What are the challenges and opportunities of adaptive tire pressure systems for vehicle stability?

1 Vehicle Stability Factors

Vehicle stability depends on several factors, such as vehicle geometry, mass distribution, suspension system, steering system, braking system, and tire characteristics. Among these factors, tire characteristics are particularly important, as they determine the amount and direction of the forces and moments that are transmitted from the road to the vehicle. Tire characteristics include tire size, shape, stiffness, friction, wear, and pressure. Tire pressure affects the tire shape, stiffness, and contact patch, which in turn affect the tire friction, wear, and forces and moments.

2 ATPS Effects on Tire Characteristics

ATPS can change the tire pressure according to different driving scenarios, which can have various effects on tire characteristics. For example, increasing the tire pressure can reduce the tire rolling resistance and improve the fuel economy, but it can also reduce the tire contact patch and friction, which can compromise the traction and handling. Decreasing the tire pressure can increase the tire contact patch and friction, which can enhance the traction and handling, but it can also increase the tire rolling resistance and reduce the fuel economy. Moreover, changing the tire pressure can alter the tire stiffness and shape, which can affect the tire deflection, slip angle, cornering stiffness, and self-aligning torque.

3 ATPS Effects on Vehicle Stability

ATPS can affect vehicle stability by influencing the tire forces and moments that act on the vehicle. For example, increasing the tire pressure can reduce the lateral force and self-aligning torque that are generated by the tire during cornering, which can reduce the vehicle's ability to steer and resist oversteer or understeer. Decreasing the tire pressure can increase the lateral force and self-aligning torque that are generated by the tire during cornering, which can increase the vehicle's ability to steer and resist oversteer or understeer. However, changing the tire pressure can also affect the longitudinal force and braking torque that are generated by the tire during acceleration or deceleration, which can affect the vehicle's ability to accelerate or brake and resist pitch or dive.

4 ATPS Benefits for Vehicle Stability

ATPS can offer some benefits for vehicle stability by adapting the tire pressure to different driving situations. For example, ATPS can increase the tire pressure when driving at high speeds or on smooth roads, which can improve the vehicle's stability, responsiveness, and fuel efficiency. ATPS can also decrease the tire pressure when driving at low speeds or on rough roads, which can improve the vehicle's traction, comfort, and durability. Additionally, ATPS can adjust the tire pressure of each wheel independently, which can enhance the vehicle's stability and handling by creating different tire forces and moments on different axles or sides of the vehicle.

5 ATPS Drawbacks for Vehicle Stability

ATPS can also have some drawbacks for vehicle stability by introducing some complexities and uncertainties to the vehicle dynamics. For example, ATPS can create some delays or errors in adjusting the tire pressure to the optimal level, which can cause some instability or inconsistency in the vehicle's behavior. ATPS can also increase the complexity of the vehicle control system, which may require more sensors, actuators, algorithms, and communication devices to coordinate the ATPS with other systems, such as the anti-lock braking system (ABS), the electronic stability control (ESC), or the adaptive cruise control (ACC). Furthermore, ATPS can increase the uncertainty of the tire characteristics, which may vary depending on the temperature, humidity, altitude, and wear of the tires.

6 Here’s what else to consider

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