Tyre Check Optical Tool Calibration via Replica Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing tyre checking systems face inefficiencies and reliability issues due to the random calibration of optical tools, leading to inconsistent detection and interpretation of tyre quality data, which results in significant delays and inefficiencies when replacing malfunctioning tools.

Innovation Solution

A method for calibrating optical tools beforehand in a homogeneous manner using a structure that replicates real operating conditions, allowing for immediate replacement and operation of identical optical tools, ensuring consistent detection and minimizing downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical tools are calibrated randomly without a standardized procedure, then each tool may be calibrated individually, but the detection and interpretation of tyre quality data become inconsistent, leading to reliability issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection consistencyVSAvoiddata interpretation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by calibrating all optical tools in advance using a standardized procedure before they are deployed for tyre inspection. This ensures that every tool starts with identical calibration parameters, eliminating random calibration variations and ensuring consistent detection and interpretation across all tools throughout their operational life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically adjusting and standardizing calibration parameters (such as optical alignment, focus, and detection thresholds) across all optical tools. This ensures that identical measurement conditions are applied uniformly, resolving the inconsistency in detection and interpretation while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If optical tools are calibrated individually without standardization, then each tool can be adjusted separately, but significant delays occur when replacing malfunctioning tools due to lack of pre-calibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool replacement efficiencyVSAvoiddowntime during replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calibrating all optical tools before deployment. When a tool malfunctions and needs replacement, the standby tool is already calibrated and ready for immediate use, eliminating the time-consuming calibration process during replacement and significantly reducing downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by maintaining pre-calibrated standby optical tools ready for immediate replacement. This preparedness acts as a buffer against unexpected tool failures, ensuring continuous operation with minimal interruption to the tyre inspection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple optical tools are used without homogeneous calibration, then redundancy is provided for replacements, but the optical behavior varies between tools leading to inconsistent results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool interchangeabilityVSAvoidoptical behavior consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies homogeneity by implementing a standardized calibration procedure that ensures all optical tools have identical calibration parameters and optical behavior. This uniformity allows any tool to be interchangeably replaced with another while maintaining consistent detection and interpretation results, achieving both adaptability and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action to calibrate all optical tools in advance using the same standardized procedure before deployment. This ensures that when tools are interchanged, they all exhibit the same optical behavior and measurement characteristics, enabling seamless replacement without compromising precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 maintains reliability and efficiency in tyre quality checking by ensuring that multiple optical tools have the same optical behavior, reducing downtime and ensuring consistent data interpretation during replacements.

Implementation Method 1

after such radiation has interacted (e.g. according to reflection and/or diffusion phenomena) with a tyre to be subjected to checking

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

after such radiation has interacted (e.g. according to reflection and/or diffusion phenomena) with a tyre to be subjected to checking

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3640621B1Method and apparatus for calibrating optical tools of a tyre checking system
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 PIRELLI TYRE SPA
  • EP3640621B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3640621B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3640621B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for calibrating optical tools of a tyre checking system, said method comprising: providing a calibration apparatus (100), comprising a first engagement portion (110) and a second engagement portion (120); providing a plurality of optical tools (43), each optical tool (43) being adapted to be mounted on a mounting portion (410) of an automated structure (400) of said tyre checking system (1); associating each one of said optical tools (43), in sequence, with said first engagement portion (110), said first engagement portion (110) comprising a replica of said mounting portion (410); associating a reference element (300) with said second engagement portion (120); for each optical tool (43) associated with said first engagement portion (110), carrying out the following operations: associating to said optical tool (43) a visible representation (240) of an optical axis of said optical tool (43), said visible representation being a tangible representation of said optical axis, said visible representation (240) comprising a shaped rod (241) equipped with a pointed portion (242), the longitudinal extension of the pointed portion (242) defining the optical axis of the optical tool (43); adjusting the mutual position of the optical tool (43) and of said reference element (300), said adjusting the mutual position of the optical tool (43) and of said reference element (300) comprising placing the pointed portion (242) in contact with reference element (300), in a predetermined position; after the pointed portion (242) is placed in contact with the reference element (300), detecting, through the optical tool (43) mounted to said first engagement portion (110), one or more images (W) showing at least a part of said reference element (300); performing a calibration of the optical tool (43) based on said detected images (W). An apparatus for the calibration of optical tools of said tyre checking system (1) is also described.