Infrared Tire Leak Detection Through Localized Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire defect detection systems are cumbersome, requiring tires to be removed and immersed in water for manual inspection, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and generates hazardous waste.
Innovation Solution
A system using thermal (infrared) imaging to detect defects in tires, allowing for inspection while the tire is mounted or unmounted, and creating a record of the inspection without the need for trained technicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water immersion method is used for tire defect detection, then defect detection capability is achieved, but hazardous waste is generated and manual labor is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical water immersion system with a pneumatic inflation system combined with optical sensing. The tire is inflated to a controlled pressure and monitored using pressure sensors and optical detectors that can identify defects through pressure changes and light transmission variations, eliminating the need for water and manual inspection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressure sensors and optical detectors as intermediary elements between the tire and the detection system. These sensors detect pressure variations and light transmission changes caused by defects, serving as mediators that translate physical defect characteristics into detectable signals without requiring water immersion
2Reliability
If manual inspection method is used, then defect detection is performed, but time consumption and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service inspection where the tire itself provides the detection signal through its pressure response to controlled inflation. The tire's natural pressure characteristics and defect-induced pressure variations are harnessed to automatically identify defects without human intervention, transforming the inspection process into a self-diagnosing system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where pressure sensors continuously monitor pressure changes during inflation and provide real-time data to the control system. The system adjusts inflation based on feedback signals and automatically identifies defects when pressure variations exceed predetermined thresholds, enabling rapid automated inspection
3Measurement precision
If trained technicians are required for inspection, then accurate defect detection is achieved, but operational complexity and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human expert judgment with automated sensor-based detection systems. Pressure sensors and optical detectors objectively measure physical parameters and the control system automatically interprets these measurements to identify defects, eliminating the need for trained technicians while maintaining or improving detection accuracy through consistent, repeatable measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects defects by monitoring changes in physical parameters (pressure, light transmission) rather than relying on human visual inspection. By transforming defect detection into a parameter-based measurement process with predetermined thresholds, the system achieves accurate automated detection that does not require operator expertise
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system efficiently detects defects in tires by capturing thermal images before and after air escapes through defects, allowing for automated analysis and record-keeping, thus reducing time and labor costs while eliminating hazardous waste.
Implementation Method 1
An expanding gas experiences a decrease in temperature. As the gas expands through the defect, the decrease in the temperature of the gas decreases the temperature of the tire around the defect.
Implementation Method 2
The system uses thermal (infrared) imaging to detect defects in tires. The infrared camera captures thermal images before and after air escapes through defects.
Data Source
AI summary
A tire defect detection system for detecting defects in a tire. The system includes at least one infrared camera, a pneumatic source and a computing device. The pneumatic source inflates the tire to a predetermined pressure. After inflation, the infrared camera captures a reference frame of a section of the tire. A period of time after capturing the reference frame, the infrared camera captures a subsequent frame. The subsequent frame is compared to the reference frame to detect a portion of the section of the tire that has a lower temperature. The lower temperature is caused by an escape of air from the tire through a defect. The escaping air cools the area of the tire around the defect, so a decrease in temperature indicates the defect.