Tire Inner Liner Anomaly Probe Grounding via Bead Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional high voltage discharge (HVD) tire testing machines are susceptible to variations in tread thickness and chemical makeup, leading to reduced accuracy and increased voltage requirements, making them inconsistent and prone to false detections.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus where a high voltage probe is positioned against the tire surface, and a reference electrode is placed at the bead portion, allowing electrical discharges to pass through the carcass plies instead of the tread, reducing the voltage needed and enhancing detection accuracy by avoiding tread-related variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the electrical discharge path passes through the tread portion of the tire, then the testing can be performed on the tire surface, but the detection accuracy is reduced due to variations in tread thickness and chemical makeup
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the reference electrode from the traditional configuration where both electrodes contact the tread surface, and instead places the reference electrode at the bead portion of the tire. This extraction removes the disturbing variable (tread thickness and chemical composition) from the electrical discharge path, allowing consistent detection of anomalies without the interference of tread variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bead portion of the tire serves as an intermediary structure that provides a consistent reference point for the electrical discharge path. By using the bead (which has uniform composition and thickness) as the reference electrode location, the system mediates between the high voltage probe and ground, eliminating the variability introduced by different tread compositions and thicknesses.
2Reliability
If higher voltage is applied to compensate for tread variability, then electrical discharge can be generated through the tread, but the voltage requirement increases and detection consistency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the variable element (tread portion) from the electrical discharge path by reconfiguring the reference electrode to contact the bead portion. This extraction eliminates the need to apply higher voltage to overcome variable resistance in the tread, thereby reducing the overall voltage requirement while improving detection consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the location parameter of the reference electrode from the tread surface to the bead portion. This parameter change fundamentally alters the electrical discharge path, creating a more consistent resistance profile that requires lower voltage and provides more reliable detection results across different tire types and conditions.
3Ease of operation
If visual inspection methods are used to detect tire anomalies, then the inspection can be performed, but the results are subjective and require extensive operator training
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical/visual inspection system (human operator using special lighting) with an electrical field-based detection system. The high voltage probe creates an electrical discharge that objectively detects anomalies through changes in electrical properties, eliminating subjectivity and the need for extensive operator training while improving detection precision.
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 reduces the voltage required for testing, increases the reliability of anomaly detection, and minimizes false positives by providing a more consistent and accurate method for identifying tire surface anomalies.
Implementation Method 1
HVD testing can be used to identify anomalies in the inner liner of a tire that penetrate the insulating material of the inner liner. In HVD testing machines, the tread portion of a tire is typically disposed between a pair of electrodes across which a high voltage electrical potential is generated. The voltage applied across the electrode will cause electrical discharge at the location of a defect in a tire.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method for high voltage discharge testing of a tire is disclosed. In particular embodiments, a high voltage probe is maintained against the surface of a tire. The high voltage probe is energized and relative motion is provided between the surface of the tire and the high voltage probe. At the presence of an anomaly that penetrates the insulating material of the tire surface, an electrical discharge will occur between the conductive spring electrode and a reference electrode. The reference electrode is positioned adjacent the bead portion of the tire such that the electrical discharge will travel from the high voltage probe through the anomaly in the surface of the tire to one or more carcass plies in the tire. The carcass plies will carry the electrical discharge to the bead portion of the tire, where the electrical discharge will pass to the reference electrode.