AI Wheel Service Imaging for Precise Tool Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire servicing procedures lack efficiency, quality, and safety, particularly in operations such as tire fitting, removal, and wheel balancing, due to manual input and potential damage to TPMS sensors and improper tool positioning.
Innovation Solution
Employing AI-based image processing to determine the current configuration of vehicle wheels and rims, using neural processing units (NPUs) to analyze images and guide tool positioning, ensuring safe and efficient tire servicing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual input and conventional methods are used for tire servicing, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated vision system that uses AI-based image processing to detect wheel features and guide tool positioning. The neural processing unit analyzes images to automatically determine rim contours and tool positions, eliminating manual input and significantly improving service speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the apparatus to automatically determine its own configuration and the current configuration of the wheel by processing images through the neural network. The AI model autonomously identifies rim features, calculates tool positions, and guides the servicing operation without human intervention, achieving self-service capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional tool positioning methods are used, then device complexity is low, but manufacturing precision and reliability worsen due to potential damage to TPMS sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical positioning methods with an optical vision system that uses AI-based image processing. The neural processing unit analyzes wheel images to precisely identify rim contours and tool positions, achieving superior positioning precision while avoiding contact with the rim surface and TPMS sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The vision system acts as an intermediary between the control system and the physical tools. The AI-based image processing creates a digital representation of the wheel and tool positions, which then guides the physical tool movement, ensuring precise positioning without direct contact between the detection system and the wheel components.
3Measurement precision
If automated vision systems are implemented, then productivity and precision improve, but loss of time for image processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing and preprocessing wheel images before the actual servicing operation begins. The neural processing unit analyzes the images in advance to determine rim contours, tool positions, and wheel configuration, so that when the servicing operation starts, all positioning calculations are already complete, minimizing processing time during the critical service phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The vision system operates continuously throughout the servicing process, maintaining real-time monitoring and adjustment of tool positions. The AI-based image processing runs continuously to track wheel rotation and tool movement, ensuring uninterrupted precise guidance without requiring separate processing intervals that would cause time losses.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to apparatuses and methods for servicing a motor vehicle wheel or rim, which employ AI-based image processing. Employing AI-based image processing may help to enhance the speed, quality and safety of a tire servicing procedure. A method is provided which comprises the step of creating one or more images covering at least a portion of an apparatus for servicing the motor vehicle wheel or rim; and the step of applying an AI-based model to the one or more images. In some implementations, the step of applying an AI-based model comprises the sub-step of determining a current configuration of the apparatus and/or the vehicle rim. Moreover, an apparatus for servicing a motor vehicle wheel or rim is provided, which is specifically adapted for performing such methods.