Tyre Defect Detection Using 3D Profile and Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for checking tyre defects, particularly 'weak sidewall' defects, are subjective and time-consuming due to reliance on manual checks or require lengthy automated processes that lack precision and repeatability, with the support plane reference system being imprecise.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that detect a three-dimensional profile of the tyre's surface to establish an absolute coordinate system for deformation, allowing for consistent and precise application of force along a constant displacement during rotation, reducing cycle time and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual visual checks are used to identify tyre defects, then the checking process is simple to implement, but the accuracy and objectivity of defect detection deteriorates due to subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated mechanical system that uses a pushing element to apply controlled force to the tyre's lateral portion. This mechanical substitution eliminates human subjectivity while maintaining ease of implementation through automated force application and measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pushing element as an intermediary between the inspection system and the tyre. This intermediary applies standardized force through a controlled displacement, mediating the interaction between the inspection apparatus and the tyre to provide objective, repeatable measurements of lateral portion response.
2Measurement precision
If automated checking processes are implemented to improve objectivity, then defect detection accuracy improves, but the cycle time increases due to lengthy procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the relationship between the pushing element and the tyre's lateral portion before the actual inspection. The system pre-positions the pushing element and defines the controlled displacement path, allowing the inspection to proceed rapidly without time-consuming setup during the actual measurement cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by applying the pushing force in a controlled, repetitive manner during the rotation of the tyre. The pushing element applies force at regular intervals corresponding to the rotation period, enabling rapid sequential inspection of different positions without requiring continuous complex adjustments.
3Device complexity
If the support plane reference system is used to apply deformation force, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to imprecise reference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy or representation of the tyre's three-dimensional profile through detection means. This digital or mechanical copy provides a precise reference of the tyre's actual geometry, which is then used to guide the pushing element's displacement. This copying approach maintains simple apparatus structure while achieving high measurement precision by basing the reference on the tyre's actual measured profile rather than an idealized support plane.
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 enables an industrial-level automated checking system with improved accuracy, repeatability, and reduced cycle time, suitable for various tyre models, by using the three-dimensional profile to determine the spatial position and apply deformation uniformly, thus enhancing the detection of defects.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a three-dimensional profile of a surface of the tyre (32, 33)
Implementation Method 2
pushing a measurement surface (32, 33) of the free lateral portion (10b) through a tool (23)
Implementation Method 3
detecting a force (F) applied during the deformation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
Figure 3~7
AI summary
The present invention is relative to a method for checking tyres, comprising : providing a tyre (3) having a rotation axis (X) on a support plane (2) defining a rested lateral portion (10a) and a free lateral portion (10b) detecting at least one three-dimensional profile of a ring-shaped surface (31) of said tyre with centre in said rotation axis (X), said three-dimensional profile including a height of a plurality of points of said ring-shaped surface; translating a tool (23, 25) towards said tyre arranged on the support plane so as to rest on a measurement surface (M), said measurement surface being a portion of said ring-shaped surface (31); pushing said measurement surface through said tool (23, 25) up to a predetermined tool height calculated with respect to a value that is a function of a height of said undeformed measurement surface as present in said three-dimensional profile of said ring- shaped surface (31) setting said tyre (3) in relative rotation with respect to said tool (23, 25) so that said tool is in successive contact with a plurality of different measurement surfaces, (M), portions of said ring- shaped surface, angularly spaced, along at least one complete relative rotation of said tyre about said rotation axis (X); measuring a force (F) exerted by said tool (23, 25) on said plurality of measurement surfaces at a plurality of relative angular positions between said tyre and said tool along said complete rotation and determining whether said tyre has a defect based on said force (F) measured.