Recently, Bridgestone Group (referred to as “Bridgestone”) released a new generation of sensor technology, by installing smart strain sensors inside the tires, measuring the changes that occur when the tires are in contact with the road during rotation, and then estimating the wheel axle load and tire wear.
The smart strain sensor technology developed by Bridgestone uses a new generation of Internet of Things (IoT) technology. In addition to tracking tire inflation pressure and temperature, this smart strain sensor can also measure dynamic changes in tire use and adopt a A proprietary algorithm converts data collected by smart strain sensors into tire load and wear information, which is then collected and sent to the cloud.
Bridgestone’s previously released sensing technology is based on measurements made by accelerometers, which require a certain velocity to acquire data. But this latest smart strain sensor technology measures tracking changes without the aid of speed; even at low speeds, the new technology is able to obtain highly reliable data. This technology can effectively solve the limitations of self-driving cars that need to travel at low speeds in order to improve safety. In addition, the proprietary algorithm effectively prolongs the battery life of this smart strain sensor, which is critical for practical applications.
Figure 1: Newly developed smart strain sensor
Figure 2: Schematic diagram of the operation of the smart strain sensor
Figure 2 shows the strain that occurs when the tire is in contact with the road surface. The waveform data in the figure changes according to the load and wear degree of the tire. The technology can identify and track various tire information in real time, thus helping to identify conditions such as tire tread wear.
Provide warnings before potential tire-related risks occur, helping drivers and vehicles to reach their destinations safely. Equipped with this smart strain sensor, vehicle managers can remotely monitor information such as tire pressure in real time, as well as indicators related to load and wear. Bridgestone hopes the technology will help improve the safety of existing vehicles, as well as future self-driving cars, by monitoring tires and predicting maintenance needs before they become problematic.
Bridgestone Tire and Diversified Product Solutions (Bridgestone T&DPaaS) is a solution platform developed to create higher customer value and contribute to social development; by combining its products and services with digital technology Combined, they will build Bridgestone into a company advancing mobility. Looking ahead, Bridgestone will actively utilize information and communication technology (ICT) and other technologies to promote innovation throughout the value chain through business model development, and improve the safety and security of various types of vehicles. At the same time, Bridgestone will also improve the safety and reliability of its tires when used in new forms of mobility, such as autonomous driving.
