Multi-Row Sensor Device for Tire Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire inspection methods face challenges in accurately detecting damage to reinforcement elements within the tire, particularly due to the presence of ferrous metal in the bead portion and non-linear geometry, which interferes with sensor placement and magnetic flux detection, and are prone to false detections from vibrations during inspection.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with multiple rows of sensors is designed for removable placement along the inner tire surface, featuring a profile that matches the tire's curvature and includes a positioning system to adjust for varying tire profiles and widths, using Hall Effect sensors and magnets to create a magnetic flux field for effective damage detection while minimizing saturation and compensating for vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are placed at the inner surface of the tire to detect reinforcement element damage, then detection accuracy is improved, but the ferrous metal in the bead portion and non-linear geometry cause magnetic flux saturation and false detections
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning system with adjustable arms and support structures serves as an intermediary between the sensor and the tire inner surface. This mediator allows precise control of sensor placement while compensating for the harmful magnetic flux saturation caused by ferrous metal in the bead portion, enabling accurate damage detection without direct sensor contact with problematic areas
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system enables dynamic adjustment of sensor parameters including position, orientation, and distance from the tire surface. By changing these parameters based on tire geometry and metal distribution, the system optimizes magnetic flux field characteristics to avoid saturation while maintaining detection sensitivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor device is designed to accommodate various tire profiles and widths, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to positioning system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system incorporates dynamic, adjustable components including movable arms and reconfigurable support structures. These dynamic elements allow the device to adapt to different tire profiles and widths without requiring multiple fixed configurations, managing complexity through controlled adjustability rather than rigid multi-version design
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various tire types through a single integrated structure. The adjustable arms and support elements serve multiple functions across different tire configurations, reducing overall device complexity by avoiding the need for tire-specific subsystems
3Reliability
If multiple rows of sensors are used to compensate for vibrations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into multiple rows positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the system to capture vibration patterns from different zones, enabling discrimination between actual damage signals and vibration-induced noise through comparative analysis, thereby improving reliability without requiring excessive sensors
4Productivity
If the sensor device allows complete inspection in a single rotation, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised due to mechanical agitation
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system acts as an intermediary that stabilizes sensor placement during tire rotation. By providing adjustable support and precise positioning, it minimizes mechanical agitation effects while maintaining the speed required for single-rotation inspection, balancing productivity and measurement precision
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 sensor device enables accurate and efficient detection of reinforcement element damage across various tire sizes and profiles, reducing false positives and negatives by compensating for mechanical agitation, and allows for complete inspection in a single rotation, improving the sensitivity and accuracy of tire inspections.
Implementation Method 1
sensors can be used to detect discontinuities in the reinforcement elements such as e.g., breaks that are not otherwise ascertainable from a visual inspection of the tire
Implementation Method 2
using Hall Effect sensors and magnets to create a magnetic flux field for effective damage detection
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device is provided for use in tire inspection. The sensor device is configured for removable placement along the inner surface of the tire. The sensor device includes multiple rows of sensors, which are used to provide signals that can compensate for the effect of vibrations or mechanical agitation as the sensors are passed over the inner surface of the tire. The sensor device may have a profile that allows for placement of the multiple rows of sensors in close proximity to the inner surface of the tire.