Tyre Inspection Apparatus with Overturning Transport Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated systems for inspecting tires exiting production lines are not compatible with high productivity rates, often requiring compromises such as incomplete checks or increased costs due to bulkiness and complexity, and struggle to perform thorough checks within the time constraints of the production cycle.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow for simultaneous and step-by-step inspection of tires along a check path, with each tire rotating around its axis while tools in fixed positions execute multiple checks on both axial halves, optimizing check times and reducing the size and cost of the inspection system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional automated inspection systems are used to ensure thorough tire checks, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is divided into multiple inspection stations arranged along a transport path, with each station performing specific checks on different aspects of the tire. This segmentation allows thorough inspection without requiring a single complex system, as each station can be relatively simple while the collective system achieves comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from stationary inspection to a moving inspection paradigm, where tires are transported through the inspection system along a conveyance path. This dimensional change from static to dynamic inspection allows multiple checks to be performed sequentially without requiring all inspection tools to be simultaneously accessible to a single stationary point
2Measurement precision
If traditional automated inspection systems are used to ensure thorough tire checks, then measurement precision is improved, but the system size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is divided into multiple inspection stations arranged along a transport path, with each station performing specific checks on different aspects of the tire. This segmentation allows thorough inspection without requiring a single complex system, as each station can be relatively simple while the collective system achieves comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from stationary inspection to a moving inspection paradigm, where tires are transported through the inspection system along a conveyance path. This dimensional change from static to dynamic inspection allows multiple checks to be performed sequentially without requiring all inspection tools to be simultaneously accessible to a single stationary point
3Measurement precision
If inspection time is extended to perform thorough checks, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection process is organized into periodic cycles where tires are transported through multiple inspection stations in a continuous flow. Each station performs its checks within a specific time window as the tire passes, creating a rhythmic periodic action that ensures thorough inspection without extending the overall production cycle time
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system operates continuously with tires being transported and inspected in an unbroken sequence through multiple stations. This continuous flow eliminates idle time between inspection steps, ensuring that the inspection process completes within the production cycle time while maintaining thoroughness through multiple sequential checks
4Measurement precision
If multiple inspection stations are added to perform comprehensive checks, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is divided into multiple inspection stations arranged along a transport path, with each station performing specific checks on different aspects of the tire. This segmentation allows thorough inspection without requiring a single complex system, as each station can be relatively simple while the collective system achieves comprehensive coverage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for checking tyres. The apparatus (18) comprises a first check unit (19) having an inlet (20) for tyres (2) and comprising a plurality of check tools (43a,43b,43c,43d,43e,43f,43g,43h); a second check unit (23) having an outlet (25) for the tyres (2) and comprising a plurality of check tools (43a,43b,43c,43d,43e,43f,43g,43h); an overturning and transport device (22) operatively interposed between the first check unit (19) and the second check unit (23). The first check unit (19), the second check unit (23) and the overturning and transport device (22) define a check path (26) configured in a manner so as to be traversed by each tyre (2) step by step. The first check unit (19) and the second check unit (23) comprise the same check tools (43a,43b,43c,43d,43e,43f,43g,43h) configured for executing the same checks on respective axial halves (2a, 2b) of the tyres (2). The overturning and transport device (22) is configured for overturning the tyre (2) around an overturning axis (Z) perpendicular to a main rotation axis (X-X) of the tyre (2) and belonging to an axial centreline plane (M) thereof.