In-Tire Distributed Optical Fiber (DOF) Sensor for the Load Assessment of Light Vehicles in Static Conditions

Area of Science:

• Automotive Engineering
• Sensor Technology
• Optical Physics

Background:

• Modern vehicles rely on algorithms using wheel speed and environmental data for control and safety.
• Current smart tires primarily feature tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) and temperature sensors.
• In-tire load sensors are under development for next-generation smart tires.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the feasibility of estimating wheel load using an internal optical fiber sensor at any wheel angular position.
• To develop a novel method for continuous wheel load monitoring in vehicles.

Main Methods:

• A static tire was instrumented with an internal optical fiber and an embedded laser.
• Experiments involved applying loads using a hydraulic press (2800-4800 N).
• Wheel load was estimated based on tire deflection and contact patch length evaluations.

Main Results:

• Optical fiber load estimation achieved a relative error of 1% to 3%.
• The accuracy was comparable to an embedded laser sensor.
• Load estimation was independent of the wheel's angular position.

Conclusions:

• An in-tire optical fiber sensor can accurately estimate wheel load across various angular positions.
• This methodology offers a promising approach for continuous wheel load estimation in moving vehicles.
• The developed system can significantly benefit vehicle control and on-board safety systems.