Wheel-Integrated Sensing for Real-Time Alignment and Tire Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle monitoring systems do not effectively monitor driving characteristics such as wheel alignment, tire wear, and traction, which are crucial for vehicle performance and safety, as they primarily focus on static component health rather than dynamic wheel conditions during motion.
Innovation Solution
Integration of wheel-integrated monitoring devices into vehicle wheels, equipped with IMUs, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and transceivers, which measure and transmit real-time data on wheel rotation, orientation, and alignment, enabling a controller to assess and adjust driving characteristics for improved efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensors are used to monitor engine and electronic components, then component health can be detected, but driving characteristics such as wheel alignment and tire wear cannot be monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into wheel-integrated devices that attach to individual tires, each containing specific sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) to measure driving characteristics. This segmentation allows targeted collection of wheel alignment and tire wear data that traditional centralized sensors cannot capture.
Solution Approach 2:
Wheel-integrated monitoring devices serve as intermediary elements between the tires and the central controller. These devices collect data from multiple sensor types and transmit processed information about driving characteristics to the controller, enabling comprehensive monitoring without requiring direct integration of complex sensor arrays in the vehicle chassis.
2Reliability
If wheel-integrated monitoring devices with multiple sensors are installed, then real-time driving characteristics can be measured, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel-integrated monitoring device is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: it contains accelerometers for vibration analysis, gyroscopes for orientation measurement, magnetometers for alignment detection, and transceivers for communication. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensor types (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) and communication capabilities are merged into a single wheel-integrated monitoring device. This consolidation reduces the overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each measurement type, while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of wheel orientation and rotation is performed, then tire wear and alignment can be assessed, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system employs periodic measurement cycles where sensors collect data at intervals rather than continuously. The controller processes data periodically to assess wheel orientation and tire wear, reducing power consumption while maintaining measurement precision through strategic sampling at critical moments in the wheel rotation cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel-integrated monitoring device leverages the natural rotation of the wheel to perform self-service measurements. As the wheel rotates, the sensors automatically capture orientation and vibration data without requiring active triggering or continuous power-intensive operations, enabling passive data collection during normal vehicle operation.
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 system provides real-time alerts and dynamic adjustments to improve tire life, reduce wear, enhance traction, and optimize vehicle performance by continuously monitoring and responding to driving conditions, offering a more accurate assessment of wheel alignment and tire health compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The wheel-integrated monitoring device includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that measures acceleration, orientation, and angular rates
Implementation Method 2
an accelerometer that measures acceleration
Implementation Method 3
a gyroscope that measures angular velocity and orientation
Implementation Method 4
a transceiver that wirelessly transmits the measured data to the controller
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle monitoring system includes a controller and one or more wheel-integrated monitoring devices that are each disposed between a wheel of a vehicle and a tire that is mounted to that wheel. The wheel-integrated monitoring device has multiple sensors, a transceiver, and a power unit. The sensors generate different measurements during each rotation of the wheel. The transceiver wirelessly transmits the different measurements to the controller. The power unit provides power to the sensors and the transceiver. The controller analyzes the measurements and generates alerts on a dashboard or console in response to the measurements revealing wheel alignment, tire tread, and/or other driving characteristics that differ from manufacturer specifications by more than a threshold amount or that present safety hazards to the driver.