Tire Testing Device With Inversion And Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire testing systems face challenges in efficiently and accurately inspecting tires interferometrically due to vibrations, self-movements, and uneven force distribution, which lead to prolonged waiting times and incomplete testing without turning the tire.
Innovation Solution
A tire testing system with multiple pivotable and movable interferometric test heads, distributed at equal angular intervals, allows for simultaneous or sequential testing of the inner tread and outer side surfaces, reducing the number of test runs by allowing the tire to be turned and repositioned with a marking and positioning device for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the tire is tested in an upright position on rollers to avoid turning the tire, then both sidewalls can be tested without turning, but uneven forces cause pressure points and whole-body deformation requiring waiting times of several minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional testing approach by turning the tire onto its side (bead end up) instead of keeping it upright. This inversion allows the tire to rest on a stable horizontal base through its bead, eliminating the need for rollers and avoiding the uneven forces that cause deformation and waiting times. The tire is tested in this inverted position and then turned over to test the second sidewall, achieving both efficiency and stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the test head is moved circumferentially to test the entire tire in sections, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but three test runs are required including lifting and turning the tire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the testing dimension by rotating the entire test head assembly around the tire's bead axis rather than moving the test head circumferentially along the tire circumference. This dimensional change allows all sidewall areas to be accessed from the side, enabling comprehensive testing in just two test runs instead of three, as the tire can be simply turned over on its base rather than lifted and repositioned.
3Measurement precision
If tires are tested without a rim and lying on a sidewall to minimize vibrations, then comprehensive support is provided, but the tire must be turned over to test the second sidewall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing the testing system to test both sidewalls from the same upright position before turning the tire. The test head is positioned to access the entire circumference of the first sidewall and then the second sidewall is tested in the same position after the tire is turned. This preliminary positioning and testing sequence minimizes the need for repositioning and reduces the time lost to turning operations.
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 minimizes vibrations, reduces test runs from three to two, and ensures comprehensive tire inspection with fewer test heads, enhancing testing efficiency and accuracy while avoiding pressure points and deformation.
Implementation Method 1
Interferometric testing is a relative testing method in which the surface contour of the tire is compared in two or more different states
Implementation Method 2
The test heads comprise a source of directed light, in particular laser light, an interferometer, and a camera
Data Source
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AI summary
The tire testing plant has a tire tester with one or more probes (5) for testing an internal tire tread (8) of a tire (1). One or more probes (6,7) are provided for testing an outer side wall (2,3) of the tire. A turning device is provided for turning the tire. A marking device is provided for marking the tire before turning the tire. A position recording device is provided for recording the position of the tire and turning the tire. An independent claim is included for a method for testing tire.