Sumitomo Introduces Intelligent Sensor To Detect Loose Wheel Nuts And Prevent Run Away Wheel Accidents

Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI), renowned for its Falken Tyres, is set to revolutionize vehicle safety with its latest innovation in intelligent tyre technology. The company has announced the introduction of a new wheel detachment function as part of its SENSING CORE technology, marking a significant step forward in automotive safety. This development is particularly timely, given the increasing concern over accidents caused by detached wheels, a scenario that has been making headlines, especially in Japan.

SENSING CORE, a sensor-less analysis and monitoring system, has been designed to enhance vehicle safety through various applications such as tyre pressure and wear monitoring, detection of uneven loads, and identification of hazardous road conditions. The technology's new wheel detachment function is poised to address the issue of wheel nut loosening, a common problem during the winter season when drivers switch to winter tyres. Despite the use of mechanical clips as a visual check by many commercial vehicle operators, these measures have proven to be less than completely reliable.

The Japanese Government has expressed a keen interest in eliminating accidents caused by loose wheels. SRI's innovative solution could be a significant step towards achieving this goal. The wheel detachment function is expected to be integrated as standard equipment in a car by an OEM customer in 2024, with ongoing discussions for adoption by additional vehicle manufacturers.

One of the key features of SENSING CORE's wheel detachment function is its ability to work independently of tyre make, model, or size. It utilizes wheel-speed signals and other data from the vehicle's controller area network (CAN) to detect even minor looseness in wheel nuts. This technology originated from SRI's deflation warning system (DWS), an indirect tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that has been adopted by fifteen OEMs across Europe, Japan, China, and India.

Dr. Bernd Löwenhaupt, Managing Director at Sumitomo Rubber Europe GmbH, highlighted the potential of SENSING CORE in contributing to the evolution of mobility, especially with the advent of autonomous driving. He emphasized the company's commitment to leveraging data obtained through SENSING CORE for vehicle control and future integration with societal information via cloud services.

SRI's engagement with cloud-based TPMS through fleet trials with a rental company in Japan has already showcased the efficiency, cost benefits, and safety value of tyre-based information. Another promising application of SENSING CORE technology is in cloud-based tyre-wear monitoring, which predicts tyre wear based on usage information and alerts drivers or fleet managers when replacements are needed.

The company's investment in Viaduct, an AI-powered connected-vehicle analytics firm, was announced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2024. This partnership aims to integrate SENSING CORE with Viaduct's product to predict tyre health across vehicle fleets, further extending the benefits of this innovative technology to more drivers.

Falken Tyre Europe GmbH serves as the European affiliate of Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., ranking as the fifth largest tyre manufacturer globally with over 40,000 employees. The Falken brand boasts a comprehensive tyre portfolio for various vehicles and operates through a vast distribution network across Europe. All Falken factories adhere to stringent quality and environmental standards.

For more details on Falken Tyres and SRI's innovative solutions, visit www.falkentyre.com or contact their media representatives.