Vehicle traction improvement system
First Claim
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1. For an over-the-road vehicle, a system that improves vehicle traction in wet road conditions comprising:
- a traction improvement module that receives signals indicative of vehicle operating parameters and determines if the vehicle is hydroplaning based on the received signals and wherein the traction improvement module provides an output signal to activate at least one traction improvement measure; and
an ultra-sound wave generator that is activated by the traction improvement module as a traction improvement measure that directs ultrasonic waves in proximity to a vehicle tire.
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Abstract
A traction improvement system for an over-the-road vehicle includes a traction improvement module that sense vehicle hydroplaning and activates ultra-sound wave emitters to disrupt water surface tension in proximity to the tire when hydroplaning is sensed. The emitters direct ultra-sound waves onto the road surface as well as on the tire tread. An optional traction enhancing agent dispenser dispenses deicing solution or grit in proximity to the tire to further enhance traction.
22 Citations
22 Claims
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1. For an over-the-road vehicle, a system that improves vehicle traction in wet road conditions comprising:
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a traction improvement module that receives signals indicative of vehicle operating parameters and determines if the vehicle is hydroplaning based on the received signals and wherein the traction improvement module provides an output signal to activate at least one traction improvement measure; and
an ultra-sound wave generator that is activated by the traction improvement module as a traction improvement measure that directs ultrasonic waves in proximity to a vehicle tire. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for improving vehicle traction in wet road conditions comprising:
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monitoring a plurality of vehicle operating parameters to obtain vehicle operating parameter values;
determining a baseline correlation between the vehicle operating parameter values during normal vehicle traction conditions;
during vehicle operation, monitoring the vehicle operating parameters and compiling an operating condition correlation;
comparing the operating condition correlation with the baseline correlation; and
activating an ultra-sound generator as a traction improvement measure that directs ultra-sound waves in proximity to a vehicle tire when the operating condition and baseline correlations deviate from one another by more than a threshold amount. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification