Tire Information Synchronization via Laser Engraving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire information marking systems are difficult for both humans and automated systems to read, leading to inefficiencies and errors throughout the tire's handling processes from manufacturing to consumer use.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for synchronizing multiple representations of tire information, including a digital representation and a human-readable representation, such as through laser engraving or storage in an electronic memory, to ensure accurate and efficient communication of information like the DOT code, load index, and other critical details.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple representations of tire information are provided on the tire surface, then the readability and reliability of information is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The information is divided into multiple representations: a first representation (e.g., digital code pattern) and a second representation (e.g., human-readable text). These segmented representations are applied to different regions or formats on the tire surface, allowing automated systems to read the digital code while humans can read the text representation, thereby improving overall readability and reliability without requiring a single complex marking system
Solution Approach 2:
The same information is copied into multiple formats (digital code pattern and human-readable representation). This copying approach ensures that the information is available in forms suitable for different reading systems, improving reliability while using standard, relatively simple marking technologies for each representation
2Reliability
If multiple representations of tire information are provided on the tire surface, then the readability and reliability of information is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into separate steps for applying different representations. The first representation can be applied using digital printing or laser marking, while the second representation can be applied using conventional molding or marking techniques. This segmentation allows each representation to be manufactured using appropriate, relatively simple processes
Solution Approach 2:
The second representation (human-readable format) can be incorporated into the tire during the molding process as preliminary action, while the first representation (digital code) can be added later during finishing operations. This preliminary action approach reduces overall manufacturing complexity by distributing the marking tasks across different production stages
3Reliability
If synchronized representations of information are provided, then errors in information handling are reduced, but the time and complexity of information synchronization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second representation is created as a preliminary action during the tire molding process, capturing the information at the source. This preliminary capture allows the first representation to be derived from it later without requiring separate, time-consuming data collection, thereby reducing the time penalty for synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the digital code pattern can be read and verified against the human-readable representation, or vice versa. This feedback loop ensures synchronization accuracy while automating the verification process to minimize the time required for validation
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
This approach enhances the readability and reliability of tire information, reducing errors and improving handling efficiency across various stages of tire management by providing redundant and synchronized information formats.
Implementation Method 1
The writer device is a laser device for laser marking of a tire (114)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A method of providing a tire (114) with different representations (108, 120) of a piece of information (106) comprises synchronizing a digital representation (108) of the piece of information and a further representation (120) of the piece of information such that the digital representation and the further representation represent the same piece of information (106). Synchronizing may include reading the piece of information from the further representation (120) already provided on the tire (114), generating the digital representation (108) of the piece of information and transferring the digital representation to the tire (114), e.g. by laser engraving. Further, synchronizing may include receiving the piece of information (106), generating the digital representation (108) and the further representation (120) from the received piece of information (106) and transferring both representations (108, 120) to the tire (114) e.g. by laser engraving. The invention also relates to a tire, a tire marking device, a controller and a computer program.