Tire Defect Tester Using Electrode Energy Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire defect inspection methods are unreliable, time-consuming, and unable to accurately detect the type, number, or characteristics of defects, limiting their effectiveness in repairing tires efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A tire defect tester system using electrodes to direct and detect energy signals through a tire, with a control circuit and sensor to indicate flaws based on energy thresholds, allowing for precise detection and recording of defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual inspection is used to detect tire defects, then the inspection method is simple and inexpensive, but the detection reliability is low and minute defects are missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual inspection system with an electrical field-based detection system. Electrodes generate electrical signals that pass through the tire, and defects are detected by measuring changes in electrical properties, eliminating the need for human visual inspection and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical signals as an intermediary medium to detect defects. The electrical signals interact with the tire material and defects, providing indirect but more reliable detection information compared to direct visual observation.
2Loss of information
If existing electrode systems are used to detect tire defects, then the presence of defects can be detected, but detailed information about defect type, number, or characteristics cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into multiple measurement points and uses multiple electrodes positioned at different locations. This allows the system to detect not only the presence but also the number, location, and characteristics of multiple defects by analyzing signals from different segments of the tire.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the electrical signals (frequency, amplitude, waveform) and measures multiple electrical parameters (resistance, capacitance, inductance) to extract different defect characteristics. By varying signal parameters and measuring multiple response parameters, the system can identify defect type, size, and other detailed characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If high voltage electrical potential is applied across electrodes to detect defects through arcing, then defect location can be identified, but the system cannot detect the nature or characteristics of the flaw
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using low-voltage electrical signals instead of high voltage, which is sufficient for detecting electrical property changes caused by defects without causing harmful effects like arcing or damage to the tire. The signals are strong enough to detect defects but weak enough to avoid harmful effects.
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 system provides improved reliability and precision in detecting tire defects, enabling accurate identification and recording of flaws, facilitating effective tire repair and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode arranged to direct energy toward a tire, and a second electrode arranged on an opposite side of the tire from the first electrode to receive energy passing through the tire from the first electrode
Implementation Method 2
an energy sensor electrically connected to the second electrode and a fault indicator circuit responsive to the energy sensor and configured to indicate the presence of a flaw upon energy above a threshold level being sensed at the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A tire defect tester and a method of operation are disclosed. In one aspect, the tire defect tester includes a first electrode arranged to direct energy toward a tire, and a second electrode arranged on an opposite side of the tire from the first electrode to receive energy passing through the tire from the first electrode. The tire defect tester further includes an energy sensor electrically connected to the second electrode and a fault indicator circuit responsive to the energy sensor and configured to indicate the presence of a flaw upon energy above a threshold level being sensed at the second electrode.