Tire Tread Profile Detection Using Collimated Laser Beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for detecting the profile of a vehicle tire's tread are complex, costly, and require duplication of measurement equipment due to limitations in optical-triangulation sensors' field of observation, particularly when dealing with non-orthogonal laser beam incidence into tire grooves, leading to incomplete wear detection and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A device using a divergent planar light beam processed by an optical assembly with Fresnel lenses and reflecting members to create a measurement beam that collimates peripheral rays, allowing orthogonal incidence onto the tire surface, thus enabling comprehensive profile detection without duplicating measurement equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical-triangulation laser sensors are used to detect the tread profile, then the detection capability is improved, but the constructional complexity increases due to the need for duplicated assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple functional components: a single laser source emitting divergent planar light, Fresnel lenses for beam shaping and collimation, and reflecting members for directional control. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function efficiently, eliminating the need for duplicated optical-triangulation assemblies while maintaining comprehensive tread profile detection capability.
2Device complexity
If laser beams are emitted at non-orthogonal angles to the tread surface, then the equipment structure is simplified, but the measurement quality deteriorates due to shadowing in grooves
Solution Approach 1:
Fresnel lenses with curved refractive surfaces are used to collimate the divergent laser beams. The curved geometry of the Fresnel lenses transforms the divergent light rays into parallel beams that impinge orthogonally on the tread surface, ensuring complete groove penetration and accurate measurement while maintaining a compact equipment structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle of incidence parameter is changed from non-orthogonal to orthogonal through the optical design. By using Fresnel lenses and reflecting members, the system transforms the laser beam direction so that it impinges perpendicular to the tread surface, eliminating shadowing effects in grooves and improving measurement quality without complicating the equipment structure.
3Device complexity
If the field of observation is limited, then the sensor design is simplified, but the coverage area decreases requiring duplicated assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from using multiple discrete sensors positioned at different locations to using a single laser source with optical elements that expand the effective coverage area. The divergent planar light beam, when collimated by Fresnel lenses, covers the entire tread width in one measurement pass, eliminating the need for duplicated assemblies across different spatial dimensions.
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
The device achieves compact, cost-effective, and efficient tire tread profile detection across various tire widths, ensuring accurate wear assessment without the need for complex setups, allowing for easier adaptation to different tire sizes and improved measurement quality.
Implementation Method 1
The optical assembly includes at least one first refractive member configured for collimating at least one portion of said first light beam incident thereon into a measurement beam that is directed towards a measurement section of the device to impinge upon said rolling surface
Implementation Method 2
said optical assembly includes at least one first refractive member configured for collimating
Implementation Method 3
said optical assembly includes a second reflecting member configured for deflecting said measurement beam towards said measurement section
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1; 1'; 1") for detecting the profile of the rolling surface of a rolling body, in particular a tread (TR) of a tyre for a vehicle (TY), the device (1) including a light source (4) and an optical assembly (6; 6") configured for processing a first light beam (I) emitted by said light source, wherein: - the first light beam (I) is a planar light beam having a divergent course, - the light source is configured for the emission of the first light beam (I) towards the optical assembly (6), and - the optical assembly (6; 6") includes at least one first refractive member (10, 12; 10*) configured for collimating at least one portion of the first light beam (I, R1) incident thereon into a measurement beam that is directed towards a measurement section (MS) of said device (1; 1'; 1") to impinge upon the rolling surface.