Optical Tread Depth Sensor Using Dual Emitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring tire tread depth are prone to inaccuracies, whether manual or imaging-based, leading to incorrect assessments of tire wear.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with two depth sensing modules and an image sensor that emits and captures light beams to determine tread depth measurements as it traverses a tire surface, providing accurate depth measurements by analyzing reflections and storing them for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tread depth gauge is used, then measurement can be obtained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an automated optical measurement system. The depth sensing modules use light emission and reflection capture to automatically determine tread depth, eliminating manual operation and associated human errors while maintaining ease of use through automated traversal along the tire surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light beams as an intermediary between the measurement system and the tire tread. The emitters project light onto the tread surface and the image sensor captures reflections, using light as a mediator to obtain accurate depth measurements without direct mechanical contact that causes human error.
2Extent of automation
If imaging-based measurement mechanism is used, then automated measurement is achieved, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to incorrect tread detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement task into multiple segments by using two spatially separated depth sensing modules. Each module independently measures tread depth from different positions, and the controller processes both measurements to determine accurate tread depth, reducing errors from single-point imaging failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional imaging to three-dimensional depth measurement by using light reflection geometry. The depth sensing modules calculate actual distance from the tire surface based on light emission and reflection capture, adding a depth dimension that improves detection accuracy over flat imaging alone.
3Device complexity
If single depth sensing module is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning depth sensing modules at specific locations along the tire's circumference. The two modules are spaced to measure different portions of the tread, allowing comprehensive coverage and improved reliability through multiple localized measurements rather than a single general measurement point.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives depth measurements from multiple modules and processes them to determine accurate tread depth. The system uses feedback from multiple measurement sources to validate and refine the final measurement, improving reliability by cross-checking data from different module positions.
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 device provides precise and accurate tread depth measurements, reducing errors associated with manual methods and improving the assessment of tire wear, enabling more reliable tire replacement decisions.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical assembly configured to direct reflections of the first beam of light onto a first region of the image sensor; a second optical assembly configured to direct reflections of the second beam of light onto a second region of the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
a first emitter configured to emit a first beam of light, and (ii) a first optical assembly configured to direct reflections of the first beam of light
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring tread depth includes: an image sensor; first and second depth sensing modules spaced apart along a separation axis, each including (i) an emitter configured to emit a beam of light, and (ii) an optical assembly configured to direct reflections of the beam of light onto a respective region of the image sensor; a controller connected to the image sensor and configured, responsive to the device traversing a treaded surface, to: receive, from the image sensor, a sequence of images corresponding to sequential positions of the device traversing the treaded surface in a travel direction substantially perpendicular to the separation axis, the sequence of images depicting successive reflections of the beams from the treaded surface; determine, for each image in the sequence of images, a first depth measurement and a second depth measurement; and store, in a memory, the first and second depth measurements.