ensuring sensor placement accuracy while avoiding complex post-manufacturing installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The strain sensors serve multiple functions: they measure both tire pressure/temperature conditions and slip angle through differential analysis. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensor systems, simplifying the overall manufacturing and integration process while providing comprehensive tire performance data
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 provides accurate tire slip angle estimation, validated through experimental graphs, enabling improved vehicle control and stability by integrating slip angle data into braking and stability systems.
Implementation Method 1
one or more first and second strain sensor(s) affixed to opposite respective first and second tire sidewalls. The sensors measure a tire strain in their respective sidewalls and generate a sidewall strain signal
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A slip angle estimation system and method for estimating a vehicle tire slip angle is disclosed. The system comprise at least one tire (12) supporting a vehicle; first and second strain sensing means (14) affixed to opposite respective first and second tire sidewalls (16) of the tire (12) to operably measure a tire strain in the respective first and second sidewalls (16), wherein the first and the second strain sensing means (14) are configured to each generate a sidewall strain signal indicative of strain present within the respective tire sidewall (14); and a tire slip angle estimation means (20) for calculating a tire slip angle based upon a comparison of sidewall strain signals from the first and the second strain sensing means (14).