Abstract: Systems and methods of determining tire load from measured tire parameters include using a piezoelectric based sensor to obtain one or more contact patch parameters (e.g., contact patch entry time, contact patch exit time total contact patch time and contact patch angle) and one or more additional sensors to obtain tire pressure. Selected contact patch parameter measurements and pressure values are then compared with known combinations of contact patch parameter values and pressure values stored in a look-up table. A corresponding determined tire load value is then provided as electronic output.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the contact patch parameters of a tire while rolling on deformable surfaces, such as during a hydroplaning event, are provided. More particularly, a piezoelectric sensor configured to provide a piezoelectric sensor output signal indicative of the time-varying curvature of a rolling tire can be mounted in a tire. The piezoelectric sensor output signal can be analyzed to detect a signal perturbation corresponding to the hydroplaning event. One or more characteristics of the contact patch during the hydroplaning event can be analyzed based on the signal perturbation. For instance, a parameter indicative of the shape of the contact patch during the hydroplaning event can be assessed based on the signal perturbation.

Abstract: A conductive terminal structure for a piezoelectric device used as part of a tire mountable apparatus is provided. Unlike known electrical connection structures which include a plurality of conductive terminals that are all exposed through a single insulating layer of the piezoelectric device, such as a top layer of the piezoelectric device, the electrical connection structure can be arranged in a one up, one down configuration. In this configuration, at least one conductive terminal is exposed through a top insulating layer of the piezoelectric device. In addition, at least one conductive terminal of a piezoelectric component is exposed through a bottom insulating layer of the piezoelectric device. The electrical connection structure can be used in combination with a connector assembly design to preserve the integrity of the electrical connection between the electrical and mechanical connection structure and a printed circuit board.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring parameters of a tire using a piezoelectric device is provided. The piezoelectric device is mounted as part of a tire mountable apparatus with a circumferential orientation in a tire such that that the direction defined by length of the piezoelectric device is generally aligned with the direction of rotation of the tire. This can lead to increased coupling of the piezoelectric device to changing circumferential tire shape as the piezoelectric device enters and exits the contact patch of the tire while at the same time reducing the coupling of the piezoelectric device to changing lateral tire shape. Contact patch entry and exit times from piezoelectric signals generated by the piezoelectric device can be more readily identified, leading to increased accuracy of tire parameters determined from the contact patch entry and exit times, such as tire revolution count, tire speed, and contact patch angle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the contact patch parameters of a tire while rolling on deformable surfaces, such as during a hydroplaning event, are provided. More particularly, a piezoelectric sensor configured to provide a piezoelectric sensor output signal indicative of the time-varying curvature of a rolling tire can be mounted in a tire. The piezoelectric sensor output signal can be analyzed to detect a signal perturbation corresponding to the hydroplaning event. One or more characteristics of the contact patch during the hydroplaning event can be analyzed based on the signal perturbation. For instance, a parameter indicative of the shape of the contact patch during the hydroplaning event can be assessed based on the signal perturbation.

Abstract: Systems and methods of determining tire uniformity parameters from piezoelectric tire sensor output signals obtained while operating in the counter-deflection zone include establishing a transfer function that relates a tire uniformity parameter to the piezoelectric output signals. Piezoelectric output signals from two or more piezoelectric tire sensors are then monitored to measure the voltage change from each piezoelectric tire sensor while it is operating in the counter-deflection zone. These output signals are correlated, and an actual tire uniformity parameter value is determined by applying the measured and correlated piezoelectric output signal voltage change levels to the established transfer function. Actual tire uniformity values are ultimately provided as electronic output to a user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tire mountable apparatus and method that includes a substrate defining a longitudinal direction, a top surface and a bottom surface. The substrate has a plurality of conductor terminals arranged in a substantially linear relationship. A first support element is located below the bottom surface of the substrate and a second support element is located above the top surface of the substrate. The plurality of conductor terminals are positioned between the first and second support elements. The substrate may be a piezoelectric device having a piezoelectric layer arranged between first and second conductive layers. The plurality of conductor terminals may be arranged in a substantially linear relationship along a line about 80° to about 100° to the longitudinal direction of the substrate, and the longitudinal direction of the substrate being substantially perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the tire.

