3D Tire Shine Applicator Tracking Tire Sidewalls Without Overspray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing car wash systems lack an efficient and automated method for applying tire shine to vehicle tires, resulting in labor-intensive manual application, overspray issues, and increased costs due to the need for long brushes that occupy excessive space and can reduce braking ability and cause slips.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled tire shine application system with a three-directional movement device that detects and adjusts to the size and location of each tire, allowing precise application of tire shine without rotating the tires, using sensors to position a tire shine applicator in X, Y, and Z axes, reducing the length required for the car wash system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a long brush is used to contact the full height of the tire wall for a full rotation, then complete tire coating is achieved, but the car wash length increases significantly requiring more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional brush contact method to a three-dimensional robotic arm system that moves in X, Y, and Z axes. This allows the applicator to reach all tire surfaces without requiring a long brush length, solving the space constraint while maintaining complete coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a dynamic robotic arm with multiple degrees of freedom instead of a static long brush. The robotic arm can adjust its position and orientation dynamically to match any tire size and shape, providing complete coverage without the need for excessive brush length
2Productivity
If manual tire shine application is used, then labor requirements are high, but the system is simple and flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect tire dimensions and the robotic controller to autonomously adjust applicator position and movement. This self-service capability eliminates manual intervention while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor tire position and dimensions, providing feedback to the robotic controller. This closed-loop control enables high productivity through automation while keeping the system adaptable and relatively simple through intelligent feedback mechanisms
3Manufacturing precision
If tire shine is applied to ensure complete coverage, then the tire look is enhanced, but overspray occurs on wheels, rims, body and pavement causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic applicator can precisely control the location and direction of tire shine application, delivering material only to the specific tire surface area that requires treatment. This localized application eliminates overspray on surrounding areas while ensuring complete coverage of the target surface
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual spraying mechanics with a controlled robotic dispensing mechanism. This substitution provides precise material placement through automated control systems, eliminating the uncontrolled spray pattern that causes overspray contamination
4Manufacturing precision
If excess tire shine material is used to ensure complete coverage, then tire appearance is improved, but material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors monitor the tire surface and application progress in real-time, providing feedback to the robotic controller. This enables precise control of material dispensing, applying only the necessary amount to achieve uniform coverage and eliminating excessive material consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies tire shine material in precisely controlled amounts and locations based on actual tire surface area and absorption characteristics. This partial action approach, applying material only where and when needed, achieves complete uniform coverage without the waste associated with excessive application
Data Source
AI summary
A tire shine application system includes a computer having at least one sensor interfaced thereto that detects and measures sizes of a tire of a vehicle as the vehicle enters a car wash. A tire shine applicator is interfaced to a three-directional movement device that is controlled by the computer. When the tire approaches the tire shine applicator, the computer controls the three-directional movement device to position the tire shine applicator to an outwardly facing wall of the tire and controls the three-directional movement device so that the tire shine applicator traverses the outwardly facing wall of the tire while tracking the tire as the tire shine applicator deposits tire shine liquid on the outwardly facing wall of the tire.