3D Tire Tread Depth Measurement for Fast Consistent Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring tire tread depth are manual, costly, time-consuming, prone to errors, and lack consistency due to human variability.
Innovation Solution
A computerized system that obtains a three-dimensional dataset of a tire's tread and uses it to determine tread depth, optionally incorporating features like image acquisition at different angles, machine learning for image-based estimation, and correction for viewing angles and tread curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual inspection with a tire tread depth gauge is used, then measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the inspection is costly and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (manual gauge) with an optical imaging system consisting of one or more cameras that capture images of the tire tread. The system uses image processing algorithms to automatically calculate tread depth from the captured images, eliminating the need for physical contact with the tire and enabling faster, non-contact measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the tire tread surface through imaging. By capturing the tread geometry optically and processing the images to generate a virtual representation of the tread depth, the system eliminates the need for physical measurement tools while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual inspection is performed, then equipment cost is low, but the inspection is prone to errors and variations caused by personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human operators with an automated optical measurement system. The consistent performance of the imaging system and processing algorithms eliminates variability between different inspectors, ensuring uniform measurement standards are applied across all tire inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates quality control mechanisms where the processing unit validates captured images to ensure they meet measurement requirements. If images are insufficient quality, the system can request re-capture, ensuring that only reliable data is used for tread depth calculation.
3Ease of operation
If traditional manual measurement is used, then the process is simple to operate, but it requires significant time and labor
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system can continuously capture tire tread images without interruption. Multiple cameras can simultaneously image different portions of the tread, and the processing unit continuously analyzes the captured data, enabling high-volume inspection operations without the sequential nature of manual measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional linear measurement (manual gauge movement) to two-dimensional or three-dimensional imaging of the entire tread surface. This allows simultaneous measurement of multiple locations across the tread width and circumference, dramatically reducing inspection time while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive tread depth mapping is performed at multiple locations, then measurement accuracy improves, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tire tread into multiple measurable segments or zones. By capturing images of different tread portions and processing them separately, the system can comprehensively map the entire tread surface while managing data processing through modular analysis of individual segments rather than overwhelming monolithic processing.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a computerized system comprising a processing unit and associated memory configured to obtain a three-dimensional dataset informative of at least part of a tread of a tire, and determine, using the three-dimensional dataset, data informative of tread depth of the tire.