Wheel Speed Detection for Automated Wheel Bolt Re-Torque Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems lack an automatic mechanism to remind drivers to re-torque wheel bolts after a change, relying on manual tracking which is error-prone and potentially hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses wheel speed signals to determine current wheel properties, compares them with calibrated properties from previous calibration phases, and triggers a re-torque signal based on predetermined distance and time since the last wheel change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual tracking of wheel changes is used, then the driver can remember when to re-torque, but the system complexity remains low while reliability deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects wheel changes using sensor data from existing vehicle systems (wheel speed sensors, tire pressure monitoring) and self-manages the re-torque reminder functionality without requiring manual driver input or intervention, thereby improving reliability while maintaining simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors wheel properties, compares them against calibrated baseline values, and provides feedback to the driver through automated reminders when re-torque is needed, creating a closed-loop system that improves reliability through automatic detection and notification
2Reliability
If no automatic reminder system is implemented, then the system complexity remains low, but the driver may forget to re-torque causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing vehicle sensors and processing units to automatically perform wheel change detection and re-torque reminder functions without adding significant system complexity, while substantially improving driving safety through automated monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages existing multi-functional vehicle systems (tire pressure monitoring, wheel speed sensing, onboard processing) to perform the additional function of re-torque reminders, thereby improving safety without proportionally increasing system complexity
3Ease of operation
If the driver manually keeps track of wheel changes, then no additional system is needed, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the burden of manual tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs all wheel change tracking operations using sensor data and processing algorithms, completely eliminating the manual tracking burden on the driver while adding only minimal system complexity through software implementation
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual mechanical/cognitive tracking process with an automated electronic monitoring system that uses sensor data processing and algorithmic comparison to detect wheel changes and generate reminders, significantly improving ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method, a system and a computer program product for triggering output of a re-torque signal indicative of a recommendation to fasten bolts of at least one wheel. The method comprises receiving at least wheel speed signals of the at least one wheel of a vehicle, determining, on the basis of the wheel speed signals, first current wheel properties of the at least one wheel, retrieving, from a storage device, calibrated wheel properties of the at least one wheel determined over at least two calibration phases, the at least two calibration phases being separated by at least one first wheel change of the wheel and determining whether the wheel has undergone a second wheel change by comparing the first current wheel properties with the calibrated wheel properties of at least a latest calibration phase. In response to determining that the second wheel change of the wheel has occurred, the method comprises triggering output of the re-torque signal based on a predetermined distance and/or a predetermined time since the determined second wheel change.