Search Results (14)

This study presents the development and first manufacturing realization of the ECOTIRE concept, a modular and sustainable tire system featuring a removable tread mechanically interlocked with a reusable casing. The concept aims to reduce rubber waste and improve recyclability by eliminating adhesive bonding and enabling tread replacement. Building on previous experimental and numerical studies that validated the interlocking performance, this work focuses on producing a scaled prototype using a low-cost molding process, which can serve as the basis for accessible and sustainable manufacturing. VMQ silicone rubber was selected as an eco-friendly material due to its durability, thermal stability, and processing versatility. A custom two-part aluminum mold was designed to replicate the optimized interlocking geometry, enabling accurate casting, curing, and assembly. The resulting prototype achieved precise fit, dimensional uniformity, and easy disassembly, confirming the manufacturing feasibility of the ECOTIRE concept and demonstrating its potential to support circular economy strategies through reduced material waste and extended tire component lifetimes. Full article

The development of a multifunctional invention requires several refinements for optimizing each function. This study presents a Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ)-based conceptual framework for enhancing an innovative multifunctional assistive technology device that integrates the functionalities of a rollator walker, wheelchair, Pilates chair, and stepladder. The limitations of the multifunctional rollator walker were identified from the user feedback of a foundational work and were then addressed by identifying the engineering and physical contradictions and problem modeling using Su-field analysis. Through TRIZ Inventive Principles, the proposed design eliminates common trade-offs between portability, stability, and usability. The conceptual enhancement incorporates features such as deployable steps, the utilization of high strength–to–weight ratio material, foldability, a passive mechanical brake-locking system, retractable armrests, the incorporation of spring-assist hinges, and the use of large tires with vibration-dampening hubs. This study contributes a novel, user-focused, and space-saving mobility solution that aligns with the evolving demands of assistive technology, laying the groundwork for future iterations involving smart control, power assist, and modular enhancements. Full article

The focus of this article is on the measurement of tire and road wear particles (TRWPs) during vehicle operation. The long-term objective is to determine the sources of particulate matter. Consequently, the development of sustainable tires can be supported in the future by identifying factors influencing the concentration of particulate matter in vehicle-based tire tests. In an initial campaign, a test vehicle was equipped with a total of seven low-cost sensors (LCSs) for measurement campaigns on an isolated outdoor test track. The purpose of this was to evaluate the particle measurements in combination with GNSS data and driving data such as acceleration and speed. The potential observed in the initial investigation led to further investigations with an advanced, interconnectable modular particle and environmental sensor system (iMPES), which was developed in-house. The iMPES records measurement data for PM10 via the PMS7003 and PM100 via the SDS198 at 1 Hz over a period of up to 6 h, using a mobile power supply. The findings of the study indicate a robust characterization of the particle concentrations over the temporal and local course of the campaign drives. The results demonstrate the potential of the method to be part of a methodology to differentiate the particle sources and to derive influencing factors on the particulate matter concentration. The paper proposes a methodology for the mapping and analysis of lap-based data on a normalized route. Consequently, an inquiry into the local and driving-dependent dynamics is conducted, alongside a comparison with driving data. Full article

This paper examines the impact of symmetry and asymmetry on the dynamic modeling and nonlinear control of a mobile robot with Ackermann steering geometry. A neural network-based residual model is incorporated as a novel control enhancement. This study presents a control-oriented formulation that addresses both idealized symmetric dynamics and real-world asymmetric behaviors caused by actuator imperfections, tire slip, and environmental variability. Using the Euler–Lagrange formalism, the robot’s dynamic equations are derived, and a modular simulation framework is implemented in MATLAB/Simulink R2022a, that incorporates distinct steering and propulsion subsystems. Symmetric elements, such as the structure of the inertia matrix and kinematic constraints, are contrasted with asymmetries introduced through actuator lag, unequal tire stiffness, and nonlinear friction. A residual neural network term is introduced to capture unmodeled dynamics and improve the robustness. The simulation results show that the control strategy, originally developed under symmetric assumptions, remains effective when adapted to systems exhibiting asymmetry, such as actuator delays and tire slip. Explicitly modeling these asymmetries enhances the precision of trajectory tracking and the overall system robustness, particularly in scenarios involving varied terrain and obstacle-rich environments. Full article

