Tyre Surface Inspection Device 2D 3D Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current quality control methods for tyres in production lines are cumbersome, requiring excessive time and space, and lengthening cycle times and production costs due to the need for separate acquisitions of 2D and 3D images of tyre surfaces, which are not efficiently combined for inline inspection.

Innovation Solution

A device combining 2D and 3D image acquisition systems on a single support frame, allowing simultaneous acquisition of images by moving the tyre surface along a translation plane within the depth of field of both systems, enabling compact and efficient inline inspection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate acquisition systems for 2D and 3D images are used, then comprehensive surface analysis is achieved, but device dimensions and analysis time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface analysis capabilityVSAvoiddevice dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines 2D and 3D image acquisition systems into a single integrated device with a common support frame. The 2D camera system and 3D laser scanner are mounted on the same structure, allowing simultaneous operation from the same position, thereby reducing overall device dimensions while maintaining comprehensive surface analysis capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device performs multiple functions (2D imaging, 3D scanning, defect detection) through a single multi-functional system. The support frame structure serves as a common platform for both acquisition systems, and the synchronized operation enables the device to capture both 2D and 3D data in one inspection cycle, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If separate acquisition systems for 2D and 3D images are used, then comprehensive surface analysis is achieved, but analysis time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface analysis capabilityVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The 2D and 3D image acquisition systems operate simultaneously and continuously during a single inspection cycle. The synchronized triggering mechanism ensures that both cameras capture images at the same moments when the tyre surface is in the field of view, eliminating sequential processing delays and achieving continuous data collection for comprehensive analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary synchronization of both acquisition systems before actual inspection begins. The control unit pre-configures the simultaneous operation parameters, ensuring that both 2D and 3D data collection are ready and coordinated from the start of the inspection process, thereby minimizing setup time and maximizing analysis efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If separate acquisition systems for 2D and 3D images are used, then complete surface coverage is achieved, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface coverageVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging 2D and 3D acquisition systems into a single integrated device with shared components (support frame, mounting mechanisms, control unit), the patent reduces the total number of separate systems needed. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs through reduced material requirements, simplified assembly processes, and decreased maintenance needs while maintaining complete surface coverage capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach halves the time required for analysis and reduces the device's dimensions, enabling faster and more cost-effective inline quality control of tyres by synchronizing the movement of the tyre surface with image acquisition, allowing for both 2D and 3D imaging of the same surface region.

Implementation Method 1

a first acquisition system (4) of images, preferably two-dimensional, of a tyre surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a second illumination system (13) comprising a laser source (20) adapted to emit a linear beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 3

The second camera (12) is characterised by a second optical axis (16), a second focal plane (17) and a second depth of field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3391015B1Device and method for the analysis of tyres
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 PIRELLI TYRE SPA
  • EP3391015B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3391015B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3391015B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Device (1) and related method for the analysis of tyres comprising : - a support frame (2), - a flange (3), - a first image acquisition system (4), preferably two-dimensional, comprising a first camera (5), having a first optical axis (6), a first focal plane (7), a first focal point (Fl) and a first depth of field, and a first illumination system (10) adapted to illuminate around the first focal point (Fl); - a second image acquisition system (11), preferably three-dimensional, comprising a second camera (12), having a second optical axis (16), a second focal plane (17), and a second depth of field, and a second illumination system (13), wherein there is at least one translation plane (22) passing through the first focal point (Fl) and substantially orthogonal to the first optical axis (6), and also passing through an intersection region (23a) between the second optical axis and the second depth of field.