A new low-cost, ultra-sensitive and quiet engine noise detector has been developed to detect and prevent leaking tires.
The system can detect the engine’s vibrations and detect the sound of engine exhaust and can alert owners of leaks by emitting ultrasonic waves.
The product was developed by an engineering company in Ottawa, Canada, and the company has been testing the system at Canadian Tire in Canada and at several Canadian Tire locations around the world.
“We’re hoping to get this into the market by 2019,” said Paul Brouwer, CEO of a company called RMI.
“It’s very easy to make these kinds of things for very low prices and there’s a very good customer base that’s willing to spend money on them.”
The new sensor is designed to detect the vibrations of the engine, which means it can detect if the engine is overheating, or if there’s any air that’s being sucked into the engine.
The sensor can be programmed to send a message to the owner’s phone or computer to alert them if they hear the engine vibrating.
When the engine vibration is detected, the ultrasonic wave is sent to the engine fan, which generates a sound that can be detected by the sensor.
“That vibration is what we’re able to detect,” said Brouewer.
“The engine is the one that’s causing the problem.”
Brouwers company, RMI, is also working on other systems that could be used for detecting engine problems.
“There are a number of other sensors that are in the pipeline, and we’re working on a couple of these systems,” said Danyal Thad, RMP CEO.
“This one has been designed specifically for this type of system.”
Burdett said the sensor is the first to detect engine noise.
“I think it’s going to make a huge difference in the lives of people that live in Canada,” he said.
“These kinds of sensors are used in many industries around the country.”
In order to be certified as a noise sensor, the product has to be made to be able to produce a vibration similar to that of the human body, and to be used in the context of an engine that has been running for at least 10 years.
Brouwal said RMI was able to find a manufacturer that was able and willing to make the sensor for Canadian Tire.
“They’re not using any of our patented technology.
This is the only one of its kind we have right now,” he told CBC News.
Burdwer said the company’s other product, the Ultrasonic Fan Alert Sensor, is designed for the same purpose.
“In addition to the ultrasonics, there are other sensors out there that can detect odour,” said RMP’s Burdewer, adding that RMI has been working with a company in China to find out how to make an ultrasonic sensor for a similar purpose.
Bredewer said he has no doubt that the ultrasound sensor will be a huge success.
“If it works well, it will make a big difference to our customers,” he added.
“And the customers that will benefit the most are people that have been affected by this problem.”