Flexible CNT-based strain sensor with wireless acquisition for real-time tire deformation

Real-time monitoring of tire deformation is essential for improving driving safety, road-condition awareness, and the development of intelligent tire systems. In this work, we propose a flexible strain sensor based on a carbon nanotube (CNT) conductive network for in-situ detection of tire deformation. The sensor is fabricated on an elastic substrate with a uniformly dispersed CNT layer, enabling high sensitivity and robust electrical performance under dynamic loading. A low-power wireless Bluetooth acquisition module is integrated to achieve continuous signal collection and transmission during tire rotation. A CNN-MLP hybrid algorithmic framework was employed to enable road-condition classification based on signals acquired from the flexible sensor. Experimental results demonstrate that the sensor maintains outstanding stability over 20,000 loading cycles and exhibits a fast response time of 100 ms. Furthermore, a machine-learning-based classifier built on the sensor output effectively distinguishes three typical road conditions, achieving a high recognition accuracy of 95.65%. This study provides a low-cost, reliable, and scalable approach for intelligent tire deformation monitoring and road-surface identification, offering strong potential for future intelligent vehicle applications.