Tire Uniformity via Process Harmonic Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire manufacturing processes face challenges in achieving uniformity due to variations in static balance measurements, which are influenced by both tire and process harmonics, making it difficult to identify and correct process harmonics without azimuthal or phase angle information.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that estimate the magnitude of process harmonics from a sequence of static balance measurements using a computing device, without requiring phase angle or azimuthal information, by correlating observed magnitudes with a baseline magnitude pattern to improve tire uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only magnitude of static balance measurement is acquired and stored, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision is degraded due to loss of azimuthal location information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a baseline magnitude pattern that copies the characteristic signature of process harmonics from reference measurements. This baseline serves as a template that can be correlated with production measurements to identify process harmonic magnitudes without requiring full azimuthal location data, thus reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision through pattern matching
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces correlation analysis as an intermediary process between the simplified magnitude measurements and the identification of process harmonics. By correlating observed magnitudes with baseline patterns, the system recovers process harmonic information without needing direct azimuthal location measurements, resolving the contradiction between simplified measurement and precise identification
2Ease of operation
If static balance measurements are taken without azimuthal or phase angle information, then ease of operation is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring process harmonics increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing baseline magnitude patterns during a reference measurement phase. These baselines capture the characteristic patterns of process harmonics under known conditions. During production, these pre-established baselines are used to quickly identify process harmonics through correlation, making the actual measurement operation simple while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the correlation process, where observed magnitudes are continuously compared against baseline patterns. The correlation results provide feedback about the presence and magnitude of process harmonics, enabling detection without complex measurement operations. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction by providing detection capability through information processing rather than complex measurement
3Manufacturing precision
If process harmonics are not identified and corrected, then manufacturing precision deteriorates due to tire-to-tire variability, but device complexity increases when implementing full process harmonic analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for process harmonic identification - the magnitude component - while discarding or ignoring the more complex azimuthal and phase angle information. By extracting and analyzing only magnitudes against baseline patterns, the system achieves process harmonic identification and correction capability with reduced system complexity, thereby improving manufacturing precision without proportional increase in device complexity
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
This approach allows for improved tire uniformity by identifying and correcting process harmonics, leading to reduced tire-to-tire variability and increased stability in the manufacturing process, enhancing ride comfort and reducing noise transmission.
Implementation Method 1
Gravity causes the portion of the tire with the greatest mass to deflect downward.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for improving tire uniformity using estimates of process harmonic magnitude(s) from static balance measurements for a set of tires are provided. In particular, a sequence of observed magnitudes of static balance can be obtained for a set of tires. The sequence of observed magnitudes can be analyzed in conjunction with a baseline magnitude pattern associated with the process harmonic to derive a magnitude of the process harmonic. The magnitude of the process harmonic can be used to improve the uniformity of tires.