News - 2014

Tokyo (Dec. 17, 2014) - Bridgestone Corporation announced today it has developed a new technology for estimating tire wear and tread depth. This innovative technology is based on the Contact Area Information Sensing (CAIS*1) concept.

As tire tread becomes worn, the tire's ability to grip wet road surfaces may decrease, increasing the potential of low-traction occurrences. In addition, a tire that has experienced extremely uneven or lopsided wear is at greater risk of causing a vehicle malfunction.

The new technology utilizes sensors attached to the inside of tires to obtain information on changes in tread condition during normal driving. By analyzing this information, the technology estimates tread wear conditions and provides the driver with real-time monitoring of tire conditions.

By providing drivers with real-time tire information, such as the remaining tread depth and whether tires are experiencing uneven wear, Bridgestone's technology will contribute to improved driving conditions by enabling users to judge the most appropriate timing for tire replacement. Furthermore, this technology helps to prevent uneven wear by enabling consumers better understand the optimal timing for tire rotations, thereby allowing them use their tires for the longest possible period without waste.

By bringing this technology to practical application, Bridgestone hopes to help customers cut costs while also delivering peace of mind. Bridgestone continues to support the safety of driving experience by developing innovative tires and technologies.

■Overview of CAIS (Bridgestone's Sensing Technologies)

■Overview of Wear Estimating Technology
(1) Acceleration sensors equipped on the inside of tires detect bends in tire treads. This information is then transmitted to analytical equipment mounted on the vehicle via wireless communications. The sensor system is powered by a generator also installed inside the tire.

(2) Vehicle-mounted analytical equipment analyzes the transmitted data in real-time to estimate tire wear condition.

(3) By estimating tire wear condition, the technology enables consumers to replace tires before treads are worn, and also helps them better understand the optimal timing for tire rotations. Overall, this technology can contribute to a safer driving experience and help lower costs for users.

1. CAIS is a general term for Bridgestone's tire sensing*2 technologies, which provide value to consumers by collecting tire contact area data and using this information to determine road surface and tire conditions.
2. Sensing refers to the use of sensors to measure target variables.