Tire Spike Orientation Elements for Camera Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spike conveyors fail to reliably orient spikes with asymmetrical spike pins or upper flanges on a transport device, leading to incorrect positioning and orientation during the spike setting process in vehicle tires, which affects driving properties.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating orientation elements on the upper flange of the spike that create an asymmetrical silhouette when viewed from above, allowing a camera system to detect the correct orientation and ensure proper placement before insertion into the tire tread, without compromising bedding rigidity or snow/ice grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spikes are made asymmetrical with respect to the cross section of their spike pin to achieve advantageous orientation on the tread, then driving properties are improved, but reliable identification of the correct spike position on the transport device becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by forming orientation elements on the upper flange that create an asymmetrical silhouette when viewed from above. This asymmetrical silhouette allows the camera system to reliably detect the correct orientation of spikes on the transport device, while the spike pin itself maintains its asymmetrical design for optimal driving properties. The orientation elements serve as visual markers without interfering with the functional asymmetry of the spike pin.
2Manufacturing precision
If orientation elements are added to the upper flange to enable reliable detection by camera system, then spike positioning accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the spike structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation elements are formed locally on the upper flange in specific regions that do not interfere with the functional areas of the spike. The elements are positioned on the upper flange surface where they can be detected by the camera system but do not affect the bedding rigidity or snow/ice grip properties. This local addition minimizes the overall structural complexity while achieving the detection function.
3Reliability
If orientation elements are made large enough to be reliably detected by camera system, then detection reliability is improved, but the bedding rigidity and snow/ice grip properties of the spike are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation elements are designed with minimal necessary size to provide sufficient contrast for reliable camera detection. Rather than making them large for maximum visibility, the patent uses small features that just suffice for detection purposes. This partial action approach ensures detection reliability is achieved with the smallest possible intervention, thereby preserving the spike's mechanical properties.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a spike (1, 1') for anchoring in the tread of a vehicle tire, comprising a top flange (3, 3'), a base flange (2, 2'), and a spike pin (4, 4'), wherein the base flange (2, 2') has at least one plane of symmetry (E1, E1') and at least two planar side surfaces (2a, 2b, 2'a, 2'b) extending symmetrically to the plane of symmetry (E1, E1') in a top view, wherein the spike pin (2, 2') and/or the top flange (3, 3') are asymmetrically designed with respect to the plane of symmetry (E1, E1') of the base flange (2, 2') and/or with respect to a second plane (E2, E2') extending perpendicularly to this plane of symmetry (E1, E1') and containing the principal axis (a1, a1') of the spike (1, 1'). or is.At least one orientation element (5; 5'a, 5'b) is formed on the upper flange (3, 3') of the spike (1, 1'), which gives the spike (1, 1') lying on a flat side surface (2a, 2b, 2'a, 2b) of the foot flange (2, 2') an asymmetrical silhouette relative to the plane of symmetry (E1, E1') of the foot flange (2, 2').