Handheld Tire Tread Gauge with Digital Camera Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring tire tread depth are inefficient and lack accuracy, particularly in field applications, as they require manual calculations and do not easily integrate with digital recording and reporting systems.
Innovation Solution
A handheld mechanical gauge with a housing, display window, and sliding measurement scales, combined with a mobile device equipped with a digital camera, allows for precise measurement and recording of tire tread depth by photographing the gauge's marked scales, which are then analyzed to calculate and report the depth in standard or metric units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calculation methods are used for measuring tread depth, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and productivity deteriorate due to time-consuming manual calculations and lack of digital integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture an optical copy (image) of the measurement scale on the gauge. This digital copy is then processed by software to determine the tread depth measurement, replacing manual visual reading and calculation methods while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (visual reading of scales, manual calculation) with an automated optical-digital system. The camera captures the scale, and software algorithms automatically calculate the measurement, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving both precision and efficiency.
2Productivity
If digital camera and software analysis are integrated with the mechanical gauge, then productivity and data recording efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified system: the mechanical gauge provides physical measurement, the camera captures the scale image, and the software performs analysis and data recording. This multi-functional integration streamlines the measurement process and improves productivity despite increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated image analysis. The software automatically processes the captured scale image, calculates the tread depth measurement, and records the data without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving productivity and efficiency.
3Loss of information
If manual recording methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time and inability to integrate with digital systems worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual recording operations with automated digital capture and processing. The camera automatically captures the measurement data, and software algorithms process and store the information, eliminating manual transcription and enabling digital integration while reducing time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical gauge includes a stock panel with a first measurement scale, and a slide movably arranged relative to the stock panel. The first measurement scale has a series of marks spaced apart at regular intervals within a region of interest. The slide includes a second measurement scale adapted to selectively overlie the first measurement scale within the region of interest. The second measurement scale has a second series of marks spaced apart at regular intervals corresponding to the first series of marks of the first measurement scale. An elongated measurement probe is affixed to the slide and adapted for selectively extending into a groove formed in the tread of the vehicle tire.