Tyre Inspection Device Using Segmented Grazing and Diffused Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire inspection methods in production lines face challenges in detecting defects on the inner surface of tires efficiently and effectively, particularly due to the complex geometry and limited maneuvering space, which results in high costs and long processing times. Additionally, three-dimensional imaging struggles to detect two-dimensional defects and has insufficient dimensional resolution for pronounced defects.
Innovation Solution
A tire inspection device comprising a camera with a target line, at least three light sources, and a reflective element, where the first light source emits diffused light and the second and third light sources emit grazing light, positioned to illuminate the tire surface with high intensity and compactness, allowing for the acquisition of two-dimensional images in diffused and grazing light conditions, enabling the detection of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If three-dimensional imaging is used to detect tire defects, then the ability to detect three-dimensional defects is improved, but the measurement precision for two-dimensional defects deteriorates and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is segmented into multiple independent light sources (first light source for diffused light, second and third light sources for grazing light) that can operate independently. This allows the system to acquire multiple images with different illumination types simultaneously or sequentially, enabling detection of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional defects without requiring time-consuming three-dimensional imaging processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional imaging to two-dimensional imaging with multiple illumination dimensions. By using different types of light illumination (diffused and grazing) from multiple directions, the system achieves comprehensive defect detection capability equivalent to or better than three-dimensional imaging, but with faster processing times suitable for production line constraints.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources are positioned close to the tire surface for high-intensity illumination, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the device complexity and maneuvering difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into multiple separate light sources (first light source, second light source, third light source) positioned at different locations. Each light source can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing high-intensity illumination close to the tire surface without requiring a single complex positioning mechanism. The segmented structure simplifies maneuvering compared to a single integrated system.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light sources and reflective elements are used to illuminate complex tire geometry, then the detection capability for inner surface defects is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A reflective element is introduced as an intermediary component to redirect and distribute light from the light sources onto the complex inner surface geometry of the tire. This reflective element enables the light sources to illuminate areas that would otherwise be difficult to access, enhancing detection capability for inner surface defects without requiring the light sources to be directly positioned in all orientations, thus managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of multiple light sources with different illumination types (diffused, grazing) and the reflective element creates a multi-functional illumination system. This system can handle various tire surface geometries and defect types universally, providing comprehensive detection capability across different tire regions without requiring multiple specialized devices.
4Device complexity
If conventional inspection methods are used for inner surface inspection, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the inspection efficiency and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary illumination setup by positioning multiple light sources and reflective elements before inspection begins. The diffused light source provides baseline illumination while the grazing light sources are positioned to highlight specific surface features. This preliminary configuration enables efficient inspection of the inner surface without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the inspection process, thereby maintaining relative simplicity while improving productivity.
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
The device provides reliable and efficient detection of tire defects with reduced operating times and costs, capable of approaching close to the tire surface for high-intensity illumination, while maintaining compactness and versatility, effectively identifying defects on the inner surface that were previously difficult to visualize or detect.
Implementation Method 1
the first light source is adapted for emitting a first diffused light radiation on said surface portion
Implementation Method 2
said second light source and said third light source are adapted for emitting a second grazing light radiation and a third grazing light radiation respectively on a surface portion of said tyre coinciding with or close to said target line
Implementation Method 3
a reflective element is provided defining a reflective plane arranged perpendicular to said optical plane, said reflective element being arranged between said second light source and said third light source, said reflective element being adapted for reflecting said target line by an angle comprised between about 60° and about 120°
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for checking a tyre in a tyre production line comprising: o a detection system (104) comprising a camera (105) having a target line (106) lying on an optical plane (107) passing through said camera (105); o a first light source (110), a second light source (108) and a third light source (109), said second light source (108) and said third light source (109) being arranged at opposite sides with respect to said optical plane (107) and symmetrically with respect to said first light source (110); o where said first light source (110) is adapted for emitting a first diffused light radiation on said surface portion, and said second light source (108) and third light source (109) are adapted for emitting a second grazing light radiation and a third grazing light radiation on a surface portion of said tyre (200) coinciding with or close to said target line (106); and o a reflective element (150) defining a reflective plane arranged perpendicular to said optical plane (107), said reflective element (150) being arranged between said second light source (108) and third light source (109), said reflective element (150) being adapted for reflecting said target line (106) by an angle comprised between about 60° and about 120° and wherein a minimum distance between said reflective plane and a focusing plane (121) of said camera (105) passing through said reflected target line is less than a minimum distance between one of said first light source (110), second light source (108) or third light source (109) and said focusing plane (121).