Dual-Sided Terahertz Tread Measurement for Conductive Tire Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar technology is ineffective for measuring the thickness of conductive tread layers in tire manufacturing due to radiation absorption, leading to inconsistent layer thickness and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A dual sensor system using terahertz radiation with upper and lower sensors to measure the thickness of conductive and non-conductive tread layers by emitting and receiving electromagnetic beams, calculating layer thickness based on distance measurements and refractive indices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar technology is used for tread layer thickness measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement becomes impossible when conductive compounds are present due to radiation absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from traditional radar frequencies to terahertz frequencies (0.1-10 THz), which can penetrate conductive tire compounds that absorb lower frequency radar waves. This parameter change enables measurement of conductive tread layers while maintaining measurement capability for non-conductive layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mathematical model based on the Fresnel equation that relates the measured reflection coefficient to the tread layer thickness. This intermediary model bridges the gap between the terahertz reflection measurement and the actual thickness parameter, enabling accurate thickness determination from reflection data.
2Measurement precision
If single sensor measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inability to distinguish multiple reflection interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function by using two separate sensors: one positioned above the tire tread to measure the thickness of the outer tread layer, and one positioned below to measure the inner tread layer thickness. This segmentation allows each sensor to focus on specific layers, improving overall measurement accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the spatial dimension of dual-sided measurement by positioning sensors on both the outer and inner surfaces of the tire tread. This dimensional approach enables simultaneous measurement of multiple layers from different perspectives, providing comprehensive thickness data that cannot be obtained from a single measurement point.
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 continuous, accurate measurement of tread layer thicknesses, ensuring uniformity and performance consistency in tire manufacturing, even with conductive compounds.
Implementation Method 1
receiving from the first radiation beam a first reflected radiation beam from a surface of the first tread layer and determining a first distance d1, receiving from the second radiation beam a second reflected radiation beam from an interface of the first and second tread layers and determining a second distance d2
Implementation Method 2
Such materials absorb radiation from the radar technology, and the measurement of the conductive tread layer becomes problematic or impossible
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and apparatus for measuring a thickness of a tire tread is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of: providing a tire tread having a first tread layer (160) formed of an electrically conductive compound and a second tread layer (130) formed of an electrically nonconductive compound; continuously conveying the tire tread; arranging a first sensor (150) and a second sensor (155) above and below the tire tread, respectively, wherein the first and second sensors (150, 155) being configured for emitting first and second radiation beams (152, 166), respectively, into the tire tread, and wherein the first and second sensors (150, 155) are connected together at a preferably fixed sensor distance or sensor height (D); receiving from the first radiation beam a first reflected radiation beam (162) from a surface (161) of the first tread layer (160) and determining a first distance (d1); receiving from the second radiation beam (166) a second reflected radiation beam (165) from an interface (141) of the first and second tread layers (160, 130) and determining a second distance (d2); receiving from the second radiation beam (166) a third reflected radiation beam (164) from a surface of the second tread layer (130) and determining a third distance (d3), and carrying out a material thickness measurement of the first and second tread layers (120, 160) by emitting the first and second radiation beams (152, 166) by the first and second sensors (150, 155), respectively, receiving the first, second, and third reflected radiation beams (162, 165, 164), and then determining a thickness (d4) of the first tread layer (160) using said first, second and third distances (d1, d2, d3) and said sensor distance or sensor height (D).