Tyre sensor to warn drivers of dangerous conditions
Researchers from Germany and Luxembourg have designed a new sensor for tyres that could warn drivers of dangerous driving conditions or risks due to poor tyre maintenance. The TYRESENSE sensor was developed under EUREKA, a pan-European, intergovernmental initiative that has been supporting industrial, market-oriented research since 1985. The European Union is a member of EUREKA, along with 37 European countries. What makes the sensor so interesting is that it can detect and monitor real-time tyre performance, including friction between the tyre and icy roads. While road conditions can lead to accidents, so can poorly maintained tyres. When in good condition, tyres improve steering, stopping, traction and load-carrying capability. And yet, studies suggest that only one car owner in seven checks their tyre pressure once a month. 'The importance of checking your tyres cannot be overstated,' says Eckhard Quandt of the Centre of Advanced European Studies and Research in Germany. 'Remember, tyres are the only contact between your vehicle and the road. Not only are under-inflated tyres more prone to damage and failure, having potentially serious consequences in terms of safety, but they can also lead to higher fuel costs.' One way in which safety would be increased is the detection of the 'slip position', when a tyre loses its grip and begins to slide on a road. 'This means we could warn drivers to slow down under dangerous conditions. In other words, we hope to introduce a powerful new tool for enhancing active vehicle safety,' says Dr Quandt. In addition, using the sensor would lengthen the lifetime of tyres, going some way towards reducing the environment footprint made by road transport, and lowering maintenance costs. The project partners believe that the sensor will be much in demand, and predict an initial market of 186 million tyres in Europe. Further research could also see the technology adapted for use in other applications, such as measuring torque and stress on rotating shafts, engines or turbines, or measuring pressure in chemical plants.
Countries
Germany, Luxembourg