Ground-Mounted Tire Wear Sensor with Presence Trigger

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire wear evaluation systems require constant power supply and have low autonomy, limiting their ability to continuously monitor tire condition without manual intervention.

Innovation Solution

A self-sustaining system that includes a housing on the ground with a presence detection device and a wear detection device using magnetic sensors or piezoelectric elements to measure tire wear without the need for continuous power, activated by the passage of a tire and capable of operating independently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a constant power supply is used to operate the wear detection device, then the measurement precision and reliability are improved, but the loss of energy increases and the autonomy of the system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetire wear measurement precisionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The wear detection device operates periodically rather than continuously. A presence detection device triggers the wear detection device only when a tire is detected, allowing the system to maintain measurement precision while dramatically reducing power consumption and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the tire's own passage to activate the detection mechanism. The presence detection device automatically triggers the wear detection when a tire approaches, eliminating the need for continuous external power supply and manual activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the wear detection device is activated continuously, then the productivity and monitoring efficiency are improved, but the use of energy increases and the autonomy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetire monitoring efficiencyVSAvoidpower supply requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system alternates between active measurement mode and standby mode. The wear detection device is activated periodically only when needed (when a tire is present), maintaining high monitoring efficiency while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The presence detection device operates in advance to detect approaching tires before they reach the wear detection zone. This preliminary detection allows the system to activate the wear detection device at the optimal moment, ensuring no measurement is missed while avoiding continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If the distance between the presence detection device and wear detection device is increased, then the time for activation is sufficient, but the measurement precision may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation response timeVSAvoidtire wear measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The presence detection device is positioned upstream to detect tires in advance, providing sufficient lead time for system activation. This preliminary detection ensures the wear detection device is ready when the tire arrives at the measurement zone, maintaining both response time and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The presence detection device acts as an intermediary between the approaching tire and the wear detection device. It provides the necessary buffer distance and time for system activation without directly affecting the measurement process, thus preserving measurement precision while ensuring adequate response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables continuous, autonomous evaluation of tire wear, improving monitoring efficiency and reducing maintenance needs while ensuring accurate tire condition assessment.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor includes, for example, a static or alternating magnetic field source and an adjacent sensing element. The source may be a coil or a permanent magnet, and the sensing element a sensor whose output signal can, for example, be a function of the local magnetic induction field strength.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

In one embodiment, the sensing element is chosen from the group of Hall effect or magnetoresistive sensors.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 3

In one embodiment, the sensing element is chosen from the group of Hall effect or magnetoresistive sensors.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetoresistive effect: Magnetoresistance

Implementation Method 4

The first tire presence detection device comprises at least one element from the group including: a ferroelectret sensor (PP, CYTOP, etc.), an organic piezoelectric sensor, a piezoelectric cable and/or fiber, a piezoelectric transducer, a piezoelectric bimetallic strip, or a sensor made of an inorganic piezoelectric composite applied to a substrate.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3137871B1System for evaluating the condition of a tyre
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)
  • EP3137871B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3137871B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3137871B1 patent drawingFigure 2c

AI summary

The invention concerns a system for evaluating the condition of a tyre, the system comprising a first housing set on the ground and a wear detection device for detecting the wear of a tyre when the tyre passes over said first housing, the system further comprising - a first device for detecting the presence of a tyre on the first housing, and - electronic means for activating the wear detection device when the presence detection device detects the presence of a tyre.