Tyre Tread and Pressure Assessment via Lateral Force Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing tyre tread quality and pressure are time-consuming and invasive, often leading to air loss and inadequate detection of tread characteristics, especially in wet conditions, which poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A system using lateral sensors with high-resolution force sensing elements that capture tyre pressure and tread coverage data as the vehicle moves, allowing for accurate calculation of tyre pressure and tread quality by analyzing contact points and patterns across the tyre footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection of tyre tread is performed, then tyre tread quality can be assessed, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical scanning system. A camera captures images of the tyre tread as the vehicle moves, and image processing algorithms automatically analyze tread depth and patterns, eliminating the need for manual measurement tools and significantly reducing inspection time while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service tyre inspection through automated image capture and analysis. The tyre itself serves as the object being inspected without requiring external manual intervention - the vehicle's movement automatically feeds the tyre into the scanning system, and the processed images provide immediate assessment results.
2Measurement precision
If tyre pressure is measured by connecting a gauge to each tyre valve, then pressure readings can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and results in air loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gauge connection method with a non-contact optical measurement system. The same imaging system that captures tread information also detects tyre pressure by analyzing the tyre's deformation patterns and contact patch characteristics in the captured images, eliminating the need for physical gauge attachment and preventing air loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system serves multiple functions simultaneously - it assesses both tyre tread quality and tyre pressure without requiring separate measurement devices. The single camera system analyzes different features of the captured images to derive both tread depth information and pressure indicators, improving efficiency and eliminating the need for multiple inspection steps.
3Reliability
If conventional tyre inspection methods are used, then basic tread and pressure checks can be performed, but tread characteristics in wet conditions are not adequately detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical imaging to detect tread characteristics that are invisible or difficult to assess with manual methods. The high-resolution images capture subtle tread patterns, wear variations, and surface features that indicate tyre performance in wet conditions, providing reliable safety assessment through non-contact visual analysis rather than mechanical measurement.
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
This system provides efficient, non-invasive assessment of tyre tread quality and pressure, enabling safer vehicle operation by accurately determining tread coverage and pressure, even in wet conditions, and calculating vehicle weight with improved accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an array of individual force sensing elements which provide outputs related to contact pressure at points on the tyre as it passes over the lateral sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for assessing the tread on a vehicle tyre, measuring tyre pressure and calculating other parameters such as vehicle weight. The vehicle is driven in a longitudinal direction so that the tyre passes over a first lateral sensor (6) that extends across the footprint of the tyre, the first sensor comprising an array of individual force sensing elements (11), which provide outputs indicative of tyre pressure at points across the footprint of the tyre. The sensing elements are sampled at intervals as the tyre moves over them, so as to build up data relating to the entire footprint of the tyre. The sensing elements are of relatively high resolution to detect areas within the tyre footprint where there is tread cut into the tyre, so that the extent of tread coverage can be assessed. Tyre pressure is also determined. The tyre then passes over a series of second lateral sensors (7) spaced at intervals to assess the tyre around its circumference. The second lateral sensors may be of low resolution, with outputs being compared with each other and with a low resolution sensor (T) adjacent the high resolution sensor to assess whether there is a difference in tyre tread quality at different positions around the tyre circumference. At least one lateral sensor may be provided with resilient portions that extend into tyre tread portions. These will engage the base of a tread portion that is below a predetermined minimum tread depth, so as to increase the area of contact and provide an indication of insufficient tread depth.