Method for measuring green tire components

A method for analyzing and controlling the formation of a green tire component by component on a target region of a curved build surface includes: measuring in three dimensions each component on the target region by rotating the build surface past at least one optical scanner. The optical scanner directs a sheet or a plurality of sheets of light against a target region of the rotating build surface; and measures component by component build-up on the target region surface for component dimensional, positional, and mass parameters. Component by component measurements are made in three-dimensions by rotation of the target regions through the optical sheets of light and feedback from component measurements may be used to correct for tire imbalance and uniformity anomalies on a real-time basis.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a method for measuring green tire components in the formation of a green tire and, more specifically, to a method for measuring and controlling the formation of a green tire during component by component tire build-up in order to attain desired finished tire geometry and uniformity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is a desired objective in tire manufacture to carefully control the formation of a pre-cure green tire so as to reduce tire imbalance and maximize tire uniformity. Heretofore, ensuring green tire balance and uniformity was a post-formation procedure, utilizing a single point laser gauge for measuring selective spots on the finished green tire. Conclusions based upon multiple single point measurements were then made and a determination reached as to whether the finished green tire was within acceptable quality specifications and parameters. Tires that did not meet preset specifications relating to uniformity and geometry were scrapped, resulting in costly waste.

While measuring a finished green tire by multiple data points to ascertain whether balance and uniformity characteristics are within specification can be useful for quality control purposes, relying on a post-formation procedure carries certain shortcomings. First, concluding that the finished green tire does not conform to balance and geometric uniformity specifications does not avoid costly waste resulting from scrapping a non-conforming tire. Moreover, the process of measuring the finished green tire by means of multiple single laser point scans is time consuming and does not provide sufficient information for effective real time feedback in order to correct green tire imbalance and geometric anomalies during build-up. Consequently, determining that a finished green tire does not conform to balance and uniformity specifications from a post-manufacture perspective is not timely, does not provide useful information for real time feedback, and does not reduce the cost of scrapping green tires that prove to be non-conforming.

Secondly, measuring a finished green tire by multiple single point measurements as a diagnostic methodology is less than satisfactory. Point measurement of a toroidal surface such as a tire does not generate sufficient geometric slices of the entire toroid to determine the quantitative influence of various geometric anomalies on tire balance and uniformity. Geometric variances and anomalies may escape detection in systems that employ point laser scanners. Measuring a finished green tire by means of single point laser scanner evaluation does not give sufficient information to allow the tire manufacturer to correlate, predict, and correct for tire imbalance and uniformity anomalies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Pursuant to one aspect of the invention, a control system for the formation of a green tire on a toroidal surface is provided. Integrated multi-sheets of light are directed from multiple optical scanners on the toroidal surface. The sheets of light obtain numerous geometric slices of the entire toroid in a 180 degree U-shaped configuration. The optical scanners can thus scan and measure at high speed the entire toroid, as well as each component built up on the tire. Geometric data is thereby obtained from the scanning process by which to correlate, predict, and correct for imbalance and uniformity anomalies.

According to another aspect of the invention, each component is scanned as it is applied to the toroidal surface and component parameters such as contour, mass, and mass distribution. Calculations of component volume, component geometry, dimension and profile are made and stored. The centroids and differential masses of component cross-sections are thus determined and each component may be modeled as point masses located on a circumferential ring located at the cross-sectional centroids. An approximation of the mass properties of the in-process green tire is thus made component by component to determine tire imbalance.

A further aspect of the invention is to use intermediate calculations of component contribution to mass properties during build-up of each component to make corrections to placement and/or mass distribution (stretch or volumetric change) of subsequent component additions in order to compensate for imbalance.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a method for analyzing and controlling the formation of a green tire component by component on a toroidal surface. The method includes: measuring a toroidal surface in three dimensions by directing one or more optical sheets of light against the rotating toroidal surface; measuring component by component build-up on the toroidal surface for component dimensional, positional, and mass parameters. Making component by component three-dimensional measurements on the in-process green tire build-up, and providing feedback from component measurements may allow a correction for tire imbalance and uniformity anomalies.

