Technology: Tyrata extending tread wear monitoring to aircraft tires

Durham, North Carolina – Tyrata Inc., a tire sensor and data management company, has demonstrated that its IntelliTread internal tread sensor (ITS) can effectively measure aircraft tire tread depth in a laboratory setting.

The company is now planning to carry out additional durability and in-tire sensor field tests in aircraft tires in the near future, Tyrata said in a 3 Oct statement.

Developed in collaboration with Duke University, IntelliTread tire sensor technology uses carbon nanotubes that allow for millimeter-scale changes in tread depth to be measured.

The sensors can monitor tire condition and signal when it's time to replace tires or report information about uneven and often dangerous tire wear conditions.

Aircraft tires are subjected to extreme operating conditions and determining tread thickness in real-time will provide additional information to appropriately maintain tires.

Tire inspection and regular service, include tread depth assessments, are carried out to ensure tire performance and safety. 

Tyrata’s technology to measure tread directly can complement current tread-depth evaluation practices and will contribute to improved tire safety. 

“Aircraft tires vary significantly in construction, tire structure, and material compounds from automotive and truck tires,” said Aaron Franklin, Tyrata Chief technology officer. 

“Although we need to proceed with further testing, the initial IntelliTread ITS data is very encouraging,” he added.

Tyrata is applying its technology to address a variety of customer needs for tire tread wear monitoring and associated analytics. 

The company said it was developing a “comprehensive suite of tread-depth measurement systems” and cloud-based analytical tools based on its proprietary technology. 

The tools range from fleet deployments in local centres or depots to highly distributed solutions for consumer, ridesharing, aircraft, and other applications.  

Tread-depth reports will be provided in real-time, anytime and anywhere, the company added.