Tyre safety in motion

Suboptimal tyre maintenance endangers safety, reduces fuel efficiency and increases harmful emissions. Systems using cutting-edge sensors to diagnose the condition of heavy vehicle tyres in motion are proving invaluable to agencies, both for enforcement and decision-quality driver feedback

Words | Rish Malhotra, International Road Dynamics (IRD), Canada

For more than 40 years, International Road Dynamics (IRD) has been at the forefront of commercial vehicle screening technology to make roads safer and more efficient. Initially, it pioneered development of weigh-inmotion (WIM) pre-clearance systems, then became an integrator of complex automated vehicle inspection systems. Its development of VectorSense tyre sensors enabled IRD to create a new system for identifying tyre anomalies on moving vehicles. The Tire Anomaly and Classification System (TACS) combines in-road sensors and customized analytics software to enable non-intrusive examination of truck tyre conditions in live lanes at highway speeds.

Value added TACS

Mindful of safety and fuel economy, most commercial operators follow rigorous tyre safety regimes. But in a sector characterised by tight margins, some cut corners, hoping to minimise effort and cost. Unfortunately, this increases safety risks and can actually decrease vehicle fuel efficiency. Tyre underinflation impacts vehicle handling, increases rolling resistance and can even cause overheating, delamination and failure.

TACS deployments substantially improve safety, efficiency and user experience without needing to stop and inspect every vehicle. TACS identifies unsafe or environmentally harmful tyre conditions and provides vital feedback encouraging changes in personal and operational behaviour.

VectorSense sensors create a 3D imaging profile of tyre conditions for each axle and tyre on a vehicle. Footprint data is converted into an intermediate calculated value, then a proprietary algorithm is applied to arrive at an approximate tyre pressure and condition. Each tyre’s contact patch is examined in detailed slices, which are then combined to provide a comprehensive data-view of the tyre. This data enables the TACS system to locate any problem tyres – either as a standalone or part of a larger pre-clearance system.

Above: The VectorSense tire sensor array provides input to the Tire Anomaly and Classification System (TACS) Right: The VectorSense electronics are compact and capable of directly hosting standalone TACS

Underinflation nation

In the United States, TACS has been widely adopted within weigh-station pre-clearance systems, identifying flat, underinflated or missing tyres on heavy commercial vehicles. States are acutely aware that the size and weight of these vehicles multiplies the risks inherent to tyre problems. Inspectors are empowered to levy fines for flat or severely underinflated tyres or debar vehicles from service until tyres are repaired. In some locations, where over 2% of all trucks have tyre problems sufficient to warrant exclusion from service, the need for TACS is inarguable.

In North America, TACS provides vital enforcement capability. But the European approach has so far concentrated on condition-management and providing decision-quality information to drivers and fleet operators. There has been a focus on detecting ‘inefficient’ tyres – those close enough to regulation pressure

not to pose a safety threat, but offering potential to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency through better operational practice.

Dutch encouragement

In the Netherlands, TACS has been incorporated into a dynamic tyrepressure meter system. This project was motivated by a 2017 study indicating that 41% of commercial vehicle incidents in the south of the country were caused by problem tyres – a finding consistent with national statistics.

The system provides direct feedback to drivers and influences tyre awareness and maintenance, improving safety and environmental performance. Tyre safety issues are communicated by a roadside Dynamic Message Sign (DMS) downstream of the sensor. It gives drivers immediate feedback: Tyres OK or, if tyres are deflated, Check Tyres. This vital element raises the probability of corrective action since, in many cases, a commercial vehicle’s tractor and trailer components are owned by separate entities. Immediate feedback enables drivers to take appropriate action to ensure safe and efficient travel.

The TruckMeister smartphone app provides a parallel means of notifying drivers when tyres fall within the inefficient pressure-range. TruckMeister is a fleet management platform supporting efficient and effective vehicle operations – and TACS provided data valuable to augmenting its functionalities. The system also allows the extent of tyre inefficiencies to be accumulated and quantified in a database. This provides means to monitor behavioural change by determining the number of vehicles with unsafe or inefficient tyres both before and after public message initiative implementations.

41%

Global TACS dividend

Above: TACS in the Netherlands provides immediate feedback to drivers via roadside signs and a smartphone app Left: TACS may be integrated with weigh station software, including IRD’s Virtual Weigh Station software, for pre-screening

Percentage of commercial Some may consider the vehicle safety incidents in the southern effects of improved tyre maintenance in small numbers of vehicles

Netherlands caused by relatively trivial. But problem tyres as changes fan out across a regional, national or global driving population, they can deliver significant environmental benefits. The greatest impact comes from addressing suboptimal tyre conditions on heavy vehicles. Because they consume the most fuel and travel great distances each year, these vehicles present a prime opportunity for fuel and emissions savings. Inefficient tyres are probably on their way to becoming non-compliant tyres, which can attract hefty fines. Information on tyre condition is therefore especially welcome to commercial fleet operators. Not only is tyre pressure and condition directly related to safety, but also to emissions and fuel consumption. With operators across the world eager to improve vehicle performance and reduce emissions, TACS offers proven capability to provide decision-level information on tyre condition. Both TACS and VectorSense can also be part of larger, more closely-integrated smart mobility management systems which combine data from multiple sources to manage and co-ordinate all transportation modes. ■