Wheel Tread Depth Detection Using Moving Distance and Turn Count
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining wheel tread depth are inaccurate, leading to missed opportunities for timely tire replacement, which can result in safety issues and increased risk of tire punctures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first detector for measuring the moving distance of a vehicle and a second detector for counting wheel turns, with a processor that calculates the current wheel diameter and determines pattern parameters, such as tread depth, using reference values and correction parameters based on vehicle events and tire pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods (naked eye estimation or direct measurement) are used to determine wheel tread depth, then the operation is simple and quick, but the measurement precision is insufficient leading to inaccurate tread depth determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement methods with an indirect calculation approach. Instead of physically measuring tread depth with gauges, the system uses detectors to measure moving distance and wheel turns, then calculates the current wheel diameter (which reflects tread depth) through mathematical relationships. This substitution of mechanical measurement with sensor-based detection and calculation resolves the contradiction by achieving high precision without complex mechanical measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate parameters (moving distance and wheel turns) as mediators to indirectly determine tread depth. Rather than measuring tread depth directly, the system measures these intermediate quantities that are easier to detect accurately, then uses them to calculate the current wheel diameter. This intermediary approach enables precise tread depth determination while avoiding the complexity of direct measurement systems.
2Measurement precision
If accurate wheel tread depth detection is implemented using moving distance and wheel turns, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional detectors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the detection system multi-functional by using the same detectors (for moving distance and wheel turns) for multiple purposes: calculating current wheel diameter, determining tread depth, and monitoring vehicle operation. This universality allows the system to achieve accurate tread depth measurement while avoiding the need for dedicated specialized detectors, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the enhanced measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing motion data (moving distance and wheel turns) to automatically calculate and monitor tread depth without requiring separate manual measurement operations. The processor continuously computes the current wheel diameter from the detected parameters, enabling the system to self-monitor tread depth using data already being collected for other vehicle operations, thus avoiding additional complex detection hardware.
3Reliability
If conventional tread depth checking is neglected, then the operation is simple and quick, but the reliability of tire safety is compromised leading to missed replacement timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automatic monitoring of wheel tread depth by continuously detecting moving distance and wheel turns, then continuously calculating the current wheel diameter. This continuous automatic detection replaces intermittent manual checking, ensuring reliable tire safety monitoring without requiring driver intervention. The system operates continuously using existing vehicle motion data, making safety monitoring as convenient as normal vehicle operation while significantly improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the processor continuously calculates current wheel diameter from detected moving distance and wheel turns, compares it with the standard wheel diameter, and determines tread depth status. This feedback mechanism automatically provides safety information to the driver, ensuring reliable tire monitoring without requiring the driver to perform manual checks, thus improving both reliability and ease of operation simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a system and a computer-readable medium for detecting a wheel tread depth include a first detector, a second detector and a processor. The first detector is configured to detect a moving distance of a vehicle moved by at least one wheel. The second detector is configured to detect a number of tunes of the wheel while the vehicle moves the moving distance. The processor is electrically connected to the first detector and the second detector. The processor is configured to compute a current diameter of the wheel according to the moving distance and the number of tunes of the wheel and determine a parameter of the tread pattern of the wheel according to the current diameter of the wheel and a reference value.