In a further aspect of the invention, the method includes measuring final component contour and generating feedback correction; modeling in real time the green tire for static, dynamic balance and force parameters component by component as the tire is built up; making dynamic adjustment of strip and/or component for balance and force; and comparing mass distribution data to Force Waveform patterns.

These and other aspects of the invention are achieved by a preferred embodiment that is described in detail and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

Referring first toFIG. 1, the subject sensor assembly10is shown schematically in a C-frame configuration and includes a free standing C-frame12that defines a central tire-receiving chamber13. A pair of lateral sensors14,20are mounted to opposite arms of the frame12and face inward into the chamber13. A pair of central sensors16,18are mounted at the center of the C-frame12and are directed inward into the chamber13. Each of the sensors14,16,18, and20directs a sheet of optical light22into respectively assigned regions of the chamber13as will be explained. Depicted in phantom inFIG. 1are green tire sections of various sizes positioned within the chamber13in an orientation suitable for scanning pursuant to the invention. Each green tire carcass24generally includes opposite bead regions26, sidewall regions28, and a crown region30.

While four sensors are shown in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the invention is not so limited. More or fewer sensors may be deployed if desired for a particular application. The sensors14,16,18,20are of a type that direct a sheet of laser-generated light on a target region and detect light reflected back from the target surface. The four sensors ofFIG. 1, deployed as indicated, cover respective areas of the chamber13with sheets of light that form a combined pattern capable of scanning 180 degrees of a tire profile. Each sensor is spaced from its respectively assigned target region of the chamber13so as to focus on an assigned region of a green tire carcass24. Adjustment means (not shown) for repositioning each sensor on the C-frame so as to focus the sheet of light from each sensor on its intended target region is contemplated. Adjustment in the position of each sensor will depend on the size of the tire to be scanned and the light dispersion pattern transmitted from each sensor. Each sensor is assigned a specified region of the green tire to illuminate the cumulative effect of all sensors being to scan 180 degrees of a green tire profile.

Optical sensors that employ a sheet of light to scan a target surface are commercially available. One suitable commercial source is a range of optical sensors sold by Bytewise Measurement Systems USA, of 1150 Brookstone Centre Parkway, Columbus, Ga. 31904. Typically available optical sensors can operate at a scan rate of 15 scans/second and are microprocessor controlled. The sensor sheet transmitted by the laser provides a width resolution of 0.1% at full scale eight inch wide sheet laydown; 0.025% thickness resolution at full scale eight inch sheet width emission.FIG. 1shows the sensor sheet22coverage at various distances from the sensor. Positioning the sensors at appropriate distances from the target carcass24will result in the complete 180-degree toroidal coverage of the target bead to bead surface of the green tire carcass24.

FIG. 2illustrates in greater detail the operation of one of the sensors14relative to a target strip32of appropriate width. The sensor14includes a laser34having a light beam that is dispersed by lens35into the sheet of light22. The light sheet22has a field depth33and a width37. It will be appreciated that the relative position of the sensor14to the target strip32is adjusted so that the width37of the sheet22may illuminate the entire width of the strip32. Light against the strip32will reflect upward through a lens38and to a detector40. Detector40functions to interpret in three dimensions the reflected light and generate date indicative of the dimensions of the target strip.

FIG. 3illustrates an alternatively configured scanning setup in which a rotational shaft42rotates a core44on which a green tire carcass46is built component by component. The carcass46includes a plurality of layers45applied sequentially to an outer annular surface48of the core44. The subject invention may be used to measure component by component build up on a curvilinear surface. As used herein, a “curvilinear surface” may be either annular, such as the outer surface of a build drum, or toroidal such as the outer surface of a core formed in the shape of a tire, or a complex asymmetrical curved surface. The methodology of the invention can be used in general manner on a curvilinear surface to measure component by component build up and finds particular application in component by component build up on an annular or toroidal form. A strip component47, shown for the purpose of illustration, attaches to the green tire carcass46as a part of the build-up procedure. The tire46is moved radially into the chamber13of the C-frame either through movement of the tire or movement of the C-frame. So positioned, the green tire is located at a prescribed relationship between and with the sensors14,16,18, and20.

