Tire Tread Thickness Measurement Using Electromagnetic Time-of-Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire measurement devices using capacitive or inductive sensors require high calibration efforts and are complex, especially when measuring the entire tread length and determining the degree of wear, which is associated with tire material loss during operation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a contact sensor that detects direct physical contact and uses the propagation time of electromagnetic waves to determine the tread thickness of the tire, eliminating the need for calibration and allowing for simpler, efficient measurements by rolling the tire over the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capacitive or inductive sensors are used for tire measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but calibration effort and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces capacitive or inductive sensors with a mechanical contact sensor that directly touches the tire tread. This mechanical approach eliminates the need for complex electromagnetic field calibration while providing direct physical measurement of tread thickness. The contact sensor works in conjunction with a runtime method using electromagnetic waves to determine the distance from the measuring component to the tire's electromagnetically reflecting component, giving the actual tread thickness without calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a contact sensor as an intermediary element that physically contacts the tire tread to detect direct physical contact. This intermediary translates the complex electromagnetic measurement problem into a simple mechanical contact detection, which then triggers the runtime method to calculate tread thickness based on electromagnetic wave propagation time, avoiding the need for sensor calibration.
2Measurement precision
If the entire tread length is measured to determine wear degree, then comprehensive wear assessment is achieved, but measurement complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tire measurement task into discrete measurement points along the tread circumference. The contact sensor detects direct physical contact at specific positions, and the runtime method calculates tread thickness at each point. By measuring at multiple segmented positions around the tire, comprehensive wear assessment is achieved without requiring continuous measurement of the entire tread length, reducing measurement time while maintaining accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If a defined distance between tire and device is required for measurement, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a contact sensor that automatically detects when direct physical contact with the tire tread is made. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for operators to manually set or maintain a defined distance between the tire and measuring device. The contact sensor autonomously determines the correct measurement position through physical contact, and the runtime method calculates the actual distance based on electromagnetic wave propagation, ensuring measurement accuracy without operator intervention for distance setting.
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 solution provides a straightforward and technically uncomplicated method for measuring tire wear, reducing calibration requirements and enabling efficient, real-time monitoring of tire tread thickness, facilitating easier maintenance and fleet management.
Implementation Method 1
The emission element (5) is provided for emitting electromagnetic waves (7) in an emission direction (8)
Implementation Method 2
the detection element (6) is provided for detecting the electromagnetic waves (9) after the emitted electromagnetic waves (7) have been reflected on the electromagnetically reflecting component (10)
Implementation Method 3
the contact sensor (12) being set up to transmit a control signal to the control component (11) precisely when, by means of the contact sensor (12), direct physical contact is detected
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for measuring a tire (2) and an electromagnetically reflective component (10) of the tire (2), comprising a measuring component (3), wherein the measuring component (3) is provided for carrying out a time-of-flight method, and comprising an evaluation component (4), wherein the evaluation component (4) is provided for evaluating measured quantities measured by means of the measuring component (3).