Automated Tyre Defect Identification and Removal System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manual process for identifying and working defects on used tires before retreading is laborious and poses safety risks due to the need for visual inspection and manual grinding, which exposes operators to hazardous rubber residues.
Innovation Solution
An automated process and machine that uses a rotative support, automatic defect identification via infrared cameras, and an anthropomorphic robot to select and apply the appropriate tool for defect removal, managed by a computerized control unit with a virtual library of defects, enabling precise and safe defect elimination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual visual inspection and grinding is used to identify and work defects, then the operator can recognize defects and form craters, but the operation becomes laborious and exposes the operator to hazardous rubber residues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical inspection and grinding system with an automated optical scanning system. A camera captures images of the tire surface, and a processing unit analyzes these images to automatically identify defects and determine their morphology, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and protecting operators from hazardous residues.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual grinding is performed to work defects, then craters can be formed for coating, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing defect morphology through image processing and autonomously selecting the appropriate grinding parameters and tools based on the identified defect characteristics, eliminating the need for manual judgment and operation while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the working parameters automatically based on the identified defect morphology. The processing unit determines the appropriate grinding depth, speed, and tool selection according to the defect size and type, optimizing the crater formation process for each specific defect without manual intervention.
3Productivity
If automated scanning and robot execution is implemented, then the retreading process is speeded up and safety is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional integrated system where a single automated platform performs defect detection, morphology analysis, tool selection, and grinding execution. The robot arm can adaptively change tools based on defect type, and the system manages the entire workflow from scanning to crater formation, reducing the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automatic process for the identification and working of defects (12) on used tyres (6) is disclosed, comprising the steps of assembling the used tyre (6) on rotative support and centring means (7), starting the rotation of the tyre (6), automatic scanning of the working surface (30) of the tyre (6) to identify the morphology of defects (12) by means of automatic identification means (8, 41) of defects (12), comparison between the morphology of the defect (12) identified and a virtual library of defects (12') of reference for the selection of the working and of the tool (9) to be used, charging the tool (9) chosen on an anthropomorphic robot (31), and executing the selected working on the defect (12) to form a crater (13) that is suitable for being coated, said steps being managed by a computerized control unit (11) comprising said virtual library of defects (12').