Drive-Over Tire Tread Scanner Using Laser Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring tire tread depth and wear condition are inefficient and require complex setup, often necessitating manual positioning and alignment of vehicles, which can be time-consuming and prone to error, especially for vehicles with multiple tires.
Innovation Solution
A drive-over tire tread scanner unit with hinged panels and ramps that allows vehicles to drive over scanning windows, utilizing laser triangulation sensors and modular construction for easy assembly and operation, enabling simultaneous measurement of tread depth across multiple tires with minimal setup requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual positioning and alignment methods are used for tire tread measurement, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but time consumption and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the scanner to position the tires, the patent inverts the approach by having tires drive over a stationary scanner platform. The vehicle drives onto the platform and positions itself automatically through the drive-over mechanism, eliminating the need for manual tire positioning and alignment while maintaining measurement accuracy through the fixed scanner position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-positioning where the vehicle's own driving action automatically positions the tires against the scanning windows. The drive-over mechanism causes tires to self-align with the scanning position through the physical interaction of driving onto the platform and contacting the positioning structures, eliminating the need for external manual positioning intervention.
2Measurement precision
If complex setup procedures are used for tire scanning, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning system is divided into modular components including separate scanning windows, laser triangulation sensor assemblies, and hinged access panels. Each module can be independently positioned and configured, allowing the system to maintain precise measurement capabilities while simplifying setup through modular assembly rather than complex integrated configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner unit is pre-configured with fixed scanning windows and sensor positions that are prepared in advance. The modular components are designed to be pre-assembled and calibrated, so that during deployment, the system requires minimal setup action - simply driving vehicles over the pre-prepared platform activates the measurement function without requiring complex on-site configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tire scanning methods are used, then detailed tread wear data can be obtained, but the setup requires civil engineering work and fixed installation
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner platform employs hinged access panels and movable components that allow the structure to adapt to different ground surfaces and installation conditions. Rather than requiring fixed civil engineering installation, the hinged and modular design enables the system to be deployed on various surfaces including asphalt, concrete, or temporary platforms, providing versatility while simplifying installation requirements.
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 efficient measurement of tire tread depth and wear condition for all tires on an axle with reduced manual intervention, providing immediate data analysis and recommendations for maintenance, suitable for vehicles up to 12 tons and adaptable for various surfaces without civil engineering work.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing laser triangulation sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A tire tread scanner drive-over unit is used to measure the tread depth and tire wear condition of a vehicle with two or four wheels on the axle. The unit includes a surface with two tire position area areas, each between an elevated rearward area and an elevated forward area to define a trough therebetween. Scanners are located behind scanner windows in the rearward area under scanner covers. When a vehicle is driven onto the surface so that the tires of one of its axels are on the tire position areas between the rearward and forward areas, the tires self-center against the scanner windows so that the tire profile may be measured to determine wear and wear characteristics.