The Smart Strain Sensor developed by Bridgestone gathers tyre wear and load information, even at low speeds.
Bridgestone Corporation issued a statement about the development of a new technology for autonomous vehicles. The new tech uses sensors specially developed by Bridgestone that are able to estimate the wheel axle load and tyre wear condition real time. These sensors are attached inside the tyres and can measure the changes in tyre strain that occur when a moving tyre makes contact with the road. This technology is unique to Bridgestone and the first of its kind in the world.
The Smart Strain Sensor as Bridgestone calls it, uses the next generation IOT( Internet of Things) technology. The Smart Strain Sensor not only tracks the tyre pressure and temperature but also measures the dynamic change in strain that occurs when a tire is in use. A proprietary algorithm developed by Bridgestone is utilised to convert this data gathered by the Smart Strain Sensor into tire load and wear information, which is then collected and sent to the cloud.
The previous sensing technology used by Bridgestone used accelerometers, which require a certain amount of speed to acquire data. The new Smart Strain Sensor technology, however, can function independently without being dependent on the speed of the vehicle for information. The sensor is thus able to acquire highly reliable data at extremely low speeds, an extremely important feature as autonomous vehicles will be expected to operate at slow speeds in order to reduce operational risk.
Furthermore, the proprietary algorithm contributes to substantial improvements in the battery lifespan of the Smart Strain Sensor, which is critically important for practical implementation.
Figure 1 
Figure 2
'Figure 2' shows the strain on the tyre along the contact patch and the sensors are strategically placed in close proximity along this contact patch to record the waveform-data changes. The waveform-data changes according to the load carried by the tire and the degree of wear. The sensors are extremely efficient in tracking several tyre variables to produce information regarding the tire tread wear on the specific vehicle.
Also Read : Pirelli Tyres Cherry-Picked For Aston Martin’s DBX SUV
Bridgestone suggested that the technology developed by them can potentially revolutionize automotive safety by detecting a potential tire-related issue before it gets out of hand. Bridgestone also expects that this technology will help improve fleet productivity by providing valuable information to the driver that can help him maintain his tyres better.
About Bridgestone: Bridgestone car tyres are reckoned for their high-class performance, high-end reliability and best in class safety. Established in 1931, the company is headquartered in Kyobashi, Tokyo and deals in vehicle tyres, automotive parts, electronic materials as well as industrial rubber products. The name Bridgestone essentially came from a calque translation of Ishibashi that meant “stone bridge” in the Japanese language. Quality has always been a matter of prime concern at Bridgestone. The company scores well in terms of reliability and authenticity. With the use of state-of-the-art technology, Bridgestone is chosen as one of the preferred OEM suppliers to major car manufacturers in India.