Intelligent tire technology significantly enhances vehicle performance and driving safety by integrating sensors and electronics within the tire to facilitate the real-time monitoring of tire–road interactions. However, its testing and validation face challenges due to the absence of integrated bench and road testing frameworks. This paper introduces a novel, comprehensive testing system designed to support the full lifecycle development of intelligent tire technologies across both laboratory and real-world driving scenarios, focusing on accelerometer and strain-based sensing. Featuring a modular, distributed architecture, the system integrates an instrumented wheel equipped with multiple embedded tire sensors and a wheel force transducer (WFT), as well as vehicle motion and driving behavior sensors. A robust data acquisition platform based on NI CompactRIO supports multiple-channel high-precision sensing, with sampling rates of up to 50 kHz. The system ensures that data performance aligns with diverse intelligent tire sensing principles, supports a wide range of test parameters, and meets the distinct needs of each development stage. The testing system was applied and validated in a tire vertical load estimation study, which systematically explored and validated estimation methods using multiple accelerometers and PVDF sensors, compared sensor characteristics and estimation performance under different installation positions and sensor types, and culminated in a product-level assessment in road conditions. The experimental results confirmed the higher accuracy of accelerometers in vertical load estimation, validated the developed estimation algorithms and the intelligent tire product, and demonstrated the functionality and performance of the testing system. This work provides a versatile and reliable platform for advancing intelligent tire technologies, supporting both future research and industrial applications. Full article

Tire puncturing is one of the main causes of accidents and/or traffic interruptions, leading to unsafe and unsustainable mobility scenarios. Insert-supporting Run-Flat systems can be a strategic technology to improve tire performance, but further developments are needed to improve system reliability, modularity, and efficiency. A novel Run-Flat system was proposed in the present study to address specific features. The concept was developed by exploiting numerical simulation tools, enabling a comprehensive system assessment. In addition, a technological demonstrator was manufactured employing rapid prototyping techniques based on 3D printing processes. Full article

In this paper, we address the problem of trajectory tracking control of autonomous vehicles by considering the nonlinear characteristics of tires. By considering the influence of the tires’ dynamics on steering stability, the proposed predictive controller can track the desired trajectory and desired velocity in the presence of road curvature while minimizing the lateral tracking deviation. First of all, a hierarchical control structure is adopted, in which the upper-level controller is used to calculate the desired acceleration and the desired front-wheel angle to maintain the control target, and the lower-level controller realized the command through the corresponding component devices. Moreover, a force estimator is designed based on the radial basis function (RBF) neural network to estimate the lateral force of the tires, which is incorporated into the boundary conditions of the vehicle envelope constraint to improve the adaptability of the controller to the vehicle performance. Finally, the proposed controller is tested by co-simulation of CarSim (a simulation software specifically for vehicle dynamics)/Simulink (a modular diagram environment for multidomain simulation as well as model-based design) and hardware-in-loop simulation system. The co-simulation and experimental results demonstrate the controller safely driving at the vehicle’s handling limits and effectively reduce the slip phenomenon of the vehicle. Full article

Monitoring tire condition plays a deterministic role in the overall safety and economy of an automobile. The tire condition monitoring system (TCMS) alerts the driver of the vehicle if the inflation pressure of a particular tire decreases below a specific value. Owing to the high costs involved in realizing this system, most vehicles do not feature this technology as a standard. With highly robust and accurate sensors making their way into an increasing number of applications, obtaining signals of varied types (especially vibration signals) is becoming easier and more modularized. In addition, feature-based machine learning techniques that enable accurate responses to varied input conditions have sought greater scientific attention. However, deep learning is gradually finding greater applications pertaining to condition monitoring. One approach of deep learning is presented in this paper, which instantaneously monitors the vehicle tire condition. For this purpose, vibration signals were obtained through the rotation of the tire under different inflation pressure conditions using a low-cost microelectromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer. Full article

This paper presents the concept of one possible but unconventional implementation of a Low Pressure Tube Transport (LPTT) system for a network with station-to-station distances of 300 km, based on the use of circular tunnels in which modular vehicles consisting of three interconnected functional segments move on wheels with airless tires. The physical limitations associated with high-speed vehicle travel in tunnels are presented. The reasons for the expected inconvenience in the travel system, compensated by short travel times, are justified. Assumptions for the use of locomotion, safety, and passenger segments in the construction of a vacuum modular vehicle are presented, as well as systems to ensure the efficient conversion of serial traffic in tunnels to parallel traffic in station areas. Schemes of station construction and traffic organization in the station area are presented, as well as assumptions for a number of systems increasing the safety of vehicle traffic used in emergency situations. Visualizations of some solutions are presented. Details of the construction of a locomotive segment based on a multi-wheel system of airless wheels with the use of a system of linear motors for acceleration and an inertial drive system between them to reduce its weight are presented. Some conclusions from tests conducted on built simulators, mechanical and virtual, of the passenger segment of a vacuum vehicle are discussed. Full article

