Tire Uniformity Machine Spindle Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire uniformity machines provide inconsistent test results due to inadequate characterization of spindle and chuck assemblies, which leads to inaccurate and unreliable measurements of tire nonuniformity, as the unique force characteristics of these components are not adequately considered, causing distortions in the measurement data.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves characterizing the load wheel and spindle components using specific processes that include measuring and compensating for their unique force contributions, such as through the use of characterization waveforms, to accurately adjust for the mechanical behavior of the machine, ensuring precise and consistent tire uniformity testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional tire uniformity measurement methods are used without component characterization, then the testing procedure is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are poor due to inconsistent results from uncharacterized machine components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing characterization of machine components (load wheel, spindles, chuck assemblies) before actual tire testing. Characterization waveforms are generated in advance to represent the force contributions of each component, which are then used to correct measurement data during normal testing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces characterization waveforms as an intermediary element that mediates between the physical machine components and the measurement system. These waveforms serve as mathematical representations of component force characteristics, allowing the system to compensate for component imperfections without physically modifying the components themselves.
2Reliability
If filtering methods are applied to test results to improve reliability, then measurement consistency improves, but the testing time increases and acceptable tires may be incorrectly excluded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of machine components to establish correction waveforms before testing, which eliminates the need for time-consuming filtering operations on test results. This advance preparation enables direct, accurate measurements without subsequent data processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtering process (manual or algorithmic filtering of test results) with a mathematical correction approach using characterization waveforms. Instead of filtering measured data to remove errors, the system subtracts predetermined component force contributions from the measurements, achieving the same reliability goal more efficiently.
3Measurement precision
If the upper and lower spindle and chuck assemblies are not angularly aligned, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to distorted force contributions from misaligned components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of spindle and chuck assemblies at their actual installed angular positions. By measuring and storing the force contributions of each component at its specific orientation, the system accounts for misalignment effects without requiring physical realignment, thereby maintaining measurement precision while simplifying setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from physically adjusting mechanical parameters (angular alignment of spindles and chucks) to modifying the measurement parameters (characterization waveforms). By representing component force contributions as mathematical functions of angular position, the system can compensate for misalignment through data processing rather than mechanical adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tire uniformity machine includes an apparatus for receiving and rotating a tire. The apparatus includes opposed spindles for receiving, inflating and rotating a tire, and a load wheel applied to the rotating tire to obtain tire test results. A spindle alignment assembly is associated with the opposed spindles to align the spindles with one another each time a tire is received. At least one characterizing device is associated with components of the apparatus to characterize forces of the opposed spindles and the characterized forces are used in adjusting tire test results.