Laser Tire Marking Alignment for Irregular Tire Shapes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire marking technologies rely on a single reference point, leading to inaccuracies in positioning markings due to individual tire deviations from their ideal shape, resulting in misaligned or distorted markings.

Innovation Solution

A method and device using a measuring device, laser device, and control device that optically detect the tire's actual position and generate control signals for precise alignment and marking within a marking field, accounting for deviations from the ideal shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single reference point is used for tire positioning, then the device complexity is reduced, but the marking precision deteriorates due to individual tire deviations from ideal shape

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning system complexityVSAvoidmarking position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system is segmented into multiple reference point detectors that independently measure different locations on the tire. Instead of relying on a single reference point, the system divides the measurement task across multiple points, allowing it to capture the actual shape deviations of the individual tire and compensate for them accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the tire is held rigidly in a fixed position, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the tire may deform due to gripping forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetire position detection accuracyVSAvoidtire shape integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses optical detectors to continuously monitor the actual position and shape of the tire while it is being held. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust the positioning calculations, compensating for any deformations caused by the gripping mechanism. The system adapts to the actual tire shape rather than assuming an ideal rigid position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple reference points are used to detect tire shape deviations, then the marking precision is improved, but the device complexity and measurement time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarking field positioning accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical detection system is designed to serve multiple functions: it detects the tire's outer contour, identifies specific features like the crown logo or sidewall markings, and measures shape deviations all with the same device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices for each measurement task, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If the tire is manually centered and positioned, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity and positioning consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetire loading simplicityVSAvoidmarking process speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the tire to essentially position itself by using naturally present features on the tire (such as the crown logo, sidewall markings, or bead structure) as reference points. The optical detectors automatically identify these features and use them for positioning calculations, eliminating the need for manual centering operations while maintaining high positioning consistency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures reliable and precise marking placement, reducing waste and enabling rapid positioning by adapting to the unique shape of each tire, particularly beneficial for retreaded tires with wave-shaped deformations.

Implementation Method 1

at least a partial area of the tire is optically recorded using the measuring device (100)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the laser device (200) generates a marking in the marking field using laser beams

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP3927536B1Apparatus and method for marking tyres with laserbeams
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 DENGLER STEFAN
  • EP3927536B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3927536B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3927536B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a marking apparatus for marking a tire (40), the method comprising the following method steps: a) a tire (40) to be marked is conveyed to a marking apparatus (10); at least a portion of the tire (40) is optically detected by means of a measuring device (100); c) a reference data set (DSR) associated with the tire (40) is uploaded to the control device (300); d) the control device (300) calculates a difference (ApD) between the target position data (PDR) and the actual position data (PDM) and generates the control signal (SL) for the laser device (200), taking into consideration the calculated difference; e) the laser device (200) is positioned in a marking position with the aid of the control signal and aligned relative to the actual position of the marking field (51, 52); and f) the marking (400) is produced in the marking field (51, 52) by means of the laser device (200). The invention also relates to a holding device (17) for the marking apparatus.