Tyre Condition Evaluation System with Staggered Sensor Zones

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire evaluation systems fail to cross-check multiple information sources for vehicle and tire conditions, particularly for large vehicles, where they cannot accurately determine the side of the vehicle during measurement, leading to inadequate maintenance planning.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising two boxes with sensors positioned in a staggered configuration to measure tire characteristics and determine vehicle direction, allowing simultaneous measurement of tire conditions and direction of travel, ensuring accurate data collection regardless of tire size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If two separate rolling benches are used for large vehicles, then measurement coverage is improved, but system complexity and inability to identify vehicle side worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single rolling bench is segmented into two distinct sensor zones: a first zone with sensors for detecting first characteristics and a second zone with sensors for detecting second characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to handle large vehicles effectively while maintaining a unified structure that can identify which side of the vehicle is being measured.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a spatial dimension by positioning the two sensor zones at different locations along the rolling bench, with their projections defining a line not orthogonal to the direction of travel. This dimensional arrangement enables the system to determine vehicle side based on the sequence and location of sensor activations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If sensors are positioned to measure multiple characteristics, then measurement comprehensiveness is improved, but ability to determine vehicle direction worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement comprehensivenessVSAvoiddirection detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different sensor zones are assigned different measurement functions: the first zone measures first characteristics while the second zone measures second characteristics. Each zone has specialized sensors optimized for its specific measurement task, yet both contribute to overall direction determination through their spatial and temporal activation patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The control electronics receive signals from both sensor zones and use the sequence of activations, combined with known sensor positioning information, to determine the direction of travel. This feedback mechanism allows the system to process multiple measurement streams and extract directional information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If a single rolling bench is used, then system simplicity is improved, but measurement accuracy for large vehicles worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rolling bench is divided into functionally distinct zones with different sensor types and measurement objectives. This segmentation enables accurate measurement of large vehicles by capturing multiple characteristics across different spatial locations while maintaining a single integrated platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single rolling bench is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously through its segmented sensor zones. It can measure various tire characteristics (wear, pressure, temperature) and determine vehicle direction, making it a universal measurement platform suitable for all vehicle sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 comprehensive and accurate evaluation of tire conditions and direction of travel in a single pass, ensuring effective maintenance planning for vehicles of all sizes, including large goods vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

an eddy current wear sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy current: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 2

a variable reluctance wear sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVariable reluctance: Magnetic Reluctance

Implementation Method 3

a laser-based optical wear sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser-based optical detection: LIDAR

Implementation Method 4

a pressure or local load sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 5

The arrival of a tire on the housing causes an increase in fluid pressure within the cavity, which is detected by the pressure sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure increase: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 6

an accelerometer or any type of sensor sensitive to vibrations or shocks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Implementation Method 7

a magnetometer or any type of sensor sensitive to the variation of the Earth's magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field variation: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3234542B1System for evaluating the condition of a tyre, equipped with a device for detecting the direction of travel
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)
  • EP3234542B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1d
  • EP3234542B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3234542B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for evaluating the condition of a tyre, said system comprising a first casing which is positioned on the ground. The system comprises: a first sensor installed in the casing and intended to measure a first characteristic of a tyre travelling over the casing; and a second sensor installed in the casing and intended to measure a second characteristic of a tyre travelling over the casing, said first and second sensors being positioned such that the instants at which a vehicle travels over the casing at each of the sensors are different. The system also comprises an electronic control unit including means for determining the direction of travel of the vehicle on the casing according to the positions of each of the sensors in the casing and the instants at which a vehicle travels over each of the sensors.