Wheel-Tire Force Sensing for Compact Rotating Body State Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire state estimation techniques face challenges such as large device size interfering with vehicle travel and the need for dedicated tires with attached sensors.

Innovation Solution

A simple configuration estimation system with a first sensor disposed between the wheel and tire, outputting a signal based on the pressing force, and a processor that estimates the state of the rotating body by generating section signals from the sensor signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If laser devices are disposed outside the tire to measure camber angle, then measurement capability is achieved, but device size becomes large and interferes with vehicle travel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamber angle measurementVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is nested within the tire structure, specifically disposed between the wheel and the tire, allowing the measurement device to be integrated into the existing tire assembly rather than adding external components. This eliminates the need for large external laser devices while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor acts as an intermediary element between the wheel and tire, measuring pressing force indirectly to infer tire state parameters. This approach allows measurement without direct contact with the tire surface or requiring external optical devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If acceleration sensor is attached to the inner liner portion of the tire, then load estimation is achieved, but a dedicated tire is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload estimationVSAvoidtire compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor disposed between the wheel and tire serves multiple functions: measuring pressing force, estimating load, and potentially monitoring other tire state parameters. This universal measurement approach works with standard tires and wheels without requiring dedicated sensor-integrated tire constructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor is extracted from the tire structure itself and placed in the space between the wheel and tire, eliminating the need to modify the tire construction or attach sensors to the inner liner. This allows use with conventional tires while achieving measurement objectives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If sensor is disposed between wheel and tire, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem configurationVSAvoidstate estimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex external measurement systems with a simple force-sensitive sensor that directly measures pressing force. This mechanical measurement approach is simpler than optical laser systems while maintaining accuracy through direct force measurement between the wheel and tire.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor utilizes the natural pressing force that exists between the wheel and tire during normal operation. The measurement system serves itself by using the operational forces already present in the system, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex measurement apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 accurate estimation of the state of rotating bodies like wheels and tires with a minimal and non-intrusive device configuration, improving estimation accuracy and reducing interference.

Implementation Method 1

a first sensor that can be disposed between a wheel and a tire mounted on the wheel and outputs a first sensor signal in accordance with a pressing force applied by the wheel and the tire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12332141B2Estimation system, estimation method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 TDK CORP

AI summary

An estimation system includes: a first sensor that can be disposed between a wheel and a tire mounted on the wheel and outputs a first sensor signal in accordance with a pressing force applied by the wheel and the tire; and a processor that estimates a state of a rotating body including the wheel and the tire based on the first sensor signal. The processor generates a first section signal by dividing the first sensor signal by a specific section and estimates the state of the rotating body based on the first section signal.