Tyre pressure monitoring systems have become commonplace on all but the most entry-level cars, but Pirelli is set to take the next step in tyre telemetry – a self-powered microchip-based system that reports temperature, pressure and load wirelessly to the car’s computer. The tyre, dubbed the Cyber Tyre (P-Zero pictured), will debut in 2010.
The system involves a piezoelectric power generation system and microchip applied to the inside of the tyre’s carcass. The rolling motion of the tyre generates the electricity the system needs to function, so as long as the car is rolling, the tyre can report its information. The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology underlying the system is well-known and proven, allowing the tyre to store its own production date, site and tyre type, reports The Auto Channel. The hope is that by providing even more information on the tyres’ current conditions, systems like stability control and ABS will be able to function more precisely, helping to improve traction and safety in all situations.
In addition to the temperature and pressure-sensing features, a tri-axial accelerometer is also embedded in the tyres, giving full 3D data to relate the tyre’s angle to the car’s thrust angle, slip angle and the relative friction coefficients of each individual tyre, in extremely fine-grained detail. With such ground-level information being streamed constantly to the car’s computer, it will allow traction control and ABS systems to effectively respond before the driver is even aware of a problem, and even before the computer-controlled systems currently in use.
A similar product is being developed for motorcycles, and will be called the Cyber Tyre Lean. The motorcycle implementation will be delivered to market first, starting in early 2010. Following later on that year, the automotive Cyber Tyre will enter production.
Source: Motor Authority
