Edge Detection Device for Pneumatic Tire Composite Sheets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to accurately detect the edges of sheets in composite liner sheets for tire production, particularly when the sheets have the same black color and thin thickness, making it difficult to ensure precise overlapping during the tire manufacturing process.

Innovation Solution

An edge detection device comprising a line camera and a pair of lightings applied in a specific configuration to illuminate and capture images of the composite sheet, allowing for precise detection of edge positions, even when the sheets have the same color, and a production method that includes a detection step to accurately attach sheet-shaped chafers to the liner based on detected edge positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If sheets with the same black color are laminated, then the appearance is uniform and aesthetically pleasing, but it becomes difficult to detect the edges of the sheets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor uniformityVSAvoidedge detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies lighting that creates reflectivity differences at sheet edges. By using specific lighting angles and intensities, the edges of black sheets become visible through variations in light reflection, enabling detection while maintaining the uniform black appearance of the sheets themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces lighting as an intermediary element between the black sheets and the detection system. The lighting creates optical contrasts at the edges, serving as a mediator that makes the edges detectable without altering the sheets' appearance or requiring additional markings on the sheets themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Weight of moving object

If thin sheets are used for tire members to reduce weight, then the weight is reduced, but it becomes difficult to detect the edges of the sheets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet weightVSAvoidedge detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical or contact-based detection methods with optical detection using a line camera and lighting system. This allows edge detection of thin sheets without requiring physical contact or additional thickness, maintaining weight reduction while enabling accurate edge detection through optical means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If conventional imaging methods are used to detect sheet edges, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient for accurate overlapping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection device complexityVSAvoidedge position detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a line camera that captures images along a line across the sheet width, segmenting the detection task into manageable linear scans. This approach provides high measurement precision for edge positions while keeping the device configuration relatively simple and straightforward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If sheets are attached with displaced edge positions, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the overlapping precision is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment process simplicityVSAvoidsheet overlapping precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback system where the line camera detects actual sheet positions, and this information is used to control the attachment process. The detected edge positions provide feedback that enables precise overlapping while maintaining a relatively simple automated attachment process.

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

The solution enables accurate detection of edge positions, ensuring high-quality tire production by ensuring precise overlapping of sheets, reducing production errors and material waste.

Implementation Method 1

a line camera configured to take an image of the entirety in the width direction of the composite sheet; and a pair of lightings configured to apply light to the composite sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3766679B1Edge detection device and production method for pneumatic tire
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP3766679B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3766679B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3766679B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An edge detection device 22 capable of detecting the position of an edge 36 of a sheet 26 is provided. The edge detection device 22 includes: a line camera 38 configured to take an image in a width direction of a composite sheet 24 formed by attaching at least two sheets 26 such that positions of edges 36 of the sheets 26 are displaced in the width direction; and a pair of lightings 40 configured to apply light to the composite sheet 24. The pair of lightings 40 are disposed with the line camera 38 located therebetween in a longitudinal direction of the composite sheet 24. To a portion to which light of one lighting 40 is applied, light of the other lighting 40 is applied. A field of view of the line camera 38 includes the edge 36 of one sheet 26 located on the other sheet 26.