The structure in the embodiment ofFIG. 3includes a pair of support arms50,52to which the sensors14,20, respectively, fixedly attach at a remote arm end. The sensors16,18are fixedly attached to lateral support arms54,56and extend into the chamber13. A base58supports the arms50,52and an electrical conduit duct60that electrically services motors62. For the system depicted, the hardware includes the four sensors14,16,18,20; electrical cables; an encoder, and a controller and power supply (not shown). The software used includes a four-channel profile server, a viewer, and a data communications network, all commercially available.

It will be appreciated fromFIGS. 3 and 4that the sensors14,16,18, and20may be pivotally mounted to allow for positional adjustment of the sensor beams to cover each sensor's respective target region on the green tire46. Once in position, the sensors may be locked into place and scanning may commence.FIG. 4shows a single sensor63disposed to scan the crown region30of the green tire46, as an alternative to the four-sensor system ofFIGS. 1-3. The green tire46rotates on the toroidal core surface48. Each component added to the surface48during green tire build-up is scanned by the subject sensor system as the tire is rotated and date relating to the component is generated and stored. From the scanning procedure, the dimensions and thickness of the component may be determined and it may be determined whether the component is within tolerable specifications as to such parameters. Calculations based upon the component dimensions and thickness may also be conducted to determine the center of mass of the component. Data relating to the center of mass calculation is likewise stored. As explained in greater detail below, as the green tire is built, scanning data is taken of each component of the work-in-process green tire. The cumulatively effect of all component layers added may be used to calculate in real time the dimensions, volume, and mass distribution of the work-in-process green tire and, ultimately, the finished tire. Moreover, should anomalies be detected in the dimensions or mass distribution parameters of any component, feedback may be used to modify and adjust component parameters to compensate.

For example, referring toFIG. 3, strip47may be scanned to determine whether it falls within specification tolerances. Should a dimensional, or placement anomaly be detected by the scanners, the build-up process may be stopped and the anomaly corrected. Should the anomaly be detected during the application of the strip47on the green carcass surface45, a feedback control signal may be used to adjust the characteristics of the strip47in real time to eliminate the anomaly while the strip is being applied. Imbalance estimation and correction during green tire build in real time is, thus, facilitated. Synchronous rotation of the in-process green tire with the scanners allows for a complete mapping of the toroidal tire surface. Anomalies that would otherwise go undetected by the use of point lasers are thereby identified.

FIGS. 5A-Dshow a representative illustrative toroidal tire64. InFIG. 5A, radial force variation is shown as rotational and static vectors. The value of such directional parameters may be calculated from data attained by the laser sheet scanning method of the subject invention. A tire rotating in direction66at an angular velocity ω results in a radial force vector68(RFV); a lateral force (LFV) vector70; and fore-aft force vector72. The effective tire center of mass74is as shown. The center of mass74magnitude and location, as well as the radial force variation vector quantities may be determined from the cumulative center of mass component calculations during build up of the green tire. InFIG. 5B, static imbalance in the rotating tire is shown by static force vector76.FIG. 5Cillustrates couple imbalance in a rotating tire by means of force vectors80,82. A sensor14pursuant to the invention is depicted inFIG. 5Din a scanning relationship to the tire64rotating in direction66.

Prior art point laser techniques for scanning a component on a toroidal drum is shown byFIG. 6. It will be readily appreciated that a plurality of point laser scanners84,86positioned in scanning relationship to a rotating drum88will scan component layer90at specific points91. A splice92in the component layer90will thus be examined by the laser scanners84,86along a circumferential path defined by the point laser beam as the drum88rotates. Anomalies or geometric nonconformities that may exist at other locations will not be identified. As a result, the end product may have an imbalance or uniformity anomaly that will cause the tire to perform less than satisfactorily. The present invention, however, as shown inFIG. 7, uses the sheet of light22to scan the entire width of the component on the tire building drum44. As the green tire build is rotated the scanner14will effectively identify any imbalance or geometric non-uniformity issues to allow for imbalance estimation and correction during the green tire build.