The new machine-and-tractor aggregate of a modular type, developed by us, consisting of the power and the technological modules, can significantly increase the efficiency of using the tractor when it is aggregated with a five-body plough. The new design solution for connecting these modules in a horizontal plane through a damper, consisting of a hydraulic cylinder and a throttle, allows significant increasing of the movement stability of this aggregate in a transverse-horizontal plane. To test the efficient operation of the proposed design, as well as to determine the kinematic and design parameters that provide the required level of stable movement of this modular machine-and-tractor aggregate, we carried out theoretical and experimental field investigations. For this, a new mathematical model of plane-parallel movement of the machine-and-tractor aggregate of this type was built. It was found that a change in the operating speed of this aggregate during ploughing from 1.0 to 3.0 m∙s⁻¹ does not lead to a deterioration in the stability of the movement of either the technological or, especially, the power modules. The delay in the reaction of the power module of the machine-and-tractor aggregate of the modular type is practically invariant with respect to the change in the mode of movement of this aggregate within the range 1–3 m∙s⁻¹. It was also found that the values of the tire slip resistance coefficients of the wheels of the power module do not have a noticeable impact upon the development of fluctuations of the disturbing moment. Full article

In the tire industry, the combination of carbon black and silica is commonly utilized to improve the comprehensive performance of natural rubber so as to realize the best performance and cost-effectiveness. The corresponding mixing is divided into three processes (initial mixing, delivery, reactive mixing) by the serial modular continuous mixing method, thus achieving more accurate control of the mixing process, higher production efficiency and better performance. Moreover, the optimization of serial modular continuous mixing process parameters can not only improve the performance of composite materials, but help people understand the physical and chemical changes and the reinforcing mechanism of fillers in the mixing process. In this paper, the relationship among the parameters of eight processes and filler network structure, tensile strength, chemical reinforcing effect and tear resistance was explored through experiments. The deep causes of performance changes caused by parameters were analyzed. Consequently, the best process condition and the ranking of the influencing factors for a certain performance was obtained. Furthermore, the best preparation process of natural rubber (NR)/carbon black/silica composite was achieved through comprehensive analysis. Full article

Since 2017, a research team from the Technical University of Munich has developed a software stack for autonomous driving. The software was used to participate in the Roborace Season Alpha Championship. The championship aims to achieve autonomous race cars competing with different software stacks against each other. In May 2019, during a software test in Modena, Italy, the greatest danger in autonomous driving became reality: A minor change in environmental influences led an extensively tested software to crash into a barrier at speed. Crashes with autonomous vehicles have happened before but a detailed explanation of why software failed and what part of the software was not working correctly is missing in research articles. In this paper we present a general method that can be used to display an autonomous vehicle disengagement to explain in detail what happened. This method is then used to display and explain the crash from Modena. Firstly a brief introduction into the modular software stack that was used in the Modena event, consisting of three individual parts—perception, planning, and control—is given. Furthermore, the circumstances causing the crash are elaborated in detail.By presented and explaining in detail which software part failed and contributed to the crash we can discuss further software improvements. As a result, we present necessary functions that need to be integrated in an autonomous driving software stack to prevent such a vehicle behavior causing a fatal crash. In addition we suggest an enhancement of the current disengagement reports for autonomous driving regarding a detailed explanation of the software part that was causing the disengagement. In the outlook of this paper we present two additional software functions for assessing the tire and control performance of the vehicle to enhance the autonomous. Full article

In order to efficiently prepare high-performance silica/rubber composites for use in the tread of semi-steel radial tires, a serial modular continuous mixer was designed according to the principle of modular functionalization. The modular structure and serial process helped control the accuracy of the silanization reaction. Synchronous four-wing serrated rotors and reverse meshing reaction mixing twin-rotors utilized shear flow and elongation flow to improve the dispersion. In this paper, the mechanism of serial modular continuous mixing was analyzed, and the influence of the core reaction mixing zone (various mixing elements) on silica-filled compounds was investigated by cooling visualization experiments, including dispersion, and the silanization reaction degree. Meanwhile, a comparative experiment between serial mixing and two-stage mixing was conducted, which showed that the serial process comprehensively improved the dispersion, mechanical properties, and dynamic mechanical properties of silica/rubber vulcanizate. Full article

This paper is part of an ongoing HybLab project funded by the Multidisciplinary Institute of Digitalization and Energy (MIDE) of Aalto University School of Science and Technology. First results and plans were presented in EVS24 [1]. The focus in this paper is to describe what kind requirements must be taken in to account when designing and dimensioning an electromechanical driveline for an underground mining loader. For case work machine is chosen 18t loader which was presented in EVS24 [1]. Also concept for a modular driveline concept will be presented. Basic idea in the concept is to avoid over dimensioning of electric drives by using electromechanically actuated mechanical links between the drive units. The concept gives possibility to optimize dimensioning of each electric drive in driveline so that the best efficiency is in use in normal mean power drive conditions. When one drive needs peak power then mechanical power can be driven via mechanical links from other drives. Disengageable mechanical links gives also possibility to avoid internal counter-torques in driveline caused by steering geometries and differences in tire diameters. The concept will be presented in the EVS25. The first results and experiences from the electromechanical driveline will be presented in EVS26. Copyright EVS25. Full article