Tread Cracking Inspection Device Using Mechanical Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inspecting tire tread features, such as sipes, require significant physical effort and are inefficient due to the difficulty in exposing the full depth of these features for inspection, as they rely on manual bending and maintaining the tread in a bent configuration with both hands.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical method and apparatus that bends a transverse extent of the tread about a bending member to expand tread features for inspection, using constraining members to maintain the bent configuration and facilitate the inspection of tread features like sipes by expanding their depth within the tread thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual bending is used to inspect tread features, then the full depth of tread features can be exposed for inspection, but significant physical effort is required and the process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical bending system with an automated mechanical bending system. The apparatus uses a bending member that automatically applies force to bend the tread and exposes tread features without requiring operator physical effort. This substitution of manual mechanical action with an automated mechanical system resolves the contradiction by maintaining inspection effectiveness while eliminating the physical effort requirement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If both hands are used to maintain the bent configuration, then the tread can be kept in position for inspection, but the ability to inspect the depth of tread features is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to maintain its own bent configuration without requiring external manual support. The bending member and constraining members work together to automatically hold the tread in the bent position, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring operator hands for stabilization. This enables both stable configuration maintenance and full inspection capability.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical bending is used to expand tread features, then operator effort is reduced, but additional apparatus components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components: a bending member for applying bending force, constraining members for maintaining the bent configuration, and an inspection system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing the overall complexity by avoiding the need for a single complex mechanism that would require both bending and constraining capabilities.
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 reduces operator effort and improves the effectiveness of tread feature inspection by mechanically bending and constraining the tread to expose the full depth of features, enhancing the inspection process for tire treads in retreading operations and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
bending mechanically a transverse extent of the tread relative the tread thickness along a portion of the tread to be inspected about a bending member
Implementation Method 2
constraining the tread on opposing sides of the portion of the tread to be inspected to maintain the bent portion of the tread in a bent arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention comprises methods and apparatus for inspecting a tread. Such methods include providing a tread having a top side and a bottom side, one of the top and bottom sides including a tread feature extending into the thickness of the tread. Such methods further include bending mechanically a transverse extent of the tread relative the tread thickness along a portion of the tread to be inspected about a bending member to form a bent portion of the tread, the portion of the tread to be inspected including the tread feature such that the step of bending expands the tread feature to further expose a depth of the tread feature within the thickness of the tread for inspection. Such further methods include constraining the tread on opposing sides of the portion of the tread to be inspected to maintain the bent portion of the tread in a bent arrangement.