Tyre Inspection Station Geometry for Collision-Free Surface Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for quality control checks on tyres during production face challenges in efficiently acquiring images of internal and external surfaces within a limited time and space, with a risk of apparatus collisions and increased footprint area, hindering the detection of defects.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a checking station with strategically positioned image acquisition apparatuses that acquire circumferential portions of both surfaces simultaneously, optimizing the geometry and movement of the station to minimize collisions and footprint area, allowing for rapid image acquisition of extensive surface areas with reduced risk of obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple apparatuses are used to acquire images of internal and external tyre surfaces simultaneously, then image acquisition speed is improved, but the risk of apparatus collisions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions image acquisition apparatuses at opposite sides of the tyre (internal and external surfaces), utilizing the spatial dimension to enable simultaneous image capture without collision. The apparatuses are arranged on opposite sides of a line bisecting the station width, effectively using the tyre's internal-external surface dimension to resolve the collision risk while maintaining high productivity.
2Area of stationary object
If the checking station footprint area is reduced to save space, then space utilization is improved, but the complexity of apparatus positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric arrangement where the aspect ratio of the footprint area is less than 0.85, with the longer dimension perpendicular to the tyre movement direction. The apparatus bases are positioned asymmetrically at opposite sides of the width-bisecting line, optimizing space utilization while managing positioning complexity through deliberate asymmetric geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
By orienting the longer dimension of the footprint area perpendicular to the tyre movement direction and positioning apparatus bases across the width dimension rather than along the length, the patent efficiently utilizes available space, reducing the overall footprint while accommodating multiple apparatuses.
3Productivity
If apparatuses are positioned closer together to reduce station length, then productivity is improved, but the risk of obstruction during movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the obstruction risk by positioning apparatus bases at opposite sides of the station width rather than along the movement direction. This cross-width arrangement allows apparatuses to operate in parallel without interfering with each other's movement paths, maintaining high productivity while eliminating obstruction hazards.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for checking tyres, comprising at least two acquisitions of images of a surface of a tyre in a station (1; 2; 3) comprising a first apparatus (4) and a second apparatus (5), both mounted on a respective movement member (6) comprising a respective movable arm (8) and a respective fixed base (7) that is mounted onto an upper portion (30) of a supporting structure (9), wherein an aspect ratio of the footprint area of the supporting structure is less than 0.85, wherein the bases (7) are arranged in such a manner that their vertical projections lie at opposite sides of a line parallel to the direction of movement (X) and intersecting the maximum width (W); wherein in each acquisition, the first apparatus (4) and the second apparatus (5) acquire the respective image substantially in a simultaneous manner, wherein in an acquisition, the first apparatus (4) acquires a respective image of a respective circumferential portion of the external surface and the second apparatus (5) acquires a respective image of a respective circumferential portion of the internal surface, and wherein in none of the acquisitions do the first and the second apparatus both acquire the internal surface.