Abstract: A conductive terminal structure for a piezoelectric device used as part of a tire mountable apparatus is provided. Unlike known electrical connection structures which include a plurality of conductive terminals that are all exposed through a single insulating layer of the piezoelectric device, such as a top layer of the piezoelectric device, the electrical connection structure can be arranged in a one up, one down configuration. In this configuration, at least one conductive terminal is exposed through a top insulating layer of the piezoelectric device. In addition, at least one conductive terminal of a piezoelectric component is exposed through a bottom insulating layer of the piezoelectric device. The electrical connection structure can be used in combination with a connector assembly design to preserve the integrity of the electrical connection between the electrical and mechanical connection structure and a printed circuit board.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tire mountable apparatus and methodology for mounting devices within a tire. In certain embodiments a signal generator may be mounted to the tire to generate signals based on changes in the radius of curvature of a tire. A piezoelectric sandwich and/or a substrate is/are provided having a length and width based at least in part on tire dimensions and positioned in the tire such that the longer length dimension is positioned laterally with respect to the width of the tire. The sandwich and/or substrate is/are sized such that the width dimension provides substantially no response to changes in the circumferential radius of curvature of the tire so that the length dimension defines the primary bending direction while the width dimension provides a strain free mount for associated devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods of determining tire uniformity parameters from piezoelectric tire sensor output signals obtained while operating in the counter-deflection zone include establishing a transfer function that relates a tire uniformity parameter to the piezoelectric output signals. Piezoelectric output signals from two or more piezoelectric tire sensors are then monitored to measure the voltage change from each piezoelectric tire sensor while it is operating in the counter-deflection zone. These output signals are correlated, and an actual tire uniformity parameter value is determined by applying the measured and correlated piezoelectric output signal voltage change levels to the established transfer function. Actual tire uniformity values are ultimately provided as electronic output to a user.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for detecting contact within a monitored area. A piezoelectric sensor is attached to one end of a detector which is positioned for contact by passing items or individuals. The detector may correspond to a plurality of parallel, rubber calendared cables or a strip of polycarbonate resin. Body deformations induced into the detector upon contact travel to the piezoelectric sensor and are detected as strain coupled to the piezoelectric sensor. The apparatus and methodology may be employed to detect vehicular traffic along travel paths, human contact with walls or floors, manufactured product contact with delivery systems or any other physical contact by animate or inanimate objects or individuals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tire mountable apparatus and method that includes a substrate defining a longitudinal direction, a top surface and a bottom surface. The substrate has a plurality of conductor terminals arranged in a substantially linear relationship. A first support element is located below the bottom surface of the substrate and a second support element is located above the top surface of the substrate. The plurality of conductor terminals are positioned between the first and second support elements. The substrate may be a piezoelectric device having a piezoelectric layer arranged between first and second conductive layers. The plurality of conductor terminals may be arranged in a substantially linear relationship along a line about 80° to about 100° to the longitudinal direction of the substrate, and the longitudinal direction of the substrate being substantially perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the tire.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tire mountable apparatus and method that includes a substrate defining a longitudinal direction, a top surface and a bottom surface. The substrate has a plurality of conductor terminals arranged in a substantially linear relationship. A first support element is located below the bottom surface of the substrate and a second support element is located above the top surface of the substrate. The plurality of conductor terminals are positioned between the first and second support elements. The substrate may be a piezoelectric device having a piezoelectric layer arranged between first and second conductive layers. The plurality of conductor terminals may be arranged in a substantially linear relationship along a line about 80° to about 100° to the longitudinal direction of the substrate, and the longitudinal direction of the substrate being substantially perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the tire.

Abstract: A bark deterrent apparatus with an internal vibration sensor. The probeless bark deterrent apparatus uses an internal mechanical vibration sensor that detects vibrations induced in the housing. The probeless bark deterrent apparatus eliminates the external probe used in conventional bark deterrent devices to pick up vibrations at the dog's throat and communicate them to a mechanical vibration sensor to be eliminated while still allowing accurate bark detection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tire mountable apparatus and methodology for mounting devices within a tire. In certain embodiments a signal generator may be mounted to the tire to generate signals based on changes in the radius of curvature of a tire. A piezoelectric sandwich and/or a substrate is/are provided having a length and width based at least in part on tire dimensions and positioned in the tire such that the longer length dimension is positioned laterally with respect to the width of the tire. The sandwich and/or substrate is/are sized such that the width dimension provides substantially no response to changes in the circumferential radius of curvature of the tire so that the length dimension defines the primary bending direction while the width dimension provides a strain free mount for associated devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for tire temperature measurement is disclosed. The apparatus includes a thermocouple having a measurement junction and a pair of first and second conductive leads. The measurement junction is mounted in a passage provided in the tire. The pair of first and second conductive leads extend through the passage in the tire and exit the tire at an interface. A patch is mounted to the tire at the interface. The pair of first and second conductive leads extend from the interface into a passage provided in the patch. The first and second conductive leads are surrounded by the patch at the interface where the first and second conductive leads exit the surface of the tire.

Abstract: Systems and methods of determining tire load from measured tire parameters include using a piezoelectric based sensor to obtain one or more contact patch parameters (e.g., contact patch entry time, contact patch exit time total contact patch time and contact patch angle) and one or more additional sensors to obtain tire pressure. Selected contact patch parameter measurements and pressure values are then compared with known combinations of contact patch parameter values and pressure values stored in a look-up table. A corresponding determined tire load value is then provided as electronic output.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for synchronizing data received at a central location that has been collected at plural remote locations and separately transmitted to the central location. A plurality of remote sensors is provided and configured to be simultaneously triggered to begin a data collection sequence and to subsequently transmit the collected data along with remote sensor identification data and timing information to the central location. Timing information may include a specifically transmitted time reference or may be derived based on successive transmissions from the individual remote sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for minimizing and compensating for cracking in piezoelectric devices so as to maintain long term functionality of the devices. Compensation for cracking is achieved by applying solid conductive electrodes over the entire surface of the piezoelectric device and extending the electrodes beyond the perimeter of the piezoelectric device. In this way electrical connections are maintained even in the presence of cracking. Cracking of the piezoelectric device is limited by minimizing the local bending moment of the piezoelectric device by way of applying insulative support materials that may vary in thickness.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for identifying tire locations associated with a vehicle. Sensed variations in tire related parameters are measured as a vehicle traverses a known or ascertainable travel path. Data accumulated over one or more measurement windows may be analyzed to determine the location of each individual tire associated with a vehicle. Measurements and accumulation of data may be initiated upon detection of a stationary vehicle state exceeding a predetermined time, a predetermined lateral acceleration, and/or a predetermined vehicle speed.