Tyre Inner Surface Inspection Using Folded Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire inspection devices are bulky and difficult to install on tires with smaller diameters, such as those less than or equal to 15 inches, due to the need for multiple image acquisition devices to capture the inner surface in a single rotation, which complicates the visual inspection process.
Innovation Solution
The use of reflectors to fold light beams and position lighting and camera modules axially outside the tire's interior space, allowing for multiple modules to be easily installed within the tire, reducing the device's size and enabling efficient inspection of the inner surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple image acquisition devices are installed to capture the complete inner surface in a single rotation, then the measurement precision and inspection completeness are improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reflectors to change the optical path dimension, allowing light to travel in folded paths between the lighting means, tire surface, and image acquisition means. This enables the camera to be positioned axially outside the tire interior space while still capturing images of the inner surface, reducing the radial space requirement and simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector acts as an intermediary element that redirects light beams between the lighting means and the tire inner surface, and between the tire inner surface and the image acquisition means. This mediator allows the optical paths to be folded, enabling compact device configuration that can be installed on smaller tires while maintaining complete surface coverage.
2Measurement precision
If a large triangulation angle is used to detect very slight imperfections, then the measurement precision is improved, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By using reflectors to fold the optical paths, the patent enables the lighting means and image acquisition means to be positioned closer together axially while maintaining the required triangulation angle for precise imperfection detection. The reflectors effectively extend the optical path length without increasing the physical device footprint, allowing large triangulation angles in a compact configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device size is reduced to fit on smaller tires, then the adaptability is improved, but the ability to maintain complete image acquisition in a single rotation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector-based optical path folding enables the device to maintain its complete surface coverage capability in a compact form factor. By redirecting light paths, the system can acquire images of the entire inner surface during a single tire rotation while keeping the device dimensions small enough to fit on tires as small as 15 inches in diameter.
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 configuration allows for the effective visual inspection of the inner tire surface in a single rotation, even for smaller tires, by reducing the device's size and facilitating easier installation, thereby enhancing the precision and efficiency of tire inspection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reflector arranged optically between the lighting means and the predetermined zone of the inner surface of the tire and/or between said zone of the tire and the image acquisition means by considering the direction of propagation of the light beam
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for the acquisition of images of the inner surface of a tyre, comprising at least one image acquisition module (14) provided with at least one lighting means (20) that can project a light beam onto a predetermined area of the inner surface of the tyre, at least one image acquisition means (22) that can acquire a light beam reflected off said area of the tyre, from said original light beam, and at least one reflector (30) which is optically arranged between the lighting means (20) and said area of the tyre.