Tire Thickness Measurement via Surface Shape Synthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for measuring tire thickness are time-consuming and lack precision, with existing non-destructive techniques failing to provide accurate and rapid measurements around the tire.

Innovation Solution

A shape measurement method and apparatus using a light-section method to individually measure the outer and inner surface shapes of the tire, synthesizing data through position adjustments in the circumferential and radial directions, allowing for precise thickness measurement in a shorter time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If CT scanning is used to measure the cross section of the tire, then non-destructive inspection is achieved, but the measurement takes a lot of time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-destructive inspection capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tire measurement is divided into two separate scanning processes: outer surface scanning and inner surface scanning. Each scan captures specific surface data independently, which are then synthesized to calculate thickness. This segmentation allows for faster, more targeted data collection compared to comprehensive CT scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from three-dimensional volumetric scanning (CT) to two-dimensional surface scanning from both outer and inner surfaces. By measuring surfaces in two dimensions and synthesizing the data, the system achieves thickness measurement without requiring time-consuming 3D volumetric scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If conventional thickness evaluation by sensory inspection is used, then the process is simple, but measurement precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection simplicityVSAvoidthickness measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces manual sensory inspection with an automated optical measurement system. Light-section scanners and cameras capture precise surface geometry data, which is then processed by a computer to calculate thickness automatically, eliminating subjective human judgment while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital copies (3D surface models) of the tire's outer and inner surfaces through optical scanning. These digital models are then used for precise thickness calculation and quality assessment, replacing the need for physical measurement tools and manual inspection while preserving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If existing non-destructive measurement techniques are used, then some thickness data can be obtained, but precise measurement around the entire tire is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-destructive measurement capabilityVSAvoidthickness measurement precision around the tire
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges data from two separate scanning processes (outer surface scan and inner surface scan) to calculate thickness around the entire tire. By combining these complementary datasets and synthesizing them through position adjustment and coordinate transformation, complete and precise thickness measurement is achieved circumferentially.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a computer-based data synthesis system as an intermediary between the scanning processes and final measurement results. This intermediary performs position adjustment, coordinate transformation, and thickness calculation to integrate data from both surface scans, enabling precise circumferential thickness measurement that neither scan could achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables precise and rapid non-destructive measurement of tire thickness around the tire, improving the efficiency and accuracy of tire quality assessment by automatically adjusting and synthesizing shape data from both surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

the outer surface of a tire is irradiated with a slit light, a slit light irradiation portion of the outer surface is photographed by a first camera

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

from the image data of the photographed light irradiation portion of the outer surface, an outer surface shape data of the tire is detected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2549225B1Shape measurement method and shape measurement apparatus for tires
Publication Date: 2016.12.07 BRIDGESTONE CORP
  • EP2549225B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2549225B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2549225B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is a shape measurement method and a shape measurement apparatus for a tire in which the thickness of a tire can be measured around the tire precisely in a short time. Provided is a shape measurement method for a tire comprising: an outer surface and inner surface shape measurement steps in which, from image data of the outer surface and the inner surface, an outer surface shape data and an inner surface shape of the tire are detected; an outer surface and inner surface primary components extraction steps in which irregularities along the tire circumferential direction around the tire in the outer surface shape data and in the inner surface shape data are subjected to Fourier transformation to take out primary waveform components respectively; a circumferential position adjustment step in which the tire circumferential positions of both of the waveform components are adjusted to adjust the tire circumferential positions thereof; a cross section position adjustment step in which, from information about the placement angles and the positions of the first camera and the second camera, the tire radial direction cross section positions of the outer surface shape data and the inner surface shape data are adjusted; and a shape data synthesis step in which, based on the adjusted tire circumferential positions and the tire radial direction cross section positions, the outer surface shape data and the inner surface shape data are synthesized.