Tire Tread Depth Circuit Using Reflected Waveform Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for measuring tire tread depth are either manual, costly, or require complex equipment, and there is a need for a more efficient and cost-effective method for real-time tread depth monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A tire with an embedded electronic circuit that uses two connected conductive portions with equal electrical lengths, except for the difference in height between the tread and the groove, to generate waveform signals for determining tread depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual measurement methods (ruler, handheld gauge) are used, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement efficiency and real-time monitoring capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement tools (rulers, handheld gauges) with an electronic measurement system embedded in the tire. The system uses conductive portions, waveform signal generation, and reflection detection to automatically measure tread depth, eliminating the need for manual intervention while providing real-time monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is self-contained within the tire structure, using embedded conductive portions that work autonomously to generate and detect waveform signals. The system monitors its own tread depth without requiring external measurement devices or manual operation, enabling continuous real-time monitoring.
2Measurement precision
If laser technology or visible spectrum scanning is used, then measurement precision is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical measurement systems (laser technology, visible spectrum scanning) with a simplified electrical measurement approach. By using conductive portions embedded in the tire that generate and detect waveform signals through electrical conduction, the system achieves accurate tread depth measurement without requiring expensive optical equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an electrical analog of the physical tread depth measurement process. Instead of directly measuring physical dimensions with optical tools, the system uses electrical waveform signals that replicate the measurement function, where signal reflection patterns correspond to tread depth variations, providing an indirect but accurate measurement method.
3Productivity
If embedded measurement devices are used, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement functionality directly into the tire structure by embedding conductive portions within the tire layers. The conductive portions are integrated during tire manufacturing, combining the structural and measurement functions into a single unified component, thereby enabling real-time monitoring without adding separate external devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded conductive portions serve multiple functions: they are part of the tire's structural integrity while simultaneously acting as measurement sensors. The same conductive elements that provide electrical connectivity also generate and detect waveform signals for tread depth measurement, reducing the need for additional specialized components.
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
Facilitates efficient and cost-effective tread depth measurement by using waveform signals reflected from the tread and groove, allowing for real-time monitoring and reducing the risk of measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
a first conductive portion embedded in the tire and comprising a first conductive wire portion which extends in the tread
Implementation Method 2
waveform signals reflected from the tread and groove
Data Source
AI summary
A tire comprising an electronic circuit for measuring tread depth of a tread of the tire, wherein a groove is associated with the tread, the electronic circuit comprising a first conductive portion embedded in the tire and comprising a first conductive wire portion which extends in the tread and terminates open at an outer peripheral portion of the tread, a second conductive portion embedded in the tire and comprising a second conductive wire portion which extends in the tire and terminates open at an outer peripheral portion of the groove, and an electronic connection portion, wherein the first and second conductive portions are electrically connected via the electronic connection portion and extend from the electronic connection portion to the outer peripheral portions of the tread and groove, respectively.