Tire Strain Sensor Layout for Weather-Resistant Step Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing step detection methods, such as those using cameras, are susceptible to degradation due to weather and environmental conditions like water and mud splashing, and rely on a specific alignment between the sensor and the step, limiting road surface detection.
Innovation Solution
A step detection device equipped with multiple strain detection elements mounted on the inner surface of a vehicle tire at predetermined intervals, which process detection signals to accurately detect steps regardless of weather or environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera or image processing method is used for step detection, then the detection can be performed remotely without contact, but the detection performance is degraded by weather and environmental conditions such as water and mud splashing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection methods (camera-based) with a mechanical sensing approach using strain detection elements mounted on the tire. This substitution eliminates the harmful effects of weather and environmental conditions on detection performance, as the strain sensors are protected within the tire structure and detect physical deformation directly caused by step contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain detection elements are mounted on the inner circumferential surface of the tire, utilizing the tire itself as a protective shell. This configuration protects the sensors from direct exposure to water, mud, and other environmental factors while still allowing them to detect tire deformation caused by step contact.
2Measurement precision
If a single strain sensor is used for step detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the road surface detection coverage is limited and measurement cannot be performed unless the step and sensor match in position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tire's inner circumferential surface into multiple detection zones by mounting multiple strain detection elements at predetermined intervals. This segmentation allows different portions of the tire to be monitored independently, enabling detection of steps regardless of their position relative to any single sensor and providing comprehensive road surface coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point detection approach to a distributed multi-point detection system arranged circumferentially around the tire. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions ensures that at least one sensor will detect step contact regardless of the step's position, significantly improving adaptability while maintaining 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
The device enables accurate and robust step detection, improving vehicle control performance by preventing sudden changes in vehicle behavior and enhancing safety during automatic driving.
Implementation Method 1
a strain sensor of a tire can detect a load or the like acting on the tire by detecting deformation of the tire
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to obtain a step detection device that can accurately detect a step without being affected by weather, environmental conditions, and the like. A step detection device (2) according to the present invention is a step detection device 2 that detects a step (20) in a case where a tire (10) of a vehicle (100) runs over the step, including: a plurality of strain detection elements (1) disposed on a tire inner circumferential surface of the tire at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction of the tire; and a signal processor (4) that processes detection signals of the plurality of strain detection elements. The signal processor detects the step based on detection signals of two or more adjacent strain detection elements among the plurality of strain detection elements.