Wireless Tire Wear Indicator Using LC Resonance Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Remote monitoring systems for tire wear face challenges due to leakage issues with wired circuits and interference from metallic components in tires, which affect the sensitivity and reliability of wireless communication.

Innovation Solution

A wireless tire wear indicator system using an LC or LCR resonator with a primary capacitive component configured to wear in conjunction with the tire surface, and a secondary inductive component for interrogation, optimized to improve sensitivity and magnetic coupling by careful placement and design to minimize wear and maintain effective communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a wired measuring circuit is used in the tire, then the measurement capability is achieved, but leakage problems occur due to the need for leak-proof tire structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear measurement capabilityVSAvoidleakage prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired electrical connections with wireless communication technology. The measuring circuit communicates wear data to an external reader via radio frequency signals, eliminating the need for physical wire connections that would compromise the tire's leak-proof structure. This substitution maintains measurement capability while preserving structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the interrogator is positioned close to the circuit for sensitive measurement, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but metallic components in the tire interfere with RF communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement sensitivityVSAvoidRF interference from metal
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces ferrite beads or magnetic shielding materials as intermediary elements between the metallic tire components and the RF communication path. These intermediaries redirect or contain electromagnetic interference from the metal belts and wires, allowing sensitive measurements to proceed without RF degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the capacitive component is placed close to the wearing surface for accurate wear detection, then wear detection accuracy is improved, but the component is affected by wear and environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear detection accuracyVSAvoidcomponent durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensor system into two separate functional components: a capacitive sensor embedded in the tread block that directly contacts the wearing surface for accurate wear detection, and an inductive coil positioned in the inner liner or bead area that remains protected from environmental factors. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while avoiding the drawbacks of combining both functions in a single location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances the sensitivity and reliability of tire wear monitoring by reducing leakage issues and interference from metallic components, allowing for accurate and efficient measurement of tire wear through improved magnetic coupling and communication.

Implementation Method 1

a primary capacitive component (210) configured to wear in conjunction with the tire surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a secondary inductive component (220) for interrogation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductance: Inductor

Implementation Method 3

LC or LCR resonator with a primary capacitive component configured to wear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 4

a secondary inductive component (220) for interrogation, optimized to improve sensitivity and magnetic coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12187080B2Tire with a wireless indicator
Publication Date: 2025.01.07 NOKIAN TYRES
  • US12187080B2 patent drawing
  • US12187080B2 patent drawing
  • US12187080B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A tire is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The tire includes a tread block forming part of a tread of the tire and a circuit having a primary capacitive component. At least a part of the primary capacitive component is arranged a first distance from the tread and inside the tread block and a primary inductive component of which at least a part is arranged a second distance towards the interior of the tire from the tread. The tire includes an interrogator having an electric source, a communication circuit, and a secondary inductive component. The secondary inductive component is arranged on the same side of the tread as the primary inductive component and part of the secondary inductive component is arranged a third distance from the tread, the third distance being greater than the second distance. A method arranges a wear indicator on a tire.