Tyre Checking Optical Tool Calibration During Idle Intervals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire checking apparatuses using optical tools face issues with accuracy and reliability due to calibration drifts and malfunctions, leading to inefficient processes as they require frequent interruptions for maintenance, which disrupt the continuous operation of tire checking.

Innovation Solution

The method involves checking optical tools during idle intervals between tire inspections by positioning them relative to a reference element, detecting light radiation, comparing it with reference data, and generating a notification signal to ensure proper functioning, thereby maintaining continuous tire checking operations without performance impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical tools are frequently calibrated and maintained, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but productivity decreases due to interruptions in tire checking operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical tool accuracyVSAvoidtire checking throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs calibration of optical tools during idle intervals between tire inspections, preparing the tools in advance for the next measurement cycle. This preliminary action during non-productive time ensures measurement precision is maintained without interrupting the actual tire checking workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration process is integrated into the continuous operation cycle by utilizing idle intervals, thereby maintaining continuous useful action (tire checking) while periodically performing maintenance. The system ensures that calibration occurs during natural pauses in the workflow, keeping the productive action continuous.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If optical tools are checked during idle intervals, then reliability is improved without impacting productivity, but device complexity increases due to automated positioning and verification systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical tool functioningVSAvoidcalibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical tools are automatically positioned and calibrated during idle intervals without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by detecting idle periods, moving the optical tools to calibration positions, performing verification measurements, and returning them to operational positions automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration and verification of optical tools is performed periodically during idle intervals between tire inspections. This periodic action ensures reliability is maintained at regular intervals without requiring continuous monitoring or complex real-time intervention systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If multiple optical tools are verified during the same idle interval, then productivity is improved by maximizing utilization of idle time, but device complexity increases due to coordination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidle time utilizationVSAvoidmulti-tool coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single calibration position and verification system is designed to accommodate multiple different optical tools. The universal calibration setup can verify various types of optical tools (emitters, detectors, optical structures) using the same infrastructure, maximizing idle time utilization without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The verification process for multiple optical tools is segmented into sequential operations during the idle interval. Each optical tool is positioned and verified in turn, allowing the system to maximize utilization of idle time while managing complexity through structured, modular verification steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 ensures that optical tools are kept in suitable operating conditions, allowing for continuous and reliable tire checking processes without interrupting the tire inspection workflow.

Implementation Method 1

at least one emitter device adapted to emit a light radiation, mounted on said support; at least one detector device adapted to detect such a light radiation, mounted on said support. In particular, the detector device is adapted to detect the light radiation emitted by the emitter device after such a radiation has interacted (e.g. according to reflection and/or diffusion phenomena) with a tyre to be checked.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight radiation detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3397463B1Method for managing a tyre checking apparatus and apparatus for tyre checking adapted to operate according to said method
Publication Date: 2020.03.25 PIRELLI TYRE SPA
  • EP3397463B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3397463B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3397463B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for managing a tyre checking apparatus, said apparatus (1) comprising : an optical structure (430) for said check, said optical structure (430) comprising at least a first optical tool (43a); a first member (40a) adapted to move said first optical tool (43a). Said tyre checking comprises at least a first sequence of checks executed on a first tyre in a first duration, followed by a second sequence of checks executed on a second tyre in a second duration. Said method comprises: executing, by means of said optical structure (430), a first check (C1) on said first tyre; executing, by means of said optical structure (430), a second check (C2) on said first or second tyre; wherein said first check (C1) and said second check (C2) are separated by a time interval (T1) shorter than or equal to the sum of said first duration and second duration; wherein said first optical tool (43a) is not used for tyre checking during said time interval (T1); wherein said method comprises verifying said first optical tool (43a) during said time interval (T1). A tyre checking apparatus (1) is also described, adapted to operate according to said method.