초록 ▼

A tire monitoring method and apparatus is provided to predict tire tread separation for a tire on a wheel of a vehicle. This may involve monitoring a parameter of a tire of a vehicle over time and comparing information regarding the monitored parameter (over time) with a reference threshold value of

A tire monitoring method and apparatus is provided to predict tire tread separation for a tire on a wheel of a vehicle. This may involve monitoring a parameter of a tire of a vehicle over time and comparing information regarding the monitored parameter (over time) with a reference threshold value of the parameter (over time). The method may also include providing information to a driver based on the comparison. The parameter may be acceleration (axial, radial or longitudinal) along an axis of the tire. The parameter may also be tire imbalance, temperature inside the tire, speed of the tire, load and/or pressure, for example. Information regarding the comparison may be transmitted to a driver if the monitored parameter exceeds the reference threshold value for a predetermined amount of time.

대표청구항 ▼

A tire monitoring method and apparatus is provided to predict tire tread separation for a tire on a wheel of a vehicle. This may involve monitoring a parameter of a tire of a vehicle over time and comparing information regarding the monitored parameter (over time) with a reference threshold value of

A tire monitoring method and apparatus is provided to predict tire tread separation for a tire on a wheel of a vehicle. This may involve monitoring a parameter of a tire of a vehicle over time and comparing information regarding the monitored parameter (over time) with a reference threshold value of the parameter (over time). The method may also include providing information to a driver based on the comparison. The parameter may be acceleration (axial, radial or longitudinal) along an axis of the tire. The parameter may also be tire imbalance, temperature inside the tire, speed of the tire, load and/or pressure, for example. Information regarding the comparison may be transmitted to a driver if the monitored parameter exceeds the reference threshold value for a predetermined amount of time. ber.6. A fail-safe assembly as in claim 2 wherein the resilient impact section is formed integrally with the movable arm.7. A fail-safe assembly as in claim 2 wherein the impact member is independent of and disposed for operable engagement with said movable arm for opening and maintaining open the coacting contacts.8. In the fail-safe assembly as in claim 1 or2 including visual signal means for signaling that the fail-safe assembly has been actuated.9. In the fail-safe assembly as in claim 2 including a signal tab on the movable arm and a viewing window on the electrical component, device, system and apparatus for operative association with the signal tab to show that the fail-safe assembly has been actuated.10. Fail-safe assembly as claimed in claim 1 or2 wherein (a) the impact member is slidably mounted for non-contacting movement towards and away from the movable arm, (b) said impact member having an impact wedge thereon disposed on movement of said impact member to engage said movable arm to open and maintain open the coacting contacts for stopping the flow of electrical current, and (c) a meltable member for holding the impact section in a stressed and disengaged position under normal operating electrical current flow and temperature conditions of said electrical component, device, system and apparatus and to melt and release the impact section of the impact member when current overload and temperature conditions create a dangerous condition. 11. In the fail-safe assembly as in claim 10 wherein the meltable member defines a stop element in engagement with the front end of the impact member when the impact member is in the stressed and disengaged position.12. In the fail-safe assembly as in claim 10 wherein the meltable member is mounted through the impact member and disposed for engagement with a stop shoulder formed in the electrical component, device, system and apparatus.13. In the fail-safe assembly as in claim 10 wherein the impact member includes a coiled spring, and the meltable member is disposed to hold the coiled spring so the impact member will remain in the stressed and disengaged position during normal operation of the electrical component, device, system and apparatus, and on melting of the meltable member, will enable the coiled spring to release the impact member when current overload and temperature conditions create a dangerous condition.14. In the fail-safe assembly as in claim 1 or2 wherein the resilient impact member is made at least in part from materials from the group of spring alloys in leaf form, wire form and coil spring form.15. In a fail-safe assembly as in claim 14 wherein the impact force exerted by the resilient impact member is adjustable, by varying the thickness and length of the resilient impact member.16. In a fail-safe assembly as in claim 1 or2 wherein the meltable member is made from materials from the group of metal alloys and plastic resins adapted to soften and melt at a predetermined temperature.17. In a fail-safe assembly as in claim 16 wherein the meltable member melting point is adjustable by varying the thickness and mass of the formed meltable member.18. The combination of an electronic component, device, system and apparatus having a first contact connected to a first current-carrying terminal and a second contact spaced from said first contact connected to a second current-carrying terminal in spaced relation to said first current-carrying terminal and a current-carrying movable arm connected to said first current-carrying terminal and having said first contact mounted thereon for coaction with the second contact with a fail-safe assembly comprising: a. an impact assembly including a resilient impact section, b. said impact section disposed for movement from a stressed and disengaged position and movable to impact and so engage said movable arm to open and maintain open the coacting contacts for stopping the flow of electrical current, and c. a meltable me