Patent Application
20070093972
Tire pressure monitoring systems have been mandated by the U.S. government. A typical tire pressure monitoring system 10 is shown in
Vehicles have become more sophisticated, and it has become increasingly desirable to monitor and provide feedback to the driver regarding the performance of various vehicle systems. In particular, it is desirable to provide more sophisticated monitoring of wear-or replacement-type items in the vehicle. For example, some vehicles now include engine oil life monitoring systems to indicate to the driver the remaining oil life before a required oil and filter change.
What is needed is a system and method capable of monitoring the tires for indicating to the driver, for example, miles remaining before a recommended tire replacement.
A treadwear indicator system includes a processor having an algorithm that monitors various signals to determine the remaining treadwear of the tires. In one example, the treadwear algorithm is a function of pressure and temperature of the tire, mileage on the tire, G forces and load exerted on the tire, and other information. The information relating to a new tire can be input into the processor at the factory and/or by a tire installer when changing tires. An indication of the treadwear is output to a vehicle display, for example.
Other advantages of the present invention can be understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
An example embodiment of a treadwear indicator system 20 is shown in
The processor 22 includes an algorithm 24 that receives the data relating to one or more tires of the vehicle's wheel units. The treadwear algorithm 24 is a function of numerous factors relating to the tire 18. In one example, the processor 22 receives pressure (P) and temperature (T) signals 14 and 16, which affect the treadwear. Additionally, tire information 26 relating to the particular tire in use is relevant, such as the tire's treadwear rating (w), temperature rating (r) and traction rating (x). The tire information 26 is initially input into the processor 22 by the vehicle manufacturer, in one example. Tire information relating to tires installed subsequently can be communicated by a device 30 used by the tire installer through a diagnostic link 28 that communicates with the processor 22, for example.
The treadwear algorithm 24 can also be a function of the mileage (m), which is communicated to the processor 22 from a mileage source 32. The G forces (G) on the tire 18 can also communicated to the processor 22 over a communications bus from an airbag sensor 34, for example. The load or weight (1) 36 placed on the tires 18 by the vehicle may also be input to the processor 22 as data for use by the algorithm 24. Additional information (i) can be sent from various other sources 38 to the processor 22. The treadwear algorithm can then output a treadwear indication, such as remaining wear in miles for one or more of the tires, to a device such as an in-vehicle display 40.
The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/729,786 which was filed on Oct. 24, 2005.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60729786 | Oct 2005 | US |
