Automated Tire Casing Skiving with Laser Profilometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic pneumatic tire casing equatorial surface skiving stations are ineffective in accurately identifying and recognizing damage, often failing to detect actual damage, misidentifying surface stains, and incorrectly assessing damage dimensions and shapes.

Innovation Solution

A method and station that utilize a motorized hub with a laser profilometer to capture a three-dimensional profile of the equatorial surface, an automatic skiving device with a robotic arm and digital camera to precisely remove damage, and a control unit to apply cement and green rubber uniformly, ensuring accurate identification and correction of damage without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If an automatic skiving station with digital image analysis is used, then automation extent is improved, but measurement precision of damage identification deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of skiving operationVSAvoidaccuracy of damage identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical image analysis system with a laser-based profilometer that captures three-dimensional topographic data. This substitution enables automated detection with higher precision by measuring surface geometry rather than relying on digital image processing, thereby resolving the contradiction between automation and measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional digital image analysis to three-dimensional laser profilometry. By adding the depth dimension through laser ranging, the system achieves more accurate damage identification while maintaining full automation, effectively resolving the contradiction between automated operation and precise measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If a laser profilometer is used to capture three-dimensional profile, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of damage detectionVSAvoidcomplexity of skiving station

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The laser profilometer serves multiple functions: it captures the three-dimensional profile of the equatorial surface, identifies damage locations, determines damage dimensions, and guides the skiving operation. This multi-functionality justifies the added device complexity by consolidating multiple measurement and control functions into a single instrument.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser profilometer acts as an intermediary between the casing surface and the control unit. It transforms physical surface features into digital three-dimensional data that the control unit can process, enabling precise automated control of the skiving device while maintaining a clear separation between measurement and execution functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automated skiving device with robotic arm is used, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of skiving operationVSAvoidcomplexity of system control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service through automated feedback control. The laser profilometer continuously monitors the surface, the control unit automatically processes the data to identify damage, and the robotic skiving device executes corrections without human intervention. This self-service capability maintains ease of operation while maximizing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements closed-loop feedback where the laser profilometer's three-dimensional measurements feed back to the control unit, which adjusts the robotic skiving device's operations in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables the complex automated system to operate intuitively, improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through automatic self-adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Effectively and efficiently identifies and corrects damage on the equatorial surface by analyzing three-dimensional profiles and using automated tools to prevent false positives and missed damage, ensuring proper adhesion and surface uniformity before retreading.

Implementation Method 1

a laser profilometer (12) which is arranged in a fixed position in front of the equatorial surface (4) of the casing (5) in order to capture a three-dimensional profile of the same equatorial surface (4)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS11472142B2Method and station for the skiving of a tire casing during retreading

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 BRIDGESTONE EURO NV SA

AI summary

Method and station for the skiving of the equatorial surface of the casing of a pneumatic tire during a retreading process of the same pneumatic tire; the old worn tread is removed from the pneumatic tire in order to expose the equatorial surface of the casing of the pneumatic tire; the presence of any damage on the equatorial surface of the casing is identified by capturing a three-dimensional profile of the equatorial surface of the casing by means of a laser type profilometer and by analyzing the same three-dimensional profile; and the equatorial surface of the casing is skived where there is damage resulting from the formation of craters on the equatorial surface.