Wheel State Variable Determination via Vehicle-Wheel Sensor Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for determining tire or wheel state variables, such as wheel load, are limited by short device lifespan due to battery life and legal transmission intervals, leading to indirect and inaccurate measurements.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that continuously measure physical wheel state variables on the vehicle side, with intermittent direct measurements from the wheel side, using existing vehicle control units to correct and refine data for precise determination of wheel state variables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wheel-side measuring devices are used to directly measure tire or wheel condition variables, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel state variable determination accuracyVSAvoidadditional measuring devices on wheel
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines vehicle-side control units (ABS, ESP, driving stability control) that already exist in the vehicle with wheel-side sensors to create an integrated measurement system. This merging approach allows direct wheel measurement capability without adding completely new complex devices, as existing control units are utilized for data processing and transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Existing vehicle control units serve multiple functions: they control braking systems, stability control, and simultaneously process wheel condition data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated separate measurement devices, lowering overall system complexity while maintaining precise measurement capabilities.

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

2Productivity

If wheel-side measuring devices transmit data frequently to improve continuous monitoring, then productivity is improved, but use of energy deteriorates due to battery consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidbattery energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic data transmission where wheel-side sensors measure continuously but transmit data at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This periodic transmission mode maintains monitoring capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission, allowing battery-powered wheel devices to operate for extended periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If data transmission interval is increased to save energy and reduce complexity, then loss of information worsens due to inability to capture dynamic changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery energy savingVSAvoiddynamic wheel condition changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where vehicle-side control units continuously receive and process wheel condition data at predetermined intervals. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain up-to-date information about wheel state by systematically collecting and evaluating data periodically, ensuring dynamic changes are captured while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Device complexity

If indirect measurement methods are used to avoid additional wheel-side devices, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of additional componentsVSAvoidtire or wheel condition variable accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges indirect vehicle-side measurements with direct wheel-side sensor data. Vehicle-side control units continue to use indirect measurement methods (reducing complexity) while simultaneously receiving direct measurement data from wheel-side sensors (improving precision). The combination of both approaches allows the system to maintain low complexity while achieving high measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2389297B1Method and device for continuously determining wheel state variables of a wheel
Publication Date: 2017.09.06 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP2389297B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2389297B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2389297B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In order to more accurately determine wheel state variables of a wheel, physical variables of the wheels are continuously measured and evaluated on the vehicle side. In addition, physical variables of the wheel are intermittently measured on the wheel side. The variables measured on the wheel side or the evaluated measurement results thereof are used to correct the variables measured on the vehicle side and/or the determined wheel state variables.