Tyre Surface Inspection via Deformation and Dual Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for checking tyres in production lines are inefficient in detecting defects, particularly carcass cuts, due to reliance on human operators and single illumination sources, which can lead to incomplete or inaccurate defect detection, and require longer cycle times and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a deformation system to elastically deform tyre surfaces, combined with multiple light sources emitting diffused and grazing light radiation, allowing simultaneous imaging of inner and outer surfaces to enhance defect detection accuracy and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human operators perform visual inspection of tyre surfaces, then defect detection can be conducted, but detection accuracy is insufficient and cycle time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual inspection system (human operators) with an automated optical inspection system comprising light sources, cameras, and image processing units. This substitution enables high-speed automated defect detection while maintaining or improving detection accuracy through consistent optical illumination and digital image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the tyre surface using cameras illuminated by specialized light sources. These digital copies allow for rapid analysis and defect identification without requiring physical contact or slow manual inspection, thereby reducing cycle time while improving detection precision.
2Reliability
If single illumination source is used for surface inspection, then device complexity is reduced, but defect visibility and detection reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent light sources, each emitting a specific type of light (diffused, grazing, directional) to highlight different defect characteristics on the tyre surface. This segmentation allows comprehensive defect detection from multiple optical perspectives, improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the tyre surface are illuminated with locally optimized light types. For example, grazing light is used for sidewall areas to highlight surface defects, while diffused light illuminates other regions. This local quality approach ensures each area is inspected with the most effective illumination type, enhancing detection reliability.
3Measurement precision
If tyre surface remains in original state during inspection, then inspection process is simple, but defect visibility is reduced due to surface curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The tyre is dynamically rotated during the inspection process, allowing multiple cameras and light sources to capture images from various angles and positions. This dynamic inspection approach enables comprehensive defect detection on curved surfaces without requiring complex static positioning systems, maintaining simplicity while improving visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system adds temporal and angular dimensions by rotating the tyre and capturing images at multiple positions around the circumference. This multi-dimensional approach allows defects on curved surfaces to be detected from optimal viewing angles, improving visibility without requiring the tyre to be physically altered.
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 enables faster and more reliable detection of various defects on tyres by minimizing human intervention, reducing cycle time, and improving defect visibility through optimized illumination, thus enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of quality control in tyre production.
Implementation Method 1
a deformation system configured to form an elastically deformed portion of inner surface and an elastically deformed portion of outer surface on the tyre through physical contact
Implementation Method 2
a first light source adapted for emitting a first light radiation to illuminate said deformed portion of outer surface with diffused light radiation
Implementation Method 3
a second light source adapted for emitting a second light radiation to illuminate said deformed portion of inner surface with grazing light radiation
Implementation Method 4
a first camera adapted for detecting a first image of said illuminated deformed portion of outer surface
Implementation Method 5
a second camera adapted for detecting at least one second image of said illuminated deformed portion of inner surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method for checking a tyre in a tyre production line. A portion of outer surface of the tyre is deformed to form an elastically deformed portion of inner surface and an elastically deformed portion of outer surface while illuminating the elastically deformed portion of outer surface with a first diffused light radiation emitted by a first light source and illuminating the elastically deformed portion of inner surface with a second grazing light radiation emitted by a second light source. Images of the deformed and illuminated portions of outer and inner surfaces are acquired through cameras, and the tyre is set in relative rotation around its rotation axis with respect to the first and second light sources during deformation and illumination.