Microwave Imaging for Tire Internal Structure Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire inspection methods, such as x-ray and shearographic image inspection, are time-consuming, expensive, and provide qualitative results, lacking the detail and quantitative assessment needed for effective tire retreading and repair, especially in determining internal tire conditions like voids and delaminations.
Innovation Solution
A microwave imaging method that selects specific tire regions, determines dielectric properties in various frequency bands, uses a scanning platform for microwave imaging with optimized polarization, and filters images to remove curvature effects, enabling high spatial-resolution imaging of internal tire structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If x-ray analysis or shearographic image inspection is used for tire inspection, then internal tire conditions can be detected, but the inspection process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/x-ray inspection systems with microwave imaging technology. Microwave signals penetrate tire materials and interact with internal structures, providing detection capability without the time-consuming and expensive equipment requirements of traditional x-ray or shearographic methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes microwave frequency parameters (300 MHz to 300 GHz) that can penetrate dielectric materials like tire rubber while providing high spatial-resolution images. By optimizing measurement frequencies and signal processing parameters, the system achieves rapid inspection without sacrificing detection precision
2Measurement precision
If x-ray analysis is used for tire inspection, then internal tire conditions can be detected, but the equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive x-ray equipment with microwave imaging systems that use electromagnetic signals in the 300 MHz to 300 GHz range. This replacement reduces equipment costs while maintaining detection capability for internal tire structures, voids, and delaminations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs relatively inexpensive microwave probes and transducers that can be easily replaced or reconfigured compared to expensive x-ray equipment. The system uses wide array of available microwave components to achieve cost-effective inspection
3Loss of information
If shearographic image inspection is used, then qualitative results are obtained, but quantitative assessment of internal tire state is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements signal processing that provides feedback on the interaction between microwave signals and internal tire structures. By analyzing reflected and transmitted signals, the system generates quantitative assessments of material properties, flaw characteristics, and internal tire state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms qualitative image data into quantitative measurements by varying microwave frequency parameters and analyzing signal characteristics. This enables precise measurement of dielectric properties, flaw dimensions, and material composition
4Measurement precision
If microwave imaging is performed at higher frequencies, then spatial resolution improves, but signal penetration capability may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic frequency selection, adapting the microwave operating frequency based on the specific inspection requirements and tire structure being examined. This allows optimization of the balance between penetration depth and spatial resolution for different inspection scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the frequency dimension of electromagnetic waves to achieve both penetration and resolution. By operating across a wide frequency range (300 MHz to 300 GHz) and using signal processing techniques, the system extracts high-resolution information from signals that have penetrated deep into the tire structure
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
This approach provides more detailed and quantitative assessments of tire internal states, enhancing flaw detection capabilities and reducing the need for expensive and time-consuming methods, while effectively imaging through tire carcass layers using higher frequencies and appropriate polarization.
Implementation Method 1
Signals at these frequencies can easily penetrate inside dielectric materials and composites and interact with their inner structures. For material characterization purposes, this interaction may take the form of reflections from undesired flaw boundaries, such as disbands, delaminations, and voids.
Implementation Method 2
determining the dielectric properties of the tire components in each of the selected regions in a plurality of frequency bands
Implementation Method 3
imaging the selected location on a tire using microwave imaging at a plurality of microwave scanning frequencies and at a selected microwave polarization to obtain images of the internal state of the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A method of inspection of a tire was developed using microwave imaging comprising the steps of selecting a plurality of regions from within a tire to be imaged; determining the dielectric properties of the tire components in each of the selected regions in a plurality of frequency bands; selecting a specific location on a tire to be imaged; providing a scanning platform for microwave imaging of the tire; imaging the selected location on a tire using microwave imaging at a plurality of microwave scanning frequencies and at a selected microwave polarization to obtain images of the internal state of the sample; and filtering the images to remove the effects of curvature of the selected location of the tire.