Tire Reinforcement Inspection Using Radar and Laser Line Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting reinforcing layers in technical rubber articles, such as vehicle tires, are costly and space-consuming due to the need for multiple distance measuring units, and are inefficient in accessing difficult areas like the tire's interior, with bidirectional scanning being time-consuming and complex to implement.
Innovation Solution
A method using a light distance meter that projects a line of light onto the surface, shifted relative to the surface during movement, combined with radar distance sensors to efficiently measure reinforcing elements' positions, reducing the need for multiple units and enabling rapid inspection in hard-to-reach areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple radar distance measuring units and laser distance measuring units are used to inspect larger areas, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple radar distance measuring units into a single integrated measuring device that can perform measurements across different positions. The device integrates both radar distance measurement functionality and laser line projection capability into one unified system, reducing the total number of separate units needed while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-based measurement (single laser point) to line-based measurement (laser line), adding a dimensional aspect to the measurement approach. The laser line is shifted relative to the surface during movement, creating a scanning effect that covers larger areas without requiring proportional increases in the number of measuring units.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple distance measuring units are arranged to cover transverse extension, then measurement area is improved, but space requirements and difficulty of accessing difficult areas increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single compact device that can be positioned in limited spaces. By combining radar distance measurement with laser line projection in one unit, the system occupies minimal space while maintaining the ability to measure across transverse extensions through relative movement and line shifting.
3Loss of information
If bidirectional scanning is performed to obtain two-dimensional scan data, then measurement completeness is improved, but inspection time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a laser line that extends in one dimension rather than requiring bidirectional point scanning. The line of light is shifted relative to the surface during movement, creating a scanning effect that captures two-dimensional information through unidirectional movement. This approach obtains comprehensive scan data in a single pass rather than requiring bidirectional scanning.
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
Achieves accurate and efficient inspection of reinforcing layers with a lateral resolution of 0.01 mm to 1 mm and vertical resolution of 1 µm to 100 µm, allowing for precise detection of deviations and surface wear with minimal equipment and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Two or more radar distance sensors measure the positions of the reinforcing elements, wherein the radiation from the radar distance sensors penetrates two or more radar beam regions on the surface
Implementation Method 2
a light distance sensor measures the surface of the technical rubber article... a line of light is projected onto the surface of the technical rubber article and evaluated
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for inspecting technical rubber articles, wherein the technical rubber articles are vehicle tires or components of vehicle tires, wherein a technical rubber article with a surface is provided, wherein metallic reinforcing elements extend beneath the surface at an embedding distance, wherein at least two radar distance sensors measure the positions of the reinforcing elements, wherein the radiation from the radar distance sensors penetrates at least two radar beam areas on the surface that are shifted relative to each other in a first direction at a first time, wherein a light distance sensor measures the surface, wherein a relative movement is performed between the rubber article on the one hand and the radar distance sensors and the light distance sensor on the other hand, wherein the relative movement is parallel to the surface and perpendicular to the first direction.The radar distance meter measures the surface by projecting and evaluating a line of light onto the surface, whereby the line of light is shifted relative to the surface as part of the relative motion, so that for each radar distance meter there is another point in time at which the line of light passes through the radar beam area belonging to a respective radar distance meter.