Use of an optical sheet scanner may further be used in alternative orientations for the purpose of scanning green tire build components. InFIG. 8, a component layer94is applied to a drum44and spliced along splice96. Scanner100is positioned and mounted for movement along path104and follows the splice96. Laser triangulation sensors are employed to measure the bulge characteristic of skived splices. The sensors detect open splices and excessive splices to identify splices that are non-conforming to required specifications.FIG. 9illustrates the use of sheet of light laser sensors106,108for the purpose of scanning the turnup at bead regions110. The bead regions110incorporate beads112at opposite sides of the ply component layer114.FIG. 10illustrates location of two sheet sensors116,118at an angle with respect to the crown30of the green tire carcass46.FIG. 11depicts the use of single sheet sensor120disposed to direct the sheet of light22downward against the crown30of the carcass46.

Triangulation of a sheet of light sensor126with a line laser122is shown inFIG. 12for the purpose of combining to detect the bulge124in a component layer. As will be appreciated, the triangulation between a sheet of light laser sensor with other sensor types, such as line laser122, can identify the three-dimensional configuration and shape of an anomaly such as bulge124.

The method for measuring green tire components and total tire geometric dimensions with a multi-sheet of light dimensional scanner for the purpose of predicting and correcting for imbalance and uniformity anomalies will be understood with reference to the block diagram ofFIG. 13in conjunction withFIGS. 1 and 3. The method shown is for a green tire component assembled to a tire build core in sequential strip form. The method as depicted starts (138) with a measurement (140) by a three-dimensional sheet scanning system of a toroidal surface of a green tire build core. A first strip for a first layer L1 is applied and measured (142) by the three-dimensional sheet scanning system for strip parameters such as thickness, profile, uniformity. Should the strip be non-conforming, (144), a feedback signal is generated to adjust strip parameters (146). Should the strip prove to be in conformance with specification limits, measured data for the strip is stored (150). Subsequent strips are applied and measured by the scanning system until the layer L1 is complete (152). If additional layers are required to complete the green tire build up, a next layer L+1 is applied. The process is repeated until all layers for the green tire carcass are applied. A calculation of final tire volume (VF), center of Mass (CMF); and thickness (TF) is made (156). From the calculated values (156) a determination of Static and Dynamic balance, RRO, RH, R1H, LH, L1H and concentricity (158) of the finished green tire may be made, concluding the method (160). The parameters above are typically used in the tire industry as measurements of Static and Dynamic balance. RRO represents radial run-out; RH represents radial harmonic; R1H represents radial first harmonic; LH represents lateral harmonic; L1H represents lateral first harmonic. Final tire volume (VF); Center of Mass (CMF); and final thickness (TF) are also calculations useful in assessing balance, uniformity, and performance characteristics of a finished tire.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the imaging system described above provides real time measurement of a three dimensional tire for contour, mass, and mass distribution. Real time measurement and control of strip dimensions and their location may be made by the system10. The light sheet scanners may be employed to measure strip by strip construction of a layer or measure a layer applied unitarily. Real time calculation of the static, dynamic balance parameters may be made. In addition, real time calculation of radial, R1H, Lateral, L1H, conicity, runout, may be conducted based on mass distribution. Calculated data is compared against measured uniformity data to provide real time correction of imbalance during green tire build.

During the building of the green tire, the sheet of light optical scanner(s) measure the entire toroidal surface. Multiple scans and measurements of the geometric build-up of each component are made to determine centroids and differential masses of component cross-sections. Each tire component may be modeled as point masses located on a circumferential ring located at the cross-sectional centroids. The mass properties of the green tire may thus be approximated in order to determine tire imbalance.

The subject system and method measures components and the total green tire as it is constructed, and then dynamically correct for any imbalance as the green tire is built. The methodology may be extrapolated to monitor and control the geometric influence on other uniformity parameters such as force variation, circumferential runout, bulge and valley, high speed uniformity, etc. Through the integrated multi-sheet of light optical system, a 180 degree station12is provided to scan and measure at high speed the entire toroid, as well as each component built up on the tire. Single point laser gauge systems that measure particular spots on the green tire cannot detect all existing uniformity or geometric anomalies present. The present invention methodology and apparatus can measure the entire toroid with multiple scans to quickly obtain sufficient geometric data required to correlate, predict, and correct for imbalance and uniformity anomalies.