Tyre maker Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced various collaborations for tyre intelligence technologies including a vehicle motion control software with vehicle systems and industrial technology supplier ZF and with TDK Corporation, it is working on launching a tyre sensing system. It also showcased at the recent CES show in Las Vegas, together with Dutch research organisation TNO, new possibilities for enhancing vehicle safety by integrating tyre intelligence technology into the anti-lock brake system controller of a test vehicle.
The collaboration with ZF delivers Goodyear SightLine, a suite of tyre intelligence technologies, into the ZF cubiX ecosystem, a scalable vehicle motion control software that coordinates all dimensions of vehicle dynamics. This provides further tyre and road data into the chassis system and enables an improved driving experience with better comfort, control and efficiency.
Through research, virtual simulation and real-world testing, Goodyear and ZF have identified the potential of an integrated solution in improving vehicle performance and safety. Reducing the risk of hydroplaning, the Goodyear SightLine solution is capable of detecting partial hydroplaning early and offers recommendations for optimal speed to enhance vehicle control. Moreover, when heightened hydroplaning severity is detected, equipped with tyre intelligence data, the cubiX software is designed to instruct the chassis actuators to apply corrective measures, stabilizing the vehicle.
Additionally, the synergy between Goodyear SightLine and cubiX capabilities can provide enhanced vehicle responsiveness, more direct and linear steering, improved turn-in response, increased stability, reduced controller workload and minimised intrusive interventions.
“Tyres are the only part of the vehicle that touch the road and by digitizing this connection and equipping vehicle control actuators with critical insights, we can help optimise vehicle performance and safety,” said Chris Helsel, senior vice president, Global Operations and Chief Technology Officer, Goodyear.
Meanwhile, in another development, Goodyear has announced a collaboration with TDK Corporation to advance next-generation tyre solutions with the goal of accelerating the development and adoption of integrated intelligent hardware and software into tyres and vehicle ecosystems.
Together, the organisations plan to bring a robust tyre sensing system to market, combining TDK’s software, sensor and electronic component expertise with Goodyear’s know-how in tyre development, intelligent solutions and industry trends.
“As the automotive industry continues to technologically advance, so too does the need for real time intelligence from the road to the tyre to the car. This alliance will have the joint benefit of accelerating both technology and customer access to the highest performance sensor technology in the market,” said Jim Tran, general manager, Americas HQ and deputy general manager, Technology & Intellectual Property Center, TDK Corporation. “
The two industry leaders are in the process of conducting market research and technical exploration for a joint solution that delivers actionable insights improving vehicle performance, safety and efficiency.
Furthermore, Goodyear and TNO, a Dutch research organisation, have new possibilities for enhancing vehicle safety by integrating tyre intelligence technology into the anti-lock brake system (ABS) controller of a test vehicle.
The ABS is an important safety component in modern vehicles designed to help the driver maintain steering control while braking. Through collaborative research and testing on a physical test vehicle, Goodyear and TNO effectively show that an improved ABS, equipped with information about the tire type and characteristics such as wear state, can potentially enhance overall system efficiency and reduce braking distance by as much as 5.75 ft.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were over 1.7 million rear-end crashes in 2021, accounting for nearly a third of all crashes in the US. This integration can improve stopping distance performance, which has the potential to help drivers avoid accidents and reduce the severity of collisions, leading to enhanced road safety.
Goodyear and TNO began collaborating in 2021 through joint research and testing initiatives to evaluate and quantify the performance of the ABS controller on a physical car through the integration of intelligent tyre information.
“TNO is dedicated to enhancing the safety, efficiency and sustainability of vehicles,” said Machteld de Kroon, managing director, Unit Mobility & Built Environment, TNO. “Our collaboration with Goodyear aims to minimise every centimetre of braking distance. We firmly believe that by improving the integration of tyres and braking systems, we can contribute to reducing accidents and ultimately saving lives.”