Tyre Tread Depth Analysis Using Out-of-Phase Flash Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assessing tire tread depth on moving vehicles are limited, particularly for vehicles with closely spaced axles, as they require sequential activation and deactivation of light sources to prevent overlapping illumination, which can result in gaps in tire circumference imaging and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A system using longitudinally spaced flash units that emit out-of-phase light pulses to ensure only one unit illuminates the tire at a time, allowing continuous imaging of the tire's circumference without the need for sequential deactivation, even when axles are closely spaced, by using an imaging device that captures images at a rate synchronized with the flash units to maintain adequate illumination and shadow definition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential activation and deactivation of light sources is used to prevent overlapping illumination, then illumination accuracy is improved, but imaging continuity deteriorates and gaps in tire circumference imaging occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by operating multiple light sources in alternating phases rather than sequentially. Each light source is activated for a specific duration and then deactivated, while the next light source is activated, creating a periodic illumination pattern that covers the entire tire circumference continuously without gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by overlapping the activation periods of adjacent light sources. The deactivation of one light source coincides with the activation of the next, ensuring that illumination is maintained continuously around the tire without any dark gaps, thereby achieving both measurement precision and imaging continuity.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple light sources are activated simultaneously to cover entire revolution, then imaging coverage is improved, but illumination control deteriorates and shadow definition is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by activating multiple light sources in alternating phases rather than simultaneously. Each light source illuminates a specific portion of the tire for a defined period, creating distinct shadow patterns that are captured sequentially. This periodic operation maintains sharp shadow definitions while collectively covering the entire tire circumference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tire circumference into multiple zones, each illuminated by a separate light source. Each light source is positioned to illuminate a specific angular portion of the tire, and the imaging system captures these segmented views in sequence. This segmentation approach ensures that each shadow pattern remains well-defined while the combined coverage encompasses the entire tire.
3Area of stationary object
If light sources are spaced longitudinally to cover more area, then imaging coverage is improved, but coordination complexity increases and gaps may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a systematic activation sequence for longitudinally spaced light sources. Each light source is activated in alternating phases with a predetermined timing pattern, ensuring that the activation and deactivation of adjacent light sources are synchronized. This periodic coordination simplifies the control of multiple light sources while maintaining continuous coverage of the entire tire circumference.
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
Enables accurate and continuous assessment of tire tread depth across the entire circumference of moving tires, including those with closely spaced axles, by ensuring consistent illumination and shadow formation, thereby improving the reliability and completeness of tire condition monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
longitudinally spaced flash units which are activated to illuminate portions of the periphery of the tyre, the flash units being positioned to one side of the path of movement of the tyre and directing light at an acute angle to the path of movement of the tyre, the light causing shadows to be cast in the tread gaps
Implementation Method 2
using an imaging device to capture images of a plurality of different portions of the periphery of the tyre whilst the tyre revolves, the images being captured whilst longitudinally spaced flash units are activated to illuminate portions of the periphery of the tyre
Data Source
AI summary
The condition of a tyre (5) on a wheel (2) is assessed while the wheel (2) is mounted on a vehicle (1) and while the vehicle (1) is moving. As the vehicle (1) moves, the tyre (5) rotates and moves longitudinally along a path of movement. An imaging device (3, 4) captures images of a plurality of different portions (7) of the periphery of the tyre (5), which has tread portions (10) separated by tread gaps (11), whilst the tyre (5) revolves. While the images are being captured, longitudinally spaced flash units (F1, F2, F3, F4) are activated to illuminate portions (7) of the periphery of the tyre (5). The flash units (F1, F2, F3, F4) are positioned to one side of the path of movement of the tyre (5) and direct light at an acute angle to the path of movement of the tyre (5) so that the light causes shadows to be cast in the tread gaps (11) between tread portions (10). Each flash unit (F1, F2, F3, F4) causes a series of flashes of light to be produced when the flash unit (F1, F2, F3, F4) is activated, each flash of light in the series being separated from the next flash of light in the series by an interval. For any flash units (F1, F2, F3, F4) which are activated at the same time and illuminate overlapping portions of the periphery of tyre (5), the respective series of flashes of light are out of phase so that the flashes of light from one flash unit (F1, F2, F3, F4) are emitted in the intervals between the flashes of light from the or each other flash unit (F1, F2, F3, F4). The images are analysed by data processing apparatus (8) to determine the extent of shadows in the tread gaps (11) so as to provide an indication of the depth of the tread gaps (11).