Integration of Sensor Network and Method of Operation into a CTIS Framework

A network of sensorized components for a driveline, comprising:

• a sensorized wheel hub in communication with a communication bus;
• a transmission speed sensor in communication with the communication bus;
• and
• a controller in communication with the sensorized wheel hub and the transmission speed sensor through the communication bus, wherein the controller facilitates determining at least one of an amount of torque applied to at least one wheel forming a portion of the driveline, an estimated efficiency of a transmission of the driveline, an operational status of the sensorized wheel hub and the transmission speed sensor, a decreased efficiency of the driveline, and a status of a portion of the driveline using signal analysis.

A method of utilizing a network of sensorized components to analyze a driveline, comprising the steps of:

• providing a sensorized wheel hub in communication with a communication bus;
• providing a transmission speed sensor in communication with the communication bus;
• providing a controller in communication with the sensorized wheel hub and the transmission speed sensor through the communication bus;
• collecting information from the sensorized wheel hub and the transmission speed sensor;
• fusing the collected information using the controller to reconstruct a current operational state of the driveline;
• comparing a previously learned model of the driveline to the current operational state of the driveline;
• and
• determining if the current operational state of the driveline is free from undesired disturbances, wherein in the event that the driveline is free from undesired disturbances an estimation of the driveline torque is performed.

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
• 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.