360-Degree Tire Bead Apex Inspection With Opposed Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for inspecting tire bead apexes are limited by the cycle time of machinery and the viewing window of cameras, often resulting in incomplete inspections and potential false positives due to incorrect positioning, leading to costly scrap and production losses.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing two cameras positioned on opposing sides of a support structure, with a rotating mechanism and grippers to ensure 360-degree inspection of both surfaces of the tire bead apex, allowing for simultaneous and comprehensive evaluation without the limitations of single-camera systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single camera is used to inspect the tire bead apex, then the device complexity is reduced, but the inspection completeness deteriorates due to limited viewing window and inability to inspect both surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is segmented into two separate cameras, each dedicated to inspecting one surface of the tire bead apex. This segmentation allows each camera to capture complete information from its respective surface without interference, resolving the contradiction between simple device structure and comprehensive inspection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection approach transitions from a single viewpoint to a multi-dimensional approach by positioning cameras on opposite sides of the support structure. This dimensional change enables simultaneous capture of both surfaces, achieving complete inspection while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the camera is positioned above the conveyor facing downward, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to limited viewing angle and potential false positives
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the camera above the conveyor facing downward, the system inverts the approach by placing cameras on opposite sides of the support structure, facing inward toward the object. This inverted positioning eliminates blind spots and provides accurate views of both surfaces, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and measurement precision.
3Productivity
If inspection is performed during machine cycle time, then the productivity is maintained, but the reliability deteriorates due to positioning errors and incomplete inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the tire bead apex on the support structure using a robotic device before inspection begins. This preliminary action ensures the object is correctly positioned, eliminating positioning errors that would compromise reliability. The rotation mechanism then brings the entire object into view, ensuring complete inspection without rushing during the machine cycle.
4Loss of information
If a rotating mechanism is added to enable 360-degree inspection, then the inspection completeness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating support structure serves multiple functions: it positions the object for inspection, enables 360-degree rotation for complete surface exposure, and can be integrated with the robotic placement system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving complete inspection coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system for inspecting an object comprises a first camera for inspecting a first surface of the object, and a second camera for inspecting a second surface of the object. The object may be placed upon a support structure during simultaneous inspection by the first camera and the second camera. At least one roller is arranged to selectively engage the object when the object is placed upon the support structure, wherein the at least one roller is adapted for circumferential rotation relative to the support structure. Rotation of the at least one roller causes a corresponding circumferential rotation of the object relative to the first and second cameras.