A system and method for estimating a tread depth of a tire (12) supporting a vehicle is disclosed. The system (10) includes a sensor unit (30). The sensor unit (30) includes a noncontact time-of-flight sensor (32), the time-of-flight sensor (32) including an emitter (36) for emitting a first pulse (38) to an outer surface (40) of the tread (22), and a lens (44), the lens (44) being configured for capturing the first pulse (38) after it reflects off of the outer surface (40) of the tread (22). The system (10) further includes a processor (76) for measuring a time from emission of the first pulse (38) to capture of the reflected first pulse (42) and for calculating a tread surface distance (56) from the time from emission of the first pulse (38) to capture of the reflected first pulse (42). The emitter (36) is configured for emitting a second pulse to a base (50) of a groove (52) formed in the tread (22). The lens (44) is configured for capturing the second pulse after it reflects off of the base (50) of the groove (52). The processor (76) is configured for measuring a time from emission of the second pulse to capture of the second pulse and for calculating a reference distance (54) from the time from emission of the second pulse to capture of the second pulse. The processor (76) is further configured for determining a depth of the tread (22) from a difference between the tread surface distance (56) and the reference distance (54).
SYSTEM FOR ESTIMATING TIRE TREAD DEPTH
SYSTEM ZUR SCHÄTZUNG DER REIFENPROFILTIEFE
SYSTÈME D'ESTIMATION DE PROFONDEUR DE BANDE DE ROULEMENT DE PNEU
2024-06-26
Patent
Electronic Resource
English