Tire Inspection Line Using Sequential Macroscopic and Microscopic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic tire inspection systems rely on operator selection and can lead to downgrading acceptable tires and disruption, as they lack comprehensive inspection capabilities for both macroscopic shape and microscopic surface conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that includes sequential macroscopic and microscopic image acquisitions using computer image processing, with an intermediate brushing step to ensure accurate detection of tire deviations from standards, featuring a tire inspection line with dedicated stations for each type of inspection and transfer mechanisms for efficient tire handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operator selection is used for tire inspection, then flexibility in decision-making is maintained, but reliability and consistency of inspection results deteriorate due to human error and subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual operator selection process with an automatic inspection machine that uses digital image acquisition and comparison algorithms. The system captures images of the tire, compares them with reference images, and automatically determines acceptance or rejection, eliminating human subjectivity and error while maintaining consistent inspection criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system performs self-evaluation by automatically comparing acquired tire images with stored reference images using computer algorithms. The system independently makes acceptance decisions without requiring continuous human intervention, thereby improving reliability while reducing operational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive macroscopic and microscopic inspection is performed, then measurement precision and detection accuracy are improved, but inspection time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inspection process into two distinct sequences: a first sequence for macroscopic shape inspection and a second sequence for microscopic surface condition inspection. This segmentation allows each inspection type to be optimized independently, with macroscopic inspection using lower magnification for faster shape assessment and microscopic inspection using higher magnification for detailed surface analysis, thereby improving overall precision without excessive time penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary macroscopic inspection first to assess overall tire shape and identify obvious deviations. Only tires that pass or require further evaluation proceed to the more time-consuming microscopic surface inspection. This preliminary filtering reduces the total number of tires requiring full microscopic analysis, thereby reducing overall inspection time while maintaining high measurement precision for all inspected tires.
3Measurement precision
If intermediate brushing operation is performed between image acquisitions, then surface cleanliness and image quality are improved, but process complexity and inspection time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a brushing operation as an intermediary step between macroscopic and microscopic image acquisitions. This brushing step cleans the tire surface to remove dust and contaminants that would interfere with image quality, particularly for microscopic surface inspection. The brushing mechanism is integrated into the inspection line, allowing automatic surface preparation without manual intervention.
4Productivity
If automatic inspection machines are used, then productivity and consistency are improved, but device complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection machine is designed with multi-functionality, combining both macroscopic shape inspection and microscopic surface condition inspection capabilities in a single integrated system. The same hardware platform performs multiple inspection tasks using different image acquisition parameters and analysis algorithms, thereby improving productivity and consistency while avoiding the need for separate inspection devices for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and line for inspection of tyres, wherein: - a first inspection post (12) for macroscopic inspection comprises means for rotating the tyre and means for acquiring a macroscopic image of the tyre and first means for analysing this macroscopic image by digital image processing and for comparing the macroscopic image with a reference image and detecting any variations in shape; - a second inspection post (16) for microscopic inspection comprises means for rotating the tyre and means for acquiring a microscopic image of the tyre and second means for analysing this microscopic image by digital image processing and comparing the microscopic image with a reference image that is representative of a desired surface condition of the tire to detect any local surface variations; - transfer means (50) that transfer the tire from the first post to a discharge point or to the second inspection post.