Test Wheel for Laser Measurement Accuracy Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire analysis machines lack a method to accurately check the tread and sidewall measurement accuracy of laser measuring devices without requiring machine disassembly and significant downtime, as existing solutions only test sidewall measurements or necessitate rim changes.
Innovation Solution
A test wheel with a known dimensional configuration is designed to be received and rotated within the analysis machine, allowing laser measurement devices to confirm their accuracy without disassembling the machine, featuring a hub, test ring, and inserts for measuring tread and sidewall dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a test ring with known dimensional configuration is positioned within the analysis machine, then the laser measurement devices can be tested for accuracy, but the machine requires that its upper and lower rims be removed to engage the test ring, resulting in machine downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The test wheel is divided into separate functional components: a hub that interfaces with the machine's chuck assemblies and a test ring with known dimensional features. This segmentation allows the test wheel to be installed independently without removing the machine's rims, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and machine downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The test wheel acts as an intermediary device between the laser measurement devices and the machine's chuck assemblies. It provides a stable platform with known dimensions that can be measured by the lasers while being retained by the existing rim structure, eliminating the need to remove rims for testing.
2Measurement precision
If a small diameter motorized steel wheel of known size is mounted on the machine, then the lasers can be tested, but the configuration requires machine down time and only tests sidewall lasers, not tread lasers
Solution Approach 1:
The test wheel is designed with a test ring that includes both tread surface features and sidewall features, making it universal for testing both tread and sidewall laser measurement devices. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between measurement accuracy and measurement coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The test wheel incorporates dimensional features in multiple spatial dimensions - radial dimensions for sidewall measurement and circumferential dimensions for tread measurement. This dimensional diversity allows a single test wheel to validate both sidewall and tread laser measurements, enhancing versatility.
3Loss of time
If self-diagnostics are employed to determine the accuracy of the lasers, then the measurement process can continue without interruption, but the self-diagnostics are found lacking in accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The test wheel creates a physical copy with known dimensional characteristics that serves as a reference standard. By measuring this known copy with the laser devices, the system can verify measurement accuracy without interrupting machine operation, resolving the contradiction between continuous operation and accurate verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The test wheel provides a feedback mechanism where the known dimensional features are measured by the laser devices, and the measurements are compared against the known values. This feedback loop enables continuous verification of measurement accuracy without stopping the machine, addressing both downtime and precision concerns.
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 accurate confirmation of laser measuring device operation and software algorithm functionality with minimal downtime, ensuring precise dimensional measurements and reducing machine downtime by allowing continuous rim installation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one laser measurement device associated with the analysis machine
Implementation Method 2
laser measuring devices which can detect various dimensional changes
Data Source
AI summary
An analysis machine uses a test wheel to confirm operation of measurement sensors and software algorithm associated with the analysis machine. The machine includes at least one laser measurement device that measures dimensional characteristics of tires received in the analysis machine. A test wheel is receivable and rotatable in the analysis machine, wherein the test wheel has a known dimensional configuration detected by the at least one laser measurement device to confirm the accuracy of the at least one laser measurement device and/or confirm performance of the software algorithm.