Tyre Inspection Device Using Switchable Grazing and Diffused Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for checking tyres in production lines require multiple devices for detecting different defects, leading to increased complexity and costs, and are inefficient due to the need for continuous movement and idle times, making it difficult to detect two-dimensional defects like cuts with matching edges.
Innovation Solution
A device with a detection system using three light sources, where two are movable to adapt illumination based on the type of defect, allowing for variable illumination and image acquisition in both diffused and grazing light conditions, enabling the detection of multiple defects with a single device, reducing cycle time and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple devices are used for detecting different defects, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single inspection device capable of performing multiple detection functions by switching between different illumination modes (diffused and grazing light) and detection angles. This multi-functional approach allows one device to replace multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive defect detection capability across various defect types
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates movable illumination sources and detectors that can dynamically adjust their positions and illumination angles. This dynamic configuration enables the same hardware to adapt to different inspection requirements, allowing the system to switch between detecting two-dimensional defects (requiring grazing light) and three-dimensional defects (requiring diffused light) without physical reconfiguration
2Reliability
If multiple devices are used for detecting different defects, then detection capability is improved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single inspection device capable of performing multiple detection functions by switching between different illumination modes (diffused and grazing light) and detection angles. This multi-functional approach allows one device to replace multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive defect detection capability across various defect types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple detection functions and illumination modes into a single integrated device. By merging the capabilities of what would traditionally require separate devices into one unified system, the patent reduces material costs, installation costs, and maintenance costs while achieving comprehensive defect detection
3Reliability
If continuous movement between devices is required, then detection coverage is improved, but productivity decreases due to idle times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single inspection device capable of performing multiple detection functions by switching between different illumination modes (diffused and grazing light) and detection angles. This multi-functional approach allows one device to replace multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive defect detection capability across various defect types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous inspection by eliminating the need to move between multiple devices. The single device with switchable illumination modes can inspect different defect types sequentially without interruption, maintaining continuous operation and eliminating idle transition times between device repositioning
4Measurement precision
If two-dimensional defects are detected with matching edges, then detection precision is improved, but difficulty of detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies specialized grazing illumination specifically for detecting two-dimensional defects with matching edges, while using diffused illumination for three-dimensional defects. This localized application of appropriate illumination quality to specific defect types enhances detection precision while managing the complexity of detecting different defect categories
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination angle parameter to detect different defect types. By switching from normal incidence (diffused light) to grazing incidence (grazing light), the system optimizes detection sensitivity for two-dimensional defects with matching edges, making them visible through subtle reflectivity changes that would be imperceptible under other illumination conditions
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 solution allows for fast and reliable detection of various tyre defects, including two-dimensional ones, by varying illumination conditions and using a single device, reducing the need for multiple devices and minimizing idle times, thus optimizing the tyre production line efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The solution allows for fast and reliable detection of various tyre defects, including two-dimensional ones, by varying illumination conditions
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (10) for checking a tyre (200), the device (10) comprising: a detection system (104) comprising a camera (105) having an optical plane (107) passing through the camera (105) and defining a focal plane (121); a first light source (110), a second light source (108) and a third light source (109) adapted for emitting a first light radiation, a second light radiation and a third light radiation, respectively to illuminate a surface portion of said tyre at or close to said focal plane (121), said second light source (108) and said third light source (109) being arranged at opposite sides with respect to said optical plane (107); where said first light source (110) is fixed with respect to said detection system (104) and said second light source (108) and third light source (109) are adapted to be movable from a first inactive configuration where they are controlled to not emit said second light radiation and third light radiation and wherein the distance (d2, d3) of said second light source (108) and of said third light source (109) from said focal plane (121) is greater than the distance (dl) of said first light source (110) from said focal plane (121) to an active configuration wherein they are adapted for emitting at least one among said second light radiation and said third light radiation and wherein the distance (d2, d3) of said second source (108) and of said third source (109) from said focal plane (121) is equal to or less than the distance (dl) of said first source (110) from said focal plane (121); and a drive and control unit (140) adapted for activating said detection system (104) to acquire a first image and at least a second image of a first surface portion and a second surface portion of said tyre (200) in said inactive configuration and in said active configuration, respectively.