Integration of sensor network and method of operation into a CTIS framework

A method for monitoring a wear of a sealing gasket of a rotary joint for use with a central tire inflation system, comprising the steps of:

• providing the rotary joint comprising a non-rotating portion defining a portion of a conduit used with the central tire inflation system, a rotating portion defining a portion of a conduit used with the central tire inflation system, the rotating portion spaced apart from the non-rotating portion, a first sealing gasket disposed on one of the non-rotating portion and the rotating portion and sealingly engaged with a remaining portion of a remaining
• one of the non-rotating portion and the rotating portion, and a second sealing gasket disposed on one of the non-rotating portion and the rotating portion and sealingly engaged with a remaining portion of a remaining one of the non-rotating portion and the rotating portion;
• providing a rotary encoder disposed within a joint cavity, wherein a portion of the rotary encoder is disposed on the non-rotating portion and a remaining portion of the rotary encoder is disposed on the rotating portion, and the non-rotating portion, the rotating portion, the first sealing gasket, and the second sealing gasket define a joint cavity which is a portion of a conduit used with the central tire inflation system;
• providing a sealing gasket wear detection system comprising a sensor used within or adjacent the first sealing gasket, a communication bus, and a controller, and wherein a pressurization of the joint cavity facilitates substantial contact between the sealing gasket wear detection system and one of the non-rotating portion and the rotating portion of the rotary joint;
• and
• using the controller to monitor for a signal indicating the first sealing gasket is in a worn condition, wherein the first sealing gasket and the rotary encoder are in communication with the controller through the communication bus.