Optical Tire Marking for Unique Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle wheel maintenance systems lack the ability to uniquely identify tires using engraved or raised symbols on the elastomeric material, which hinders efficient and precise maintenance operations, storage, and data management.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a marking system within the vehicle wheel maintenance apparatus that creates and reads unique digital codes on the tire surface, using an optical marking system like a laser marking system, to identify tires and transmit this data to the control system for improved maintenance and storage processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex camera and 3D laser-based systems are used to capture and recognize tyre codes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of code recognition from complex camera and 3D laser systems. Instead of using elaborate imaging systems, it employs a simple optical sensor to detect the presence and characteristics of molded codes on tires, achieving sufficient precision for identification purposes without the complexity of full 3D reconstruction systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex camera and laser systems with inexpensive optical sensors and simple processing logic. The solution uses readily available, low-cost components that can be easily replaced or upgraded, sacrificing the high precision of expensive systems for cost-effectiveness and simplicity
2Measurement precision
If camera systems are used with very precise positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs molded codes that are already present on the tire as self-identifying markers. The system does not require external positioning infrastructure or complex coordination between multiple sensors - the tire itself provides the reference framework through its molded codes, eliminating the need for sophisticated positioning systems
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex positioning systems to locate tires and then identify them, the patent inverts the approach: tires are identified through their inherent molded codes first, and positioning information is derived from the code location. This reverses the traditional workflow and eliminates the need for precise pre-positioning systems
3Productivity
If no identification system is integrated into maintenance apparatus, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to manual identification processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tire identification function with existing wheel maintenance apparatus by integrating optical sensors and processing units into the same system. The identification process is combined with the maintenance workflow, allowing both functions to operate within a single integrated platform without requiring separate standalone systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the optical sensing apparatus serves both positioning and identification purposes. The same sensor array that detects tire position also captures and recognizes molded codes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated identification equipment and achieving productivity gains without proportional increases in system complexity
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
Enables simple, reliable, and rapid tire identification during maintenance, ensuring each tire has a unique digital code that can be read and shared, enhancing the efficiency and precision of maintenance operations while maintaining a compact and cost-effective apparatus structure.
Implementation Method 1
creating, using a marking system, preferably of the optical type, at least one marking on the surface of a side wall of the tyre of said wheel, corresponding to the digital code previously created
Data Source
AI summary
A method and associated apparatus for uniquely identifying tyres for wheels of vehicles as part of wheel maintenance processes. The method envisages that a vehicle wheel is mounted on a support of a wheel maintenance apparatus, said wheel comprising a rim and a tyre. Moreover, a digital code is created to uniquely identify the tyre. Finally, via a marking system, preferably of the optical type, at least one marking is created on the surface of one side wall of the tyre of said wheel, corresponding to the previously created digital code.