Tyre Sidewall Symbol Inspection Using Mould Drawing Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual verification of symbols on finished tires is time-consuming and inefficient, leading to idle curing apparatuses during the initial check after mold installation, and lacks precision in detecting imperceptible commercial details.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that acquire a graphic representation of a finished tire's sidewall and compare it with a mould drawing using detection devices and a processing unit to automatically verify the presence and position of symbols, including supplementary data, to generate a notification signal for accurate and rapid checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual verification of symbols on finished tyres is performed, then verification accuracy can be maintained, but verification time increases significantly (30-60 minutes)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical verification process with an automated optical detection system. Detection devices capture images of the tyre sidewall symbols, and a processing unit automatically compares these images with the mould drawing to verify symbol presence and position, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (graphic representation) of the tyre sidewall symbols through image capture and processing. This digital copy is then compared with the digital mould drawing, allowing for rapid automated verification without physical manual inspection, thus reducing verification time while preserving accuracy.
2Productivity
If automated detection devices are used to verify symbols, then verification speed increases, but detection precision of imperceptible details may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical detection devices (cameras, sensors) to capture high-resolution images of the tyre sidewall symbols. These devices can detect fine details and imperceptible commercial information that would be difficult for the human eye to perceive, while the processing unit performs precise digital comparison with the mould drawing to ensure accurate verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing unit as an intermediary between the detection devices and the verification result. This unit enhances the captured images, extracts symbol features, and performs detailed comparison with the mould drawing, ensuring that even imperceptible details are accurately detected while maintaining high verification speed.
3Reliability
If the first tyre after mold installation is checked manually, then symbol verification can be performed, but the curing apparatus remains idle during the check
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual verification with an automated detection and processing system that can quickly verify symbols on the first tyre after mold installation. This automated system reduces verification time from 30-60 minutes to a few minutes, allowing the curing apparatus to remain productive and minimizing idle time while ensuring reliable symbol verification.
4Reliability
If comprehensive symbol verification is performed on all tyre sidewalls, then verification completeness improves, but verification time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies (images) of the tyre sidewall symbols and performs automated comparison with the mould drawing. This digital processing allows for comprehensive verification of all symbols on all sidewalls without the time penalty of manual inspection, as the processing unit can simultaneously analyze multiple images and extract all symbol information efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for checking tyres includes: arranging, at a checking device, a finished tyre that was moulded in a mould, and providing comparison data inclusive of a drawing of the mould and supplementary data. The method also includes: activating one or more detection devices to obtain a graphic representation of at least one sidewall of the finished tyre; activating a processing unit to perform a comparison between symbols included in the graphic representation and symbols defined by the comparison data; and generating, by the processing unit, a notification signal representative of a result of the comparison. A tyre checking apparatus